Learning Money Matters: A Fresh Start for Vacaville Teens

The upcoming personal‑finance curriculum in California is set to transform high school education, and Nathan Neff of Vacaville High School has already stepped ahead.

Generation Wealth Workshop

• Run by: Travis Credit Union
• Format: Students receive a mock job, paycheck, and credit score.
• Tasks: Allocate funds for rent, transport, and clothing while preserving savings.

Nathan hit the wall early: his paycheck barely covered basics. A surprise speeding ticket ate an extra $180 from his budget, highlighting the fragility of a tight plan.

“The workshop shows how careful planning can protect a paycheck from unexpected hits,” says workshop coordinator.

Statewide Rollout

• Implementation: All California high schools next year.
• Graduation Requirement: By 2031, the course will be mandatory for graduation.

Voices on Money Literacy

• Nicole Neff (Mother): “Older classes only taught checking‑account basics—skills that feel outdated today. Kids think money comes from nowhere, not realizing the effort needed to earn and save it.”
• Steward Pimienta (First‑generation college grad): “Many families still learn money skills on their own. Workshops like Generation Wealth can bridge the knowledge gap and shift a student’s outlook early on.”

Nathan’s Takeaway

After the day’s exercise, Nathan said he now plans to save more and think long‑term about his finances. For organizers, that mindset shift is exactly what they aim for.