This past week marked a major milestone for Futures Financials Inc. as we hosted New Jersey’s first-ever student-led Teen Teach-In event in collaboration with the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. The initiative has already reached over 250 students across two schools—Bogota Middle School and Fair Lawn High School—providing them with critical financial literacy skills.

My passion for financial education stems from personal experiences and a desire to create a better future for young people. Growing up in a community with limited access to financial literacy resources, I saw firsthand the challenges that arise from a lack of financial knowledge. This inspired me to establish Futures Financials Inc. with a mission to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to make informed financial decisions.

Seeing the energy and curiosity of the students, combined with the enthusiasm of their teachers, has been deeply rewarding. These moments remind me why financial literacy is so essential—it’s not just about managing money; it’s about empowering individuals to achieve their dreams and navigate life with confidence.

Event Highlights

Bogota Middle School

• Focus Areas: Foundational skills in saving, budgeting, and distinguishing needs vs. wants.
• Interactive Learning: Students explored the value of delayed gratification and how it applies to financial decision-making.

Fair Lawn High School

• Entrepreneurship Integration: Lessons combined financial literacy with entrepreneurial skills, helping students understand budgeting and risk-taking in business contexts.
• Engaged Participation: Students shared ideas and asked thoughtful questions about managing money and starting businesses.

Across both schools, the students’ curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm were inspiring and pivotal to the success of these events.

Media Spotlight

After the events, I had the privilege of discussing the Teen Teach-In during an interview with Mr. Mark J. Bonamo on My9 New Jersey. The segment highlighted:

• The significance of New Jersey’s first student-led financial literacy initiative.
• Futures Financials Inc.'s mission to expand financial education statewide.
• Our collaborations with lawmakers and community partners to prioritize youth financial empowerment.

Stay tuned for the broadcast of this exciting segment!

Conclusion

As the founder of Futures Financials Inc., I am deeply motivated by the progress we’ve achieved and the potential for even greater change. Each school we visit and each student we teach strengthens my resolve to make financial literacy a core part of every young person’s education.

Seeing the joy and enthusiasm of the students as they learn, hearing the excitement of teachers as they implement new lessons, and witnessing the meaningful impact of our programs have been unforgettable experiences.

As we continue to grow, build partnerships, and reach more communities, I hope to inspire lasting change in personal financial literacy. Together, we can empower the next generation to create secure and successful futures.

About Danny: 
A junior at Bergen County Technical High School in New Jersey. I’m leading a financial literacy initiative that has reached over 80 students across multiple libraries. host the Teen Jump$tart event in NJ, which will be the first-ever event. Will do 12 schools

We are planning to do 7 schools (we are sending around 40-45 kids from our school to teach kids across NJ!). This would be an estimated cost of $6,500 dollars for the all the bus transportation. We also partnered with Senator McKnight and Senator Gopal, where we will go to the capital of NJ to start advocating for Bill S3497, which takes the bus cost as well

Financial Literacy Club (FinLit) at Bergen County Technical High School, NJ

we transitioned into a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Initially, our efforts centered around workshops at local libraries, reaching over 80 kids in our first year. Today, we have over 100+ active members and are rapidly expanding, aiming to teach 1000 students this year across various libraries and schools in Bergen County.

In a state where 55% of schools lack financial literacy programs, our mission is to bridge this educational gap.

Danny Jang is a junior in the Strategic Asset Management program at Bergen County Technical High School and the CEO and Founder of Futures Financials Inc. Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Danny launched Futures Financials to expand his school’s Financial Literacy Club, aiming to empower individuals across all backgrounds. He is a published author and conducts economics research at Seton Hall, with plans to study economics further in college. Known for his strategic mindset, Danny also enjoys connecting with mentors and experts to broaden his insights. Outside academics, he’s a dedicated basketball player for both his school and club teams, balancing intellectual pursuits with his passion for sports.

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