68 customizable lessons, aligned with National Standards, exams and more.
Read NGPF's school-by-school analysis of financial education in America today
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and research continues to show a strong connection between financial stress and struggles with physical and mental health. Read on for facts about money and mental health, how financial education is one part of the solution, and activity ideas to prepare students for difficult financial decisions.
When you're struggling financially, you're likely to be suffering mentally. And the reverse is also true - people experiencing mental health problems are more likely to have trouble earning money, managing money well, and controlling spending.
When people are stressed about money, it often leads to even more financial trouble. In fact, 72% of respondents say they’re somewhat or very likely to go further into debt when they're feeling stressed. (Forbes)
A significant 28% of those surveyed shared that carrying debt triggers impulsive spending. This means that, for some, the pressure and stress of owing money can sometimes lead to seeking temporary relief or comfort through buying. This, in turn, exacerbates the financial strain. (Forbes)
Recent research published in PLoSOne underscores the importance of financial literacy, mental budgeting, and self-control in shaping an individual’s financial well-being. The authors call for policy interventions to implement effective financial education initiatives that focus on improving financial literacy.
While financial behavior changes alone are not enough to heal mental health challenges, these activities may help students be better prepared to navigate whatever money stressors come their way throughout their lifetimes.
Create a plan to improve financial habits
The activity ANALYZE: Change a Bad Financial Habit teaches students about how habits work and then has them apply that knowledge to a financial habit they'd like to change.
Explore how life experiences shape money beliefs
Use MOVE: Your Money Values to give students a chance to consider how individual values and circumstances impact people’s financial decisions.
Introduce budgeting skills
In MOVE: Build Your Budget, students collaborate to build a zero-based budget for the class.
Share strategies for debt reduction
Use CASE STUDY: Get Me Out of My Debt Dungeon! to have students role play how they would advise someone in financial distress.
Understand the risks of gambling and sports betting
Stay tuned in early June for the release of our new Gambling and Sports Betting Mini-Unit, which will help you equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about gambling.
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Want to dig deeper? Listen to our podcast episode with Dr. Nicole Huff on the relationship between financial and mental health.
As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.
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