What is Foundations in Personal Finance?

Dave Ramsey's Foundations in Personal Finance is the premier curriculum for teaching high school students about money. The curriculum was designed by teachers for teachers and can be used as a primary or supplemental resource.

The curriculum reinforces 21st century learning skills thru activities requiring students to analyze, integrate and apply new information to real-life problems and activities. Material is presented in an interactive format, requiring students to take an active role while watching lessons. Our goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to make sound financial decisions for life.

Why teach Foundations in Personal Finance?

In 2008, the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy reported that high school seniors correctly answered 48.3% of the questions on a basic financial literacy survey. Several other surveys indicate that high school students and other young adults have a limited understanding of personal finance and are heading down a path to destruction.

Foundations in Personal Finance is the most effective tool schools can use to provide financial education and sound money habits to students before they graduate.

What makes Foundations in Personal Finance different than other curricula?

Simply put, Dave is the expert! By using our curriculum, you get the benefit of having a nationally known financial expert deliver the material. You, as the teacher, need to facilitate the use of the material, generate class discussion, and bring the curriculum to life, but you don't need to become an expert in personal finance.

Another added benefit is that the curriculum was developed and designed by educators. Dave's ideas and concepts were specifically developed for the education market by incorporating 21st century learning skills. We also provide all the tools needed to get started, making the curriculum completely turn-key.

Finally, our team of advisors is standing by to answer any questions that come up during class.

What age level is appropriate for Foundations in Personal Finance?

Foundations in Personal Finance is geared toward high school students and can be adapted to fit lower grade levels.

How much class time is needed?

The curriculum includes 12 chapters and can be used as a primary or supplemental resource. There is enough material to implement the program as a semester-long course. Since each chapter is stand-alone, it can also be used as a supplemental resource.

Each chapter includes Dave teaching by video. Each video is approximately one hour and is segmented into several parts, each no more than 15 minutes.

For which concentration or class is Foundations in Personal Finance best suited?

Foundations in Personal Finance can be used in ANY course. It fits best with personal finance and financial literacy courses. It is also used in economics, consumer math, family and consumer sciences, business, life skills and other similar courses.

How much preparation is required for each chapter?

Forget those endless nights of contemplating tomorrow's activities! We've done the work for you. Our team of educators and advisors has strategically provided fool-proof lesson plans and activities that will make your prep time seem like a dream.

The curriculum is turn-key in that all the videos, assessments, activities, lesson plans, syllabi, etc. are included. The only thing you need to do is become familiar with the materials.

What do I have to know in order to teach Foundations in Personal Finance?

No prior knowledge is required. Dave is the expert and provides all the information. You just have to use your teaching skills by managing your classroom, generating discussion, challenging and engaging your students, and assessing their knowledge.

Do I need to be a financial wizard to teach the material?

No! Dave is the financial expert. Our curriculum was designed with all the necessary resources needed, and our advisors are available to answer any questions that you have.

Do you produce materials for public, private, and homeschools?

Yes. Foundations in Personal Finance is available for use in public, private and home-school education. It has been developed to meet constitutional guidelines for use in public education.

What type of support do you offer teachers who teach Foundations in Personal Finance?

Our team of curriculum advisors is available to answer your questions. We also have additional resources through our company that can help you learn more about financial literacy.

We also offer teacher trainings and in-services at various times throughout the year. Professional development hours may be earned for attending.

What if my school or program can't afford the curriculum?

Foundations in Personal Finance has been adopted in certain states. Once it is adopted, doors open to additional resources for the school district.

Do I need to be certified to teach Foundations in Personal Finance?

No. The only limitations you have are the ones put on you by your individual school district/educational program.

How does Foundations in Personal Finance correlate to my state's standards and benchmarks?

This curriculum meets national and state standards and benchmarks for personal finance. Click here for a correlation/cross walk to the standards in your particular state.