By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations Specialist, Florida Virtual School

Did you know that most American adults report having financial anxiety and lack basic financial literacy skills? A  report from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority found that a lack of financial literacy is linked to high levels of stress and anxiety.

If you’ve ever wondered why your first job savings aren’t growing as fast as you’d like or why the term “budget” seems scarier than a pop quiz, we’re here to help. Florida Virtual School (FLVS) launched a new  Personal Finance and Money Management online course for high school students enrolled in FLVS Flex, the option that allows both traditional school and homeschool students to supplement their learning with individual courses. This comprehensive course, now a graduation requirement by the state of Florida, aims to empower students with essential skills for managing their finances and making informed financial decisions.

Why Does Financial Literacy Matter?

Imagine this: you’ve graduated college, landed your dream job, and the paycheck is like a sweet victory dance. But now, what do you do with the money? Spend it, save it, or invest it? Without a map, it’s easy to find yourself lost in the money maze of rent, insurance, loans, and bills. That’s where financial literacy steps in. It’s the guide for your financial journey, helping you make smart choices and invest in your future.

Personal Finance and Money Management Course

Florida recently passed  Senate Bill 1054, titled the Dorothy L. Hukill Financial Literacy Act, which requires high school students to take a financial literacy course to receive a standard high school diploma. Students who entered high school as freshmen this school year are required to earn a one-half credit in personal financial literacy.

To ensure students across the state graduate with the knowledge to achieve financial stability and independence, Florida Virtual School is now offering a  Personal Finance and Money Management online course, both as a regular and honors course through FLVS Flex. With interactive elements, real-life scenarios, and information on budgeting and investing, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the financial realm. The course will be available to students enrolled in Florida Virtual Full Time Public School later this year. 

If you’re wondering if taking the Personal Finance and Money Management course with FLVS is right for you, here are three reasons why you should consider it:

1. Learn at your own pace and on your schedule due to the flexible nature of online learning.
2. Our award-winning curriculum team develops each course specifically for the online learning environment to increase student success. 
3. Due to this dedication, FLVS students consistently outperform state and national averages on Advanced Placement and End-of-Course (EOC) exams. Based on the 2022-23 EOC assessments, FLVS students outperformed state averages on U.S. History and Biology 1 by 12%.

What You’ll Learn

Budgeting: Master the art of budgeting and learn how to make your money work for you, not against you.

Credit Cards: Unravel the mysteries of credit scores, credit cards, and why they matter.

Financial Investing 101: Dip your toes into the world of investing – because your money should be as ambitious as you are.

Savings: Navigate the world of savings accounts, emergency funds, and financial goals.

Quiz: Test Your Financial Literacy IQ!