Youth Finance

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson - Jesse Ketterman

Credit plays a pivotal role in modern financial planning, enabling individuals to manage cash flow, make major purchases, and secure future financial stability through strategic borrowing. While installment, revolving, and open credit accounts offer flexibility, responsible repayment is critical to avoid financial pitfalls. Budgeting is also essential to manage expenditures and prevent debt cycles. Securing credit depends on factors like payment history, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio, impacting loan terms and interest rates. Mismanagement can lead to financial distress, while effective credit use can enhance economic well-being. Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson, Ed.D., and Jesse Ketterman, Ph.D.; Title: Consumer Credit: Balancing Access and Risks to Achieve Financial Stability (FS-2025-0755).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson

This paper delves into the multifaceted dynamics of consumer education and decision-making within diverse cultural contexts. It underscores the pivotal role consumer knowledge plays in navigating today's complex marketplace, addressing both individual and collective needs in a globalized world. By understanding essential consumer rights; such as safety, access to accurate information, and the art of choosing, individuals can enhance satisfaction and mitigate potential negative impacts. The discussion extends to exploring how consumer education enriches financial literacy and refines resource management, equipping individuals with the tools needed to understand guarantees and warranties comprehensively. The paper also highlights the consumer's crucial role in fostering ethical behavior, emphasizing the significance of laws designed to protect consumers. By merging these elements, the article presents a thorough view of how informed consumers contribute to a more equitable and efficient marketplace. Author: Troy Anthony Anderson, Ed.D.; Title: Understanding Choices: Navigating Consumer Education for a Better Tomorrow (FS-2024-0742).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson - Naimani Staley - Isaias Tesfalidet

This paper explores the growth of financial technology, highlighting the importance of digital literacy and financial education in reshaping personal finance through apps and online platforms. The surge in mobile banking has forced financial institutions to improve their mobile applications; they are now investing in apps that offer greater convenience and engaging features to retain customers. However, while these advancements offer many benefits, they also introduce unknown risks, such as cybersecurity threats and scams. Therefore, it is essential for consumers to be educated on safety measures to protect themselves. The goal of financial technology is to create a more just economic system by broadening access to financial resources, strengthening financial inclusion for underserved populations and fostering economic empowerment through user-friendly mobile banking apps, accessible micro-loans, and transparent investment platforms. Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson, Ed.D., Naimani Staley, and Isaias Y. Tesfalidet; Title: The Relevance of Financial Technology: Bridging the Gap Between Consumers and Services (FS-2024-0724).

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson

This paper examines how financial education significantly influences individuals' ability to make informed decisions, enhancing their economic stability and social mobility in today's economy. By reviewing literature, such as Anderson (2023) and Walstad et al. (2017), the paper highlights the benefits of early financial education for young people in managing adult financial responsibilities. Despite progress, the study notes persistent limitations in financial education accessibility across states, leaving many households vulnerable due to inadequate financial literacy. Key goals of financial education include understanding personal finance, recognizing good and bad debt, and acquiring practical budgeting skills. The paper emphasizes the need for educational leaders to implement robust financial programs and mandate financial literacy classes in high schools. By developing benchmarks for measuring financial education effectiveness, the study underscores the necessity of widespread financial education to foster a financially savvy population capable of tackling economic challenges. Author: Troy Anthony Anderson; Title: The Concept of Financial Education (FS-2024-0704).

Authors: Jesse Ketterman

Budgeting for college students presents unique challenges due to variations of income and expense. Combining a cash flow budget with a yearlong monthly financial plan allows planning for the variations of income and expenses that college students experience. Author: Jesse M. Ketterman, Ph.D.; Title: Budgeting 101 for College Students (FS-1194)

Authors: Lacie Ashby

Children, teens, and young adults learn their money management skills from a variety of sources, such as school, media, and peers. But parents have the greatest influence on their children’s financial decisions. In fact, 56 percent of young adults say they rely on their parents for financial guidance. Money management must be learned and practiced. It’s important for children to learn about the value of money before they actually have any. Start early in your child’s life to instill habits and build on them as your child grows and learns.