Let’s face it—money is part of everyday life. Whether it’s learning how to save for a new bike, budgeting for prom, or understanding a paycheck, students benefit from getting real-world financial skills before they head out into the world.

But here’s the thing: most students don’t get enough of it. In fact, only 27 states require a personal finance course to graduate high school, and many of those requirements are just one semester long.

Finding fun, practical ways to weave financial literacy into the school day is essential—from elementary all the way to high school. And when it’s done well, students aren’t just learning about money—they’re building confidence, critical thinking skills, and a sense of independence that will serve them for life.

Real-World Learning Makes a Real Difference

Let’s be honest: handing students a worksheet on compound interest isn’t going to get them excited about money. But give them a challenge where they’re budgeting for a school event, managing inventory for a fundraiser, or launching their own mini-business? That’s where the magic happens.

When financial literacy lessons are grounded in real-life scenarios, students engage more deeply. They get to make decisions, see outcomes, and learn from mistakes in a safe, supportive environment. These lessons stick because they are authentic.

Here are some real-world learning strategies schools are using to teach money smarts:

🏦 Classroom Economies That Run Like a Mini Society

Students “apply” for classroom jobs, earn salaries, and pay rent on their desks. Some even get bonuses for good behavior or lose “money” for missed assignments.
Teachers become “landlords” or “bankers,” helping students manage income, expenses, and savings.
At the end of a unit or semester, students can use their earnings for a class store, auction, or fun day.

This setup reinforces budgeting, delayed gratification, and money management—all wrapped up in a system kids love.

💰 Simulation Games That Hit Home

Activities like The Bean Game or online simulators like Next Gen Personal Finance put students in real-world financial scenarios.
They must make choices about housing, food, transportation, and savings while sticking to a tight monthly budget.

These games build empathy (for themselves and their future selves) while improving financial decision-making skills.

💼 Student-Led Projects and School-Based Businesses

Students can launch their own products, plan school events, or offer services (like tutoring or tech support).
They set pricing, calculate profits, create marketing materials, and keep track of what works—and what doesn’t.
Use an established and customizable program like PSI’s STEP program. Students create a print shop and get hands-on with design, sales, fulfillment, and finance in one awesome enterprise.

No matter the approach, the goal is the same: give students ownership over their learning. Let them solve problems, work as a team, and discover how capable they really are.

Where the STEP Program Fits In

At Presentation Systems, we’ve seen what’s possible when students are given tools, support, and ownership over real-world learning. That’s what led us to create STEP—our Student Entrepreneur Program.

STEP helps schools launch their own student-run print shops using our eColor+ Poster Printer System. It’s not just about printing posters (though students get really good at that, too). It’s about teaching them how to price services, track expenses, design marketing materials, and handle orders from real customers.

It’s hands-on, it’s meaningful, and it’s fun. Students learn how to:

Manage a business
Collaborate with peers
Build financial skills they’ll use long after graduation

And they do it all with the support of PSI’s team, including curriculum guides, design templates, mentorship, and ongoing training. We’re here every step of the way.

Financial Literacy for Every Age Group

Not every student needs to balance a checkbook by age 10—but every student can learn to make smart money choices in age-appropriate ways.

The key? Start small. Keep it fun. Build as they grow.

Here’s what that can look like:

🎯 Elementary School: Laying the Foundation

Coin sorting and counting games: Learn the basics of money value and math.
Wants vs. Needs sorting activities: Help kids understand the difference between “fun” and “essential” spending.
Savings goal posters: Use visual charts to track classroom savings goals or personal rewards.

💡 Middle School: Making It Personal

Budgeting challenges: Give students a fixed income and have them budget for a week of meals, school supplies, or back-to-school shopping.
Entrepreneurial projects: Encourage small businesses like snack sales, sticker shops, poster or decal sales that utilize the STEP program, or school spirit wear.
Financial journaling: Reflect on saving, spending, and decision-making through prompts.

These activities help students take what they’ve learned in elementary years and apply it in more personal and meaningful ways.

💼 High School: Real-World Ready

Mock tax filing or paycheck breakdowns: Show students how deductions and taxes impact take-home pay.
Long-term financial planning projects: Have students research career salaries, compare college costs, and create a life plan that includes housing, insurance, and debt.
Hands-on business experience through STEP: Students run their school print shop, managing orders, marketing, inventory, and profits. They build career-ready skills while earning real-world experience that they can list on a resume or college application.

No matter the grade level, financial literacy can be creative, relevant, and empowering. PSI is proud to support schools in delivering these kinds of lessons—whether it’s through our printers, STEP program, or simply cheering you on.

Let’s Raise Financially Confident Students!

Helping students become financially literate doesn’t require a finance degree or a rigid curriculum. It’s about creating real experiences, building money confidence, and showing kids how financial decisions impact their goals, both now and in the future.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your program to the next level, PSI is here to help. From classroom-ready printers to our STEP program and design support, we’re proud to support educators who are shaping tomorrow’s savvy decision-makers.

Sources for Stats and Research:

Council for Economic Education, 2023 Survey of the StatesJump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy
Edutopia: Financial Literacy Resources for Teachers
NCES: The Condition of Education – Financing Postsecondary Education

Money Matters: Why Financial Literacy Belongs in Classrooms