​Course Overview

​"Know Your Money" is a curriculum created to help young people learn the basics of handling their money and finances, including how to create positive relationships with financial institutions. The course consists of materials, activities, and content geared towards the high school and college audience with emphasis on building financial knowledge, developing financial confidence, becoming financially savvy, and using banking services effectively. "Know Your Money" is offered free of charge by the Housing Partnership of Chester County.

​​Financial contributions to the "Know Your Money" program can be considered for Education Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Details can be found at dced.pa.gov/eitc.

​Module 1: Bank On It
Provides an overview of banking services. Focused on building a positive relationship with a financial institute by identifying its services, products, and advantages of having a bank account.

Module 2: Check It Out
The "how to" of choosing a checking account that is best suited to their needs as well as how to write a check and keep an accurate ledger of transactions and balances.

Module 3: Setting Financial Goals
Shows students how to prepare and follow a personal spending plan. Breakdown of deductions on their pay stubs with emphasis on managing their income effectively.

Module 4: Pay Yourself First
Helps students understand the importance of saving money. Identifying different savings and investment products with explanation of interest and how your money can grow.

Module 5: Borrowing Basics
Provides information that will help students decide when and how to use credit, how to use credit appropriately, and what forms of credit best suits their needs.​

Module 6: Charge It Right
Identifies the different credit card options with emphasis on how to shop for and use a credit card responsibly.

Module 7: Paying for College and Cars
Describes the characteristics of consumer installment loans, including car loans and student loans. Provides information that will enable students to determine which loans are best suited for their needs.

​Module 8: A Roof Over Your Head
Gives the students the information they need to make informed choices about renting their first apartment. Also answers questions to determine their readiness to buy a home of their own and the basics of getting a mortgage.