Mateja
RebeccaHow quickly do you spend your monthly pocket money?
Do you handle it thoughtfully or do you use it all at once?
Responsible and thoughtful handling of money is called financial literacy.
Like any other literacy skill, it can be learned.
The Slovene government recently adopted a new national financial literacy program. It is aimed at all groups of the population.
They plan to include financial literacy in primary and secondary school curricula.
Financial literacy in elementary school is crucial, as attitudes towards finances are formed at an early age, explains Nejc Kebe from the Slovene Ministry of Finance.
During this period, children develop core values and habits that will influence their handling of money in adulthood. By learning about saving, spending, and the value of money early, they gain a solid foundation for responsible financial behavior.
Nejc Kebe
This knowledge will allow you to make better money-related decisions and have greater financial security in the future.
A comprehensive program for elementary and high school students is still being prepared, says Kebe.
The program will include a minimum of 35 hours of financial literacy in both educational periods. It will be implemented as a stand-alone course or as part of other courses and activities.
Nejc Kebe
He explains that this will focus on financial concepts and developing a healthy attitude towards money.
The elementary school curriculum will most likely focus on the basics: saving, spending, and the value of money.
Na Ministrstvu za finance si močno prizadevamo za aktivno finančno opismenjevanje in verjamemo, da je treba s tem začeti že pri osnovnošolskih otrocih.
Zato smo pripravili preprosto infografiko, ki osnovnošolcem na razumljiv način pojasnjuje, kako deluje državni proračun. pic.twitter.com/orAwIPEH1g— Ministrstvo za finance (@mfinance_gov_si) January 22, 2025
High school students will be introduced to slightly more complex topics, such as investments, financial planning, and understanding financial products.
The program should also address behavioral aspects.
These include, among others, the influence of emotions on financial decisions, recognizing marketing tricks, and developing critical thinking when assessing financial information, adds Kebe.
Glossary
Pocket money, also called allowance, is money parents may give their children regularly (usually each week or month) to spend as they choose.
Finance is the monetary situation, conditions, and operations, especially within a country, organization, or institution.
Investment is the use of money to increase wealth.
Financial products are various types of services offered by banks, insurance companies, and other institutions.
Points to Consider
- How much money do you spend each month?
- What is a budget?
- Do you talk about finances at school?
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The original version of this article was published on March 21st.
