Teaching Youth to Pay it Forward Financially

By Tabitha Ervin
Editorial Director

I was recently able to connect with Jonathan Whattley, Founder and CEO of Building a Stronger Family, Inc to discuss his new Youth Finance program. Building a Stronger Family provides detailed programs and workshops that are designed to help people achieve the best possible version of themselves.

The youth finance program called the “Financial Freedom Series: Paying it Forward” geared toward ages 13-17 has recently received funding from Ambassador Enterprises along with partners Century 21 and 1st Source Bank to start the pilot in which 20 youth are currently engaged in 12 weeks of finance education. They initially learn about banking, credit, interest rates, savings and more. Then in week 3, they receive $200 to open a bank account and place $100 in checking and $100 in savings. The pilot funded 40 youth and 20 more will start in January and there are a few more spaces available for that class. During the second 6 weeks of the program, youth will learn about investing and stock markets. They will also receive 2 stocks worth $50 or less to start their portfolio.

Mr. Whattley wants to use this program to help youth focus on their financial health and growth so that now and into the future they will have healthy financial habits. I shared with him personally that I remember opening an account when I was about 12 years old but I don’t remember learning about finance to the level that the youth in this program will learn. He is excited that youth are being exposed to this level of information at an early age and that their participation in this program will also help influence their families now and their future families.

Many of Mr. Whattley’s programs have grown out of his passions and life experiences and what he knows he didn’t have growing up. He spent 17 years at Steel Dynamics and left about a year ago to focus full time on his organization. He wants to promote knowledge in all areas of life to build stronger families in our community and beyond. He talked about repeating cycles and how we must start making changes with our children if we want a better future. He wants his programs to change mindsets and help people get to the future they want but most don’t prepare for. Within the program, he will utilize youth from this first class as facilitators for the next program starting in January to grow strong leaders for the future.

Also, the organization will host a Home buyer program meeting for the community on 10/5/2022 during the 10:30-11:30 financial literacy sessions with the youth. For more information or to sign up: Phone: 260-797-5892 Email: buildingastrongerfamily@gmail.com Website: https://buildingastrongerfamily.org