Minnesota Now with Cathy Wurzer

Financial education in Minnesota schools could help reduce economic disparities

Cathy Wurzer and Mark Zdechlik
Students listen as a teacher speaks to them in class.
During a financial literacy class, teacher Greg Waugh asks for a show of hands of those who have started a savings account. Waugh hopes to help Woodbury high school students avoid the pitfalls of debt. "Saving is a function of discipline, not about how much money you make,” Waugh tells them. Waugh has been teaching the class for nine years and has seen the influence the class has had on those who have graduated.
Judy Griesedieck for MPR News

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Some Minnesota lawmakers say it’s time to mandate financial literacy education as a requirement to graduate from high school. They say ensuring all young Minnesota are taught personal finance is critical to helping address persistent economic disparities. Mark Zdechlik has the latest in our series North Star Journey, about the history and culture of Minnesota communities.

North Star Journey was made possible in part with funds from the Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

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