Money Moves: California's New Personal Finance Class for High Schoolers

Hello there, my fellow aspiring finically literate folk!

I wrote about this topic back in May and have been following it closely. By this time you may have already heard this game changing news. Our legislators passed a bill that will make California the 26th state to require a personal finance course for high school graduation by the 2030-31 school year. Starting in 2026-27, every high school will offer a semester-long personal finance course. This means that all of us will soon learn about college grants and loans, how tax rates work, the benefits of insurance, and how missing a payment on a credit card can blow up our budget.

I know, it sounds a bit dry, but stick with me. This is huge for our future. As Kayvon Banankhah, a high school junior from Modesto, said during a Senate Education Committee hearing, “It’s often the students who need financial literacy the most that receive it the least.” That hit home for me. A lot of parents, especially in low-income families, might not have the financial knowledge to pass down to their kids. This bill is a real chance to level the playing field and combat wealth inequality in our state.

The new course will cover everything from personal banking to budgeting for independent living, financing college, understanding taxes, managing credit, consumer protection, and even investing. Imagine knowing how to invest in stocks and build wealth before you even graduate! For many of us, these concepts are like rocket science right now. But with this new curriculum, we’ll get the tools we need to navigate the real world.

Sure, there’s been some debate. Economics teachers are concerned that personal finance might overshadow traditional economics courses. But I think both subjects are crucial. Economics helps us understand big-picture issues like poverty and income inequality, while personal finance gives us the skills to handle our own money wisely.

Senator Dave Cortese mentioned that economic conditions lead to homelessness for about 15,000 high school graduates every year. That’s a scary thought. But with personal finance education, we’ll be better equipped to handle sudden financial challenges and avoid such dire situations.

The bill has widespread support from the business community, educators, and even youth activism groups. With Governor Newsom’s support, it’s all set to become a reality. By 2026, teachers will be trained to deliver this essential knowledge, and we’ll all benefit from it.

So, let’s get ready to learn how to manage our money, make smart financial decisions, and set ourselves up for a successful future. This isn’t just another class—it’s a life skill that we all need.

Stay financially savvy, my dudes!

Arjun Lakireddy