Walter Cruz is a Financial Coach with Youth Policy Institute (YPI), an organization the CFE has been honored to partner with this year. As a financial coach for young adults and families in L.A.’s Promise Zone, Walter knows first-hand the need for quality youth financial education. When he had the opportunity to help out as a volunteer for CFE’s Mad City Money program, it was a natural fit.
“Financial literacy is an important component that is usually overlooked in our education system,” Walter says. “Having a strong financial education at an early stage in life makes for smarter, better financial decisions for the future.”
When he first experienced Mad City Money, Walter liked the unique approach to youth financial education. “The program does a great job of having students make their own financial decisions. Through the process students are able to see the consequences of overspending and can adjust spending habits as they learn how.”
Walter’s best financial advice for teens is to establish smart spending habits at an early age. “Being aware of how you are spending every dollar creates an important foundation for all your future financial decisions.”
It’s awesome to have a financial coach like Walter as one of our Mad City Money volunteers!
You don’t have to be a financial education expert like Walter to help out. It’s easy, and we provide training videos and instructions to show you how. Visit our Volunteers page to find out how YOU can join us as a volunteer at one of our upcoming events.