Financial Literacy Workshop at Colegio San Jose

The session is part of our Financial Literacy Project, an initiative designed to make financial education more accessible to young people, particularly those whose backgrounds may not provide opportunities to learn about personal finance, investing, and responsible money management. Our goal was not simply to introduce financial concepts, but to encourage students to think critically about the financial decisions they will soon begin making independently. Whether it is earning their first salary, managing everyday expenses, opening a bank account, or planning for future goals, the habits formed at a young age can have a lasting impact. Throughout the workshop, we explored the foundations of personal finance in a practical and interactive way. Students discussed common spending habits, learned how seemingly small expenses can accumulate over time, and reflected on the importance of tracking their finances and distinguishing between needs and wants. We also introduced simple budgeting techniques, financial goal setting, and the value of saving consistently before discussing how investing can help preserve and grow wealth over the long term. Beyond these fundamentals, we addressed topics that are becoming increasingly relevant for younger generations. We spoke about the influence of social media and digital marketing on spending behaviour, the importance of making thoughtful purchasing decisions rather than impulsive ones, and the risks posed by scams and misleading investment opportunities online. More importantly, we wanted students to leave with the confidence that financial responsibility is not about earning a large income, it is about understanding how to make informed decisions with the resources you have. Developing awareness, setting goals, and creating healthy financial habits early can provide greater independence, reduce financial stress, and open doors to future opportunities. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Colegio San José for welcoming us into their classrooms and trusting us with this initiative. We are equally grateful to Fundación AYO for their support in making this workshop possible and for sharing our commitment to expanding access to financial education.