Dollars and Sense

When it comes to money, girls see a future where they are financially independent and empowered. But, are girls ready to make their dreams a reality? According to a study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute, only 12 percent of girls feel "very confident" making financial decisions. The good news is that girls want financial literacy skills to help them achieve their dreams. Ninety percent of girls say that it is important for them to learn how to manage money, and nearly half of girls are interested in learning how to pay for their education.

This month, Financial Literacy Month, consider planning some activities to help your Girl Scout gain some confidence in the world of finances. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Learn about the differences between needs and wants.

There are things we need, and there are things we want. Both cost money! Engage girls in a discussion about making choices when it comes to spending money. This activity corresponds to the requirements to earn the Girl Scout Daisy Making Choices petal.

2. Be a philanthropist.

One way to teach girls about making the world a better place is to explore basic human needs and how to be a person who helps others. Help girls investigate how to help people who are hungry or homeless in their community. This activity corresponds to the requirements to earn the Girl Scout Brownie Philanthropist badge.

3. Explore the world of entrepreneurship.

Talk to girls about their passions and encourage them to explore what it would be like to run their very own business. Invite a local business owner to a troop meeting and encourage girls to ask questions about customer service, consumer research and business plans. This activity corresponds to the requirements to earn the Girl Scout Junior Business Owner badge.

4. Explore your dreams.

Have girls share their plans for the future- their dream jobs, dream homes and dream vacations. Girls can research their incomes and expenses to see if everything adds up while learning about the importance of budgeting. This activity corresponds to the requirements to earn the Girl Scout Cadette Financing My Dreams badge and the Girl Scout Senior Financing My Future badge.

5. Get the scoop on credit.

Nearly everyone will need to borrow money at some point, whether it's for education, a mortgage or even using a credit card. Help girls learn about how bank loans work, teach them the ins and outs of credit cards and explain credit scores. This activity corresponds to the requirements to earn the Girl Scout Ambassador Good Credit badge.