FAQs
Why is this program for high schoolers?
29 States across the US are incorporating Financial Education into High School syllabus. Personal Finance and being money 'smart' is a critical life skill and the education system has started to recognize this. This program is designed to prepare our teens to start making smart money decisions.
How long does this program take to complete?
SmartMoney lab is a self-paced online program. Participants are expected to complete this within 4 months of enrollment. Each sub-topic must be completed to move forward. We know that sometimes life happens. In such situations, a grace period of 2 additional months is given for course completion - students are therefore expected to complete the program within 6 months of enrollment. Anyone who takes longer than 6 months will not receive a certificate of completion.
At the end of 4 months, what will I learn?
The program covers 4 modules - 1. Money Mindset, 2. Banks and Loans, 3. Investing and Risk Management and 4. Life after High School. But most importantly, participants will have strong awareness of different money concepts, an understanding of powers of compounding in investing, the dangers of compounding when borrowing and the ability to create good money habits over time through goal-setting, budgeting, saving and investing. Scroll down to see full syllabus.
How will the program be taught?
This is a self-paced online program. A combination of short videos, deep-dive articles, practical hands-on activities, fun games and ongoing reflections are all part of the teaching method. The purpose is to ensure participants get a real feel of the different money concepts and can apply this to real life scenarios. Parts of the teaching/learning method involve guidance through different concepts, and other parts of the teaching/learning method promotes independence and curiosity through research and supplementary reading.
Will there be teacher support?
Yes, all participants will be invited to a slack group where on-going questions will be answered by the Program Director. Peer group discussions are strongly encouraged as well.
What if I have to pause halfway?
All participants have up to 6 months to complete the program.
What is your refund policy?
We hope you love this program, and that you will learn forever life skills. If for any reason you choose to leave the program, a full refund will be provided within 14-days of enrollment.
SmartMoney Lab
Personal Finance for High Schoolers
SmartMoney Lab
4 Modules taught online through short videos, fun challenges and interesting assignments.
Content
1
MONEY MINDSET
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Money values + your values quiz
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Needs vs. wants + your 'wants psyche'
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Budgeting & saving + a practical plan
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Power of compounding + brain challenge
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Danger of compounding
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Life at 25: Create a money vision board
2
BANKS AND LOANS
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Banking and credit + brain challenge
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Credit scores + personal credit roadmap
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Good vs. bad debt + real case studies
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Loans and repayment + brain challenge
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Consumer protection
3
INVESTING AND RISK MANAGEMENT
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Investing, risks and rewards + stock game
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Intro to retirement + brain challenge
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Intro to insurance + brain challenge
4
PLANNING FOR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
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Picking a job + applying the 4F framework
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Side hustles + doing the PASS test
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Intro to taxes + brain challenge
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Life simulation game: 10 years on
Program Director
SmartMoney Lab is a 4-month, fun, guided program designed to help high schoolers level up their money skills. We cover the foundations of personal finance through hands-on challenges, practical lessons, and a supportive community.
There are 29 states across the US that have some form of financial education mandate in school syllabus. Content requirements and implementation timelines differ, so we created something specifically for High Schoolers, incorporating real life skills to prepare them for life to come.
I’m Anusha Rajadorai, your program director. I began my career in finance as a Risk Manager at Barclays Capital, then consulted for Fortune 500 companies with McKinsey. I hold an MBA from Harvard Business School and a degree in Actuarial Science. But most importantly, I’m passionate about financial literacy.
My biggest regret? Starting my own personal finance journey at 25 instead of younger. Through planning, discipline, and execution, my family and I have built wealth while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle — and now, I’m excited to help the next generation start early.
