Kids learn about money

Money Matters, a national program founded by Charles Schwab that educates youth ages 11 to 17 about finances, was recently adopted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Orange County.

The course was funded by Joe Ziomek, a Laguna Beach resident and former Boys Club member of 15 years who won “Boy of the Year” in 1958. In honor of his 50th anniversary of winning the award, Ziomek donated $50,000 to the BGC and asked that it be directed toward a program like Money Matters.

“I want to see [the program] expand and help kids throughout Orange County,” he said.

Nick Robitaille, assistant teen director at the BGC of Laguna Beach, initiated the eight-week class in February and will extend his lectures to other parts of the county in the summer months.

“I think it’s really important to introduce this topic to kids at an early age,” he said. “I didn’t learn about this stuff until later in life, and wish I’d known earlier.”

Robitaille, who has a background in business and economics from Cal State Long Beach, talks to kids about checking accounts, paychecks, the dangers of credit cards and interest, investments, compound interest, personal budgets and college loans.

The 45-minute class is taught twice a week for about eight weeks.

“Most of these kids have never been spoken to like adults [regarding these topics], and I think they learned a lot,” he said.

Robitaille said his objective is to make the lectures as simple and the activities as fun as possible, so the students are more inclined to engage and absorb more information.

Axel Dominguez, 13, said the class was fun and informative.

“It helped me value and take care of money,” he said. “I don’t take money for granted anymore, and I watch what I spend it on.

“I think other kids should take this class. It will really help them.”

Another 13-year-old participant, Thomas Frenner, agreed the class was both interesting and fun.

“I spend money better, and I won’t be using credit cards for a long time,” he said. “Also, Nick is a great teacher — he’s got a good attitude and is very patient.”

The program is open to club members only, and there is no cost.