Teens Aren't Taught How Money Really Works. Valley Strong Credit Union & Fairfield PAL Want change that!

Whether it's an empty debit card, impulse purchases, or wondering how that $20 disappeared, many teens ask the same question: "Why am I Always Broke?" On Monday, July 20 at 3:00 p.m., the Fairfield PAL Teen Center is partnering with Valley Strong Credit Union to offer a free, interactive financial literacy workshop designed specifically for teenagers. While the class is part of PAL's Outclass Your Competition Summer Business Etiquette Series, any PAL Teen Center member is welcome to attend, regardless of whether they are participating in the competition. Rather than focusing on complicated financial terms, the class helps teens understand the everyday decisions that quietly drain their money—and how to make smarter choices without giving up everything they enjoy. Participants will learn:

• Why money seems to disappear so quickly and how to use basic budgeting and tracking
• How stores, apps, and social media influence spending
• How to tell whether something is actually a good deal
• What a first paycheck really looks like after taxes and deductions
• The basics of credit before they ever need it

The class also introduces participants to PAL's interactive "Can You Really Afford It?" challenge, where teens work through realistic purchasing decisions and discover that there may not always be one "right" answer—but there are often smarter ones.The workshop is one of several hands-on learning opportunities offered this summer through the Fairfield PAL Teen Center's Outclass Your Competition series, which prepares teens for success in interviews, the workplace, and everyday life through practical business etiquette and life skills.
Event Information What: Why Am I Always Broke? Financial Literacy Workshop
When: Monday, July 20, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Fairfield PAL Teen Center, 2250 North Texas Street, Fairfield
Cost: Free
Eligibility: A free Fairfield PAL Teen Center membership is required. Parents interested in registering their teen or learning more about PAL membership can call (707) 330-8757.

About Fairfield PAL Fairfield PAL is open to all Fairfield, Suisun, and Travis teens ages 13–18 who are currently enrolled in school. Membership is free with a student ID and parent/guardian signature. Interested teens can apply at the Fairfield Community Center or contact PAL at 707-330-8757 for more information.