NGPF Blog

Celebrating Juneteenth 2026: Six NGPF Podcasts Featuring Black Voices in Personal Finance

info@ngpf.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:00:00 PDT

In honor of Juneteenth (June 19), which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., take some time to listen to the wisdom and perspective of Black voices in personal finance shared in these NGPF podcast episodes from the last year.

Get Smarter About Investing with these NGPF Podcast Episodes

info@ngpf.org — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:00:00 PDT

A curated list of 13 evergreen conversations from the NGPF Podcast, with some of the most trusted voices in investing, to grow your own confidence and bring better stories into your classroom.

3 Things to Do Before the Academy Year Ends on June 30

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:00:00 PDT

Can you believe it? The 2025-2026 NGPF Academy year is coming to a close. On June 30, the current Academy year official ends, and the new Academy year begins. Before the Academy year ends, take a few minutes to make sure you've earned all the recognition and credit you've worked toward this year.

FinCap Friday: Find and Buy with AI

info@ngpf.org — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Visa and Mastercard want AI to help us shop online by using chatbots or AI agents, and this is just one example of integrating AI into our personal finances. More companies will use "agentic AI" to handle financial tasks for people. This could change how we buy things forever, which is why it’s a big deal for the financial world and for consumers. But like all new tech tools, it comes with both benefits and drawbacks to watch out for. Learn more in last episode of FinCap Friday for the 2025-2026 school year:

NGPF Podcast: Sheila Bair on Creating Skeptical Financial Consumers

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:00:00 PDT

Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair recently joined the NGPF Speaker Series to talk about her new book for teens, How Not to Lose a Million Dollars. The conversation centered around helping students think critically in a world of finfluencers, gambling apps, and prediction markets. Here are four of her top takeaways for the classroom.

Question of the Day: Starting July 1, how many repayment plans will new federal student loan borrowers be able to choose from?

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Big changes are coming to federal student loan repayment options

8 Board Games That Secretly Teach Personal Finance

info@ngpf.org — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:00:00 PDT

Recently, some NGPF staff were discussing how a number of classic board games are quietly teaching the same concepts covered in a Personal Finance class. Here are eight games you've probably played with money lessons hiding in plain sight. Perhaps an excuse for a classroom game day?

Question of the Day: When was the last time the U.S. federal minimum wage was raised?

info@ngpf.org — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Hint: The current minimum wage can almost get its driver's license
Answer:

The Hidden Truth Behind Prediction Markets

info@ngpf.org — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:00:00 PDT

In January 2026, more than $1.5 billion changed hands on prediction markets over the Super Bowl alone. These platforms let people wager on almost anything, from elections to celebrity weddings, but a simple question hides beneath the hype: when someone wins, where does the money actually come from?

Question of the Day: What share of new car loans have a repayment term longer than six years?

info@ngpf.org — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

More new-car buyers are signing up for a longer ride.

How to Access Your NGPF PD Transcripts

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 07:00:00 PDT

When you attend NGPF professional development, you are automatically enrolled in NGPF Academy, receiving access to an annual and historical transcript of every PD hour you complete with NGPF.

Question of the Day: How much does the average American household spend on cell phone service in a year?

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Most households can't imagine life without a cellphone plan. How much are Americans actually paying for them each year?

Celebrating 78 New NGPF Distinguished Educators!

info@ngpf.org — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:00:00 PDT

These teachers recently joined the ranks of NGPF Distinguished Educators who have passed six or more NGPF Certification Courses. Celebrate them with us!

FinCap Friday: Teen Job Trends

info@ngpf.org — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Landing a summer job has gotten surprisingly tough for today's teens, and the reasons might surprise your students. This week's episode of FinCap Friday, in partnership with Dow Jones and The Dow Jones Foundation, unpacks what's happening in the teen job market, why it matters, and what teens can do about it. With real data and practical takeaways, it's a perfect hook for lessons on earning income, career readiness, or life skills. Check it out below:

Teacher Talk with Miche Franken

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:00:00 PDT

Meet the Personal Financial Literacy Coordinator for Guilford County Schools, North Carolina's third-largest district, with 27 high schools and over 20,000 high school students. A 24-year teaching veteran who's been leading personal finance instruction since 2016, Miche is driven by a simple belief: when it comes to money, ignorance isn't bliss.

Question of the Day: What percentage of major U.S. employers offer transgender-inclusive health insurance coverage?

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Employers are the largest source of health coverage in the U.S. So what does that mean for transgender workers accessing healthcare?

A Little Booklet, a Big Mission

info@ngpf.org — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:00:00 PDT

We're excited to welcome Amy Porter as the first Vice President of Development at Next Gen Personal Finance. Amy brings a deep, career-long conviction that education is the great equalizer. Read on to get introduced to Amy.

Question of the Day: How much are tickets to FIFA World Cup matches?

info@ngpf.org — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

With these list prices, imagine how much the knockout stage games are going for resale!

Celebrating Pride Month

info@ngpf.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:00:00 PDT

Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and is a time to recognize the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for equality and inclusion. We’ve compiled resources you can use in your classroom to connect Pride with personal finance.

Question of the Day: What is the average interest rate on current credit card accounts?

info@ngpf.org — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Let's swipe into today's topic: the cost of carrying a balance on your credit card.

Shady Sam's Slick Wheels Wins at the "Oscars of Financial Literacy"

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 31 May 2026 08:00:00 PDT

We're thrilled to share NGPF's Arcade Game Shady Sam's Slick Wheels won Best Non-Profit Project for School-Age Education at the 2026 Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards (MAIAs), selected from a field of 35 entries in its category.

Morning Virtual PDs Are Back for the Summer!

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 31 May 2026 07:00:00 PDT

It's almost summer (congrats to those of you that have already started)! If you're already dreaming about slow mornings, later wake-ups, and no lesson planning for a few months, we completely understand. But if you want to sneak in some professional development without it eating into your summer break, we've got you covered.

Question of the Day: What percent of small businesses are LGBTQ+ owned?

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 31 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Happy Pride Month! Learn more about LGBTQ+ business ownership.

FinCap Friday: Credit Bureaus in Your DMs

info@ngpf.org — Thu, 28 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

An AI agent from one of the three major credit bureaus is now texting with Gen Z right inside their Snapchat direct messages. But, is this a helpful tool or a clever advertising strategy? This week's FinCap Friday helps students stay curious, skeptical, and never let an algorithm be their only source of financial guidance. Check it out below:

Why Owning Nothing is So Expensive

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 27 May 2026 07:00:00 PDT

That $160 HP printer? HP would rather rent it to you for $8 a month, but after a two-year subscription you will have spent $192, paid 20% more than buying it outright, and still won't own the printer. How did "ownership" become a luxury?

Question of the Day: Do consumers send more money through Zelle or spend more money on Amazon?

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

You might be surprised by the answer.

Dow Jones and Next Gen Personal Finance Announce Partnership to Expand Financial Journalism in America's Classrooms

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 27 May 2026 02:30:00 PDT

Dow Jones and Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) today announced a partnership, supported by a grant from Dow Jones and the Dow Jones Foundation, to integrate award-winning journalism from The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Barron's and MarketWatch into personal finance classrooms across the United States. The partnership will reach NGPF's network of more than 140,000 teachers and the 5 million students they serve each year.

Question of the Day: How much do you need to invest monthly to have $1 million when you retire?

info@ngpf.org — Tue, 26 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Small savings can add up! But how much is "small" when it comes to retirement?

Question of the Day: Over a 20-year period, what percentage of investing pros "beat the market?"

info@ngpf.org — Mon, 25 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Think you can outsmart the market? Spoiler alert: even the pros rarely do.

Back by Popular Demand: Investing Series with Patrick Geddes

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 24 May 2026 08:00:00 PDT

Earlier this year, Patrick Geddes joined us for a series on investing, and the response was overwhelming: teachers told us they wanted another chance to learn from him. And when teachers ask for more, we listen. So I am thrilled to share that Patrick is coming back to run his five-week investing series again this spring.

FinCap Friday: Teens Who Invest

info@ngpf.org — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Teens are investing earlier than in previous generations, and this episode of FinCap Friday shows why that trend matters in the real world. From earning money to invest through side gigs to earning the power of patience, students will see how investing can connect to their own future goals. This activity can be used to spark a lively, relatable conversation about smart money choices, long-term thinking, and the difference between investing versus gambling. Check it out below:

NGPF Podcast: Judy Smith on Teaching Economic Inequality & Solutions in Personal Finance

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 20 May 2026 07:00:00 PDT

After 20 years teaching economics in the Bay Area, Judy Smith realized her students were stuck in a loop of bad news. Her unit on economic inequality spent most of its time explaining why the wealth gap exists (the history, the systems, the data) without ever getting to what students could actually do about it. In this NGPF Podcast episode, Smith explains how she reshaped her approach.

Question of the Day: Can you name one of the top 10 best employers for women?

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 20 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Find out which companies ranked at the top of Statista's America's Best Employers for Women 2025.

Question of the Day: What percent of Americans under 65 years old have $0 saved for retirement?

info@ngpf.org — Tue, 19 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Find out how many Americans don't have income set aside for retirement in a 401(k), IRA, or pension.

Question of the Day: What is the most popular shopping website for teens?

info@ngpf.org — Mon, 18 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Find out where most teens are buying their clothing and footwear.

Attend a Summer FinCamp, Earn Graduate Credit

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 17 May 2026 07:00:00 PDT

We’re again partnering with Bridgewater State University to give you an opportunity to earn 3 graduate credits for attending an NGPF FinCamp.

Math Monday: Gamify Your Review with a Scavenger Hunt!

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 17 May 2026 07:00:00 PDT

Sick of repetitive math worksheets? Try out a scavenger hunt! It brings excitement to your practice questions or unit review. This Math Monday, we’re highlighting a scavenger hunt activity from our Financial Algebra unit on Investing Strategies & Exponential Functions.

Question of the Day: What has been the [geometric] average return for the stock market over the past 50 years [1970-2020]?

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 17 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. But it can be informative.

FinCap Friday: Spotting Scholarship Scams

info@ngpf.org — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Scholarship scams are targeting your students where they already spend time: TikTok, Instagram, and texting apps. Sadly, many students and parents are falling for it. In this week's FinCap Friday, we break down some of the real tactics scammers use and the simple red flags every student should know. It’s a quick, eye-opening resource you can use immediately to protect your class from costly mistakes and identity theft.

NGPF Podcast: College Affordability with Mark Salisbury

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:00 PDT

Earlier this spring, financial aid expert Mark Salisbury joined us for a series of virtual sessions on college costs. In case you missed it, you can listen to all three sessions with the co-founder and CEO of TuitionFit and founder and executive director of Pathways Planning & Insights. An advocate for transparency in U.S. higher education costs, Mark will help you feel confident guiding your students through the college decision process.

Question of the Day: Which 3 states have the highest 5-year cost of car ownership?

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 13 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

When you factor in all the costs of owning a vehicle—sales tax, gas prices, insurance, maintenance, and more—car owners in these states are really getting taken for a ride.

The Most Affordable Supermarket in Every State

info@ngpf.org — Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:00 PDT

The cost of most goods and services is going up, and groceries are no exception. So which supermarket in your state might be offering you the best deal?

Question of the Day: How much net worth do Americans say it takes to feel "financially comfortable" today?

info@ngpf.org — Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

What's the going rate for peace of mind?

Texas Students Deserve Financial Literacy Standards That Are 21st Century Relevant

info@ngpf.org — Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 PDT

Where NGPF Stands on the Texas Proposed Personal Financial Literacy Standards

From “One Day” to Another

info@ngpf.org — Mon, 11 May 2026 07:00:00 PDT

We're thrilled to welcome Yonathan Tadesse to the NGPF team as our newest Curriculum Designer. Yonathan brings 12 years of classroom experience teaching math and personal finance with a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and access for all students. Read on to learn how he went from business major to Teach For America corps member to personal finance teacher, and now to NGPF.

Question of the Day: On average, how much do Americans planning a summer vacation expect to spend on flights and lodging this year?

info@ngpf.org — Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Bon voyage, savings account.

End of Year, Made Easier: Teacher Toolkit and Virtual PDs

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 10 May 2026 08:00:00 PDT

It’s May and I am sure you are counting down the days until the end of the school year. Between last reviews, end-of-course projects, and testing, you're likely juggling more than usual. At NGPF we want to make the rest of the year a little lighter.

Question of the Day: How much more does it cost today to fill up a car's gas tank (about 14 gallons) than it did one year ago?

info@ngpf.org — Sun, 10 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Pump prices have drivers running on fumes...

Last Chance to Register for Cohort 63 Certification Courses!

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 06 May 2026 19:00:00 PDT

Certification Courses are NGPF's most in-depth professional development offering, combining nine hours of learning with a one-hour exam. Summer cohort registration is now open!

Question of the Day: Rank order these payment types from most to least popular with consumers: cash, debit card and credit card.

info@ngpf.org — Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:00 PDT

Consumers are making more transactions than ever. Are they using cash, debit cards, or credit cards?