High School Money Matters Course Teaches Dollars and Sense

The Money Matters course offered at Wylie ISD high schools gives students a head start on financial smarts.

Students enrolled in this financial literacy course learn important everyday skills needed to navigate the real world, such as budgeting, saving, managing paychecks, and planning for a financially stable future.

In the Career and Technical Education Business and Industry endorsement, Money Matters is open to all students in grades 10-12, regardless of their career pathway. The course requires no prerequisites, making it an accessible and essential option for all students.

“In Money Matters, we cover the basics of personal finance—real stuff they’re actually going to use,” Natalie Larson, who teaches the course at Wylie East, said. “Things like how to buy their first car, how to rent an apartment, how to pay cash for college, and how to avoid debt that follows them for life. It’s all about helping them make smart money choices early on so they’re set up for the future.”

Students recently participated in a gallery walk where they analyzed pay stubs. They learned to read and understand deductions, net pay, and employee benefits.

"We learned how to determine what our take-home pay is once we get a job," WEHS junior Trent Gibson said.

For WEHS sophomore Ariel Rojas, the course has already been eye-opening.

"In this class, I've learned how to use different types of budgeting and how to budget my money," she said.

Money Matters not only informs but also inspires financial confidence.

"I want students to walk away knowing that anyone can be successful with money, no matter where they’re starting from," Larson said. "It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being intentional."

Larson witnesses plenty of ‘aha’ moments in her class.

“When students realize that saving money doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes consistency,” Larson said. “You can see it click for them when they start tracking their spending, cut back on a few things, and then actually watch their savings grow. That moment when they say, ‘Wait, this actually works?’—that’s gold.”

She said that students are often surprised when they see how much it costs to live.

“Groceries, rent, insurance—it all adds up fast,” she said. “It’s an eye-opener, and it really drives home why it’s so important to be smart with your money and make the most of every dollar.”