At First Priority Credit Union, we believe that financial literacy is a key ingredient for lifelong success. That’s why our team recently visited Excel Academy’s middle and high school classes to deliver an engaging, hands-on lesson on budgeting -- with a fun, food-inspired twist!
Our interactive session centered around a simple yet beloved dish: penne pasta alla vodka. Students were challenged to create a grocery list for the recipe while working within a set budget. This activity wasn’t just about adding ingredients to a cart; it was designed to help students think critically about real-world financial decisions. They had to compare prices, make cost-effective choices, and consider factors like portion sizes, brand preferences, and even the cost of substitutions.
Through this exercise, students learned key budgeting principles such as:
- Prioritizing needs vs. wants (Do we really need fresh basil, or can we skip it?)
- Making smart financial trade-offs (Should we buy name-brand pasta or opt for the store brand?)
- Understanding the impact of small expenses (How quickly do little costs add up in a shopping cart?)
The lesson sparked lively discussions, creative problem-solving, and plenty of laughs as students navigated the challenge. By connecting financial literacy to something as relatable as a favorite meal, we helped make budgeting concepts both accessible and memorable.
At First Priority Credit Union, we’re committed to empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to make smart financial choices. Thank you to Excel Academy for welcoming us into your classrooms -- we had a fantastic time cooking up some financial wisdom with your bright, curious students!
