Financial wellbeing influences mental and physical health – it can have a lifelong impact on our lives. Life Education Trust is teaching young people to make positive financial choices through the SMART$ programme in secondary schools.

SMART$ has been created specifically for New Zealand young people and the financial challenges they face. It is aimed at students in Year 10, when many young people get their first jobs.

It starts with a theatre performance that covers basic money management skills, KiwiSaver, credit cards and deferred payment schemes. The performance tells the story of three young people as they navigate various everyday financial decisions. It demonstrates potential impacts of decisions, showing the importance of making informed positive choices. By telling a story that is relevant to young people through actors that they can relate to, students explore the learning points and feel comfortable contributing to the workshop elements and further discussion. Teachers can extend the learning in the classroom using the online platform Banqer, where students explore financial concepts through simulation.

SMART$ has been well received in schools, reaching nearly 10,000 students in 2021, before Covid lockdowns impacted participation.

"I was very impressed by the set up, professionalism, relevance, and importance of message that was shared. Great way for students to relate to such a hard topic. Loved that it was delivered from their point of view." Teacher feedback

"I really enjoyed the session about money - the people were really good and it was cool that we could ask questions and talk about this stuff." Student feedback

“I learnt a lot about KiwiSaver and I am excited to use it to start saving up once I get a job.” Student feedback

Thanks to support from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Booster and PMG Charitable Trust, SMART$ is free for schools.

For more information or to book the programme at your secondary school visit: www.smarts.org.nz