Professor Quercia’s work on personal finance is built on two core assumptions. First, financial education is more effective when grounded in our core values. These values reflect our cultural heritage, upbringing, education, and life experiences. Second, financial education is more effective when seen as an integral part of our lives and our communities. Effective participation in our community requires us to be informed and knowledgeable of the ways that domestic and global events (and the resulting policy proposals) influence our lives, financial decisions, and fortunes.

On March 7th, Prof. Quercia will discuss those cultural dimensions of personal finance with educators. North Carolina schools have diverse populations, with students (or their family members) coming from all over the globe. It can be a challenge to teach about budgeting, saving, investment, debt control, or how to build a good credit report without considering the influence of culture on ideas about personal finance and money.

During the program, Prof. Quercia will discuss how educators can navigate different—and sometimes conflicting—financial cultures. He will also review a survey that educators can use to help students reflect on their unique money cultures and personalities.