Name: Jacob Rodan
Financial Journal
Whats a Financial Journal?
The purpose of a financial journal for educating students about personal finance is multifaceted. Firstly, it serves as a practical tool for students to track their income, expenses, savings, and investments. By maintaining a financial journal, students can develop a clear understanding of their financial habits, identify areas of overspending or potential savings, and set achievable financial goals.
Additionally, a financial journal promotes financial literacy by encouraging students to reflect on their financial decisions and their long-term implications. Through regular journal entries, students can assess the consequences of their financial choices, learn from mistakes, and make informed decisions in the future.
Furthermore, a financial journal fosters accountability and responsibility. By documenting their financial activities, students take ownership of their financial situation and develop a sense of accountability for their financial well-being. This practice instills important life skills such as budgeting, saving, and investing, which are essential for financial independence and success in adulthood.
Moreover, a financial journal can serve as a valuable educational tool in personal finance courses. Teachers can incorporate journaling assignments to reinforce classroom lessons, encourage critical thinking about financial matters, and promote practical application of financial concepts in real-life situations.
Overall, the purpose of a financial journal in educating students about personal finance is to empower them with the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary to make sound financial decisions, achieve their financial goals, and ultimately attain financial stability and security in their lives…

Step-By-Step Guide to Financial Freedom for Kids
Step 1: Set Financial Goals- SMART
Start by identifying your financial goals. These could include saving for college, buying a car, or even building an emergency fund. Write down your goals and make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Step 2: Create a Budget
Track your income and expenses to understand your cash flow. Allocate a portion of your income towards your financial goals and prioritize spending on necessities while cutting back on non-essential expenses. Use budgeting tools or apps to help you manage your finances effectively.
Step 3: Save and Invest
Develop the habit of saving a portion of your income regularly. Open a savings account and set up automatic transfers to make saving effortless. Consider investing your savings in low-risk investment options like index funds or mutual funds to help your money grow over time. More on investing shall be mentioned later…
Step 4: Earn Additional Income
Explore opportunities to earn extra income, such as part-time jobs, freelancing, or starting a small business. Use your skills and interests to find gigs or projects that can supplement your primary source of income.
Step 5: Learn About Personal Finance
Educate yourself about personal finance topics like budgeting, saving, investing, taxes, and credit management. Take advantage of online resources, books, courses, and workshops to expand your financial knowledge and make informed decisions.
Step 6: Build Credit Responsibly
Start building your credit history by using a credit card responsibly. Make timely payments, keep your credit utilization low, and avoid carrying a balance to establish good credit habits. Monitor your credit report regularly to ensure accuracy and address any discrepancies.
Step 7: Plan for the Future
Start planning for your future by setting long-term financial goals, such as retirement savings or homeownership. Consider opening a retirement account like a Roth IRA or participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans if available.
Step 8: Seek Guidance and Mentorship
Seek advice from parents, teachers, or financial professionals who can provide guidance and mentorship on financial matters. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification on anything you're unsure about.
Step 9: Stay Disciplined and Flexible
Stay disciplined with your financial habits and remain focused on your goals, but also be flexible and willing to adjust your plans as circumstances change. Remember that financial independence is a journey, and it requires patience, persistence, and adaptability.
Step 10: Celebrate Milestones
Celebrate your financial achievements along the way, whether it's reaching a savings goal, paying off debt, or making a successful investment. Recognize your progress and use it as motivation to continue working towards greater financial independence.
My Experience in Finance
Introduction to Finance - Columbia University
President & Founder - Finance Club of Hillel
Investor & Shareholder - 3+ Years of Investing Experience in the Stock Market
Student - Millionaire In The Making
Forex Trading Courses - Online
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Accomplishments
Over 90% Gains on Total Money Invested in 2 Years
Columbia Certificate - Introduction to Finance
Forex Badges - Return Badges in Forex Trading
Algorithm Trading Certificate - Online course for Statistics in Algo Trading
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My Passion
Ever since the beginning of time I have always been very interested and passionate about finance, business, and money. How to make money, how to use your money to make you more money, how to hold your money. All these aspects shocked me and all the different possibilities. I have led myself to learn and gain a backpack of knowledge that will only keep growing. I want to pursue finance in college and my career which is why I think it is important for the youth to educate themselves on one of the world most important constructs. I hope to educate kids and begin their learning career in the field of Finance and more...
