‘CREDIT FOR LIFE’: Malden High students sample real-life finances in real time

Northern Bank offers financial management tips to MHS Business classes

By Steve Freker

Where does the money go when a 17-year-old cashes their first paycheck? Or how about further down the line to a freshly minted, 22-year-old college or trade school graduate?

The answers to those very questions — and many more — were provided by personnel from Northern Bank in a three-hour “financial fair” they hosted at Malden High School Wednesday morning. Students from three MHS Business classes were introduced to the many different aspects of financial literacy that are germane to their present-day lives and also what they could expect in the future. Over 100 students in all from classes taught by Malden High educators Beth Hurwitz, Timothy Lane and Kelle Griffith moved through over a dozen stations that were staffed by Northern Bank personnel, who explained a number of pertinent financial situations that every student would experience in their lives.

Included were how to manage basic expenses, such as where they live, utility expenses and food costs, as well as transportation expenditures and others. Also covered were how to invest discretionary income and choices for savings, among others.

“It was an excellent presentation and activity for our students,” Horwitz said. “It was such valuable information for them to hear from experienced, first-hand experts.”

Malden High Principal Chris Mastrangelo echoed that sentiment. “It is one of the most important life lessons these students can learn: how to handle their finances,” he said. “We are very grateful for the time and effort and it was time well spent.”