To me, wealth is not just about the amount of money someone has—it’s about the options and freedom that money can create. Wealth means having the ability to make choices without constantly worrying about financial pressure. It’s the feeling of stability, knowing that the future is something you can plan for instead of something you fear. I also see wealth as something that grows from discipline and vision over time. It’s built through small, consistent decisions—saving when it would be easier to spend, planning when others might not think that far ahead, and believing that patience can turn small beginnings into something meaningful. In that sense, wealth is not just a number; it’s a mindset. At the same time, wealth to me also includes impact. Being financially secure allows someone to help their family, support ideas they believe in, or even build something that benefits other people. True wealth is when success is not only measured by what someone has, but by what they are able to create and give back because of it. So when I think about wealth, I think about freedom, growth, and the ability to shape the future—both for myself and for the people around me.

I would encourage students to save and plan for long-term wealth by helping them see money not just as something to spend today, but as something that quietly builds their future over time. I think a lot of students feel like saving is restrictive, but I try to frame it differently—saving is actually freedom later. When students realize that even small decisions now can open bigger opportunities later, the mindset starts to change. One way I like to explain it is by showing how small amounts can grow. If a student saves even a little from a part-time job, birthday money, or side projects, and keeps doing it consistently, it starts to build momentum. Over time, that habit becomes more powerful than the amount itself. I would encourage students to start early because time is one of the biggest advantages we have when we’re young. I also think planning is important. Instead of just saying “save money,” I would encourage students to connect their savings to something meaningful—college goals, starting a business, traveling, or investing in something they care about. When people understand why they are saving, they’re much more likely to stay consistent. Most importantly, I would try to make conversations about money feel empowering rather than intimidating. A lot of students were never really taught this, so showing them simple steps—like setting goals, tracking money, and learning how wealth builds slowly over time—can help them realize that long-term financial success is something they can start working toward right now.

I think every student should understand personal finance because money quietly shapes so many choices in life, even before people realize it. To me, it starts with budgeting. Budgeting is like learning the rhythm of money—understanding where it flows, where it pauses, and where it disappears if attention isn’t paid. When someone learns to track what they earn and what they spend, they begin to feel a sense of control instead of confusion. Saving is another part that feels really important to me. Saving is not just about putting money away; it’s about creating security and possibility at the same time. An emergency fund can protect someone during unexpected moments, while long-term savings give people the freedom to chase goals without constant financial stress. It’s like building a quiet safety net for the future. I also think students need to truly understand credit. Credit can either help someone build opportunities or slowly trap them if they don’t understand how interest works. When students learn early how debt grows and how credit scores affect things like loans or apartments, they can make smarter decisions instead of learning the hard way later. And finally, investing is something I believe every student should at least be introduced to. Investing shows how time and patience can work in someone’s favor. Even small amounts, when given enough time, can grow into something meaningful. To me, that idea is powerful—it teaches that financial success isn’t always about having a lot of money right away, but about understanding how money can grow if it’s used wisely.