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We make our programs inclusive since the first stage: the gained knwoledge is pricelessand useful, regardless of their background!

We work mostly with NEET that atttend our youth centre, and we include them in all our activities.

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When we start our trainings or workshops about Finances, I feel like our participants are expecting to learn some "magic tricks" to get rich! So our first step is always deconstructing this idea, and explaining very clearly what is our goal with Financial literacy before going into basic steps..

I feel like this creates some disappointment, until they understand the importance of this financial knowledge.

We start with the basics of the value of money, earning money, budgeting and saving. Once we graps these concepts, we go into taxes and financial obligations and why they are important in our way of living and how they support us and others.

We use many examples of real-life scenarios, which makes them more engaged and interested, and asked them to solve some financial situations, or how to save some money from the possible income! Usually these experiences work very well!

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Honestly, this is the area I struggle the most..

Young people we work with, find most of their information online, and most often they go towards investing here and there and get rich fast! Either crypto, NFTs, online gaming.. everyday is something new!

It is really hard for me to make them be critical of this information when they see rich influencers, gamers and so on, without understanding what is behind cameras..

I try to show them examples of influencers being criminally prosecuted by advertising illegal online casinos and scam investments (national cases) but still.... I'm not quite sure it works!

Also, I think official banking apps are not so user friendly, and not engaging for young people.

At this point I don't have any specific tools or methods that work well, but I would appreciate some solutions for this! ;)

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It is really hard work to be up-to-date with financial trends!! There's always something new, and quite often are the youngsters showing me something new that I still haven't heard... This makes our approach specially hard!

I try to read a lot, find trustful data, but there always something new on social media (tik toks, snaps..).

So I figured it would be a good idea then to create a space for "news": on our youth centre we have a dedicated wall for news, where during the week the youngsters can write their findings about what was new in that week, and on friday we dedicate 1h / 2h to discuss it, find more about it, discover if it is reliable or not.. Its an engaging exercise and keeps us all on the loop!

About peer learning, i would really love to learn what other educators are doing and how they deal with these challanges! I'm sure I'm not alone! :)

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We talk about finances and money at home since my kids were very little (they are now 14 and 11). My husband and I always throught it would be very important in their education to understand the concept of money, where it comes from (not from trees!), how to save and so on..

We have a value system for some of the shores at home, and they earn some money for the things they want to buy.

Don't know if its the best system, but they kind of enjoy it!

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I tjhink the biggest problem for todays youth is that they start dealing with "digital money" before even understanding the value of money.. dealing with coins and bills and having physical money in the pockets! it is really hard to attribute value to something you don't physically see.. its all in cards, digital money and such..

Even for school lunches, they have to use digital money in the school cards!

I try to make them use physical money as much as possible, even though i understand the future is digital.. but i think this is a very important first step!

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I'm not a youth worker! I'm actually a nurse but I'm trying to educate 2 almost teenagers..

I always try to find information online and mothers groups, but I don't often find information about financial education or even talking about this!

So, any support for a learning parent is welcome!

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1. I always start by asking questions like: What would you like to do with your money? What are you saving for? This helps them see budgeting as a tool for independence. 2. I am good at building trust and making financial talks more approachable. I also motivate them to think long term helping them connect financial discipline with their dreams, whether education or personal goals. 3. I would like to expand my knowledge in the follow areas: digital financial and youth focused financial literacy. Furthermore, collaborate with financial experts that can provide information on finances for the youth.

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1. I encourage young people to think about the messages they see online. We start by discussing how social media influencers often show only the important part of the reel and not the risks or hard work behind success. 2. Many don’t fully understand the risks of sharing personal or banking information on digital platforms. Phishing scams, fake investment apps can mislead them. 3. I encourage youth to ask questions before taking financial action online.

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1. I adapt learning by first taking time to understand each young person’s background, interests, and learning style. Everyone learns differently. 2. I make money talks safe by approaching every conversation with empathy, honesty, and respect. 3. To reach youth who feel excluded or disadvantaged, I focus on building trust first. Many young people in that position feel overlooked or judged, so I start by simply being present listening to their stories and showing genuine care.

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1. I stay up to date by following educational financial platforms. 2. Youth focused financial literacy education would be extremely valuable especially programs that teach how to make money management interactive. 3. I reflect on my practice through self-evaluation and open discussion. After sessions or workshops, I take time to think about what went well and what could improve.

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I make financial learning inclusive by creating a supportive and open environment where every young person feels heard and respected. I adapt activities to different backgrounds and abilities — for example, by using simple, relatable examples for those with less experience and more advanced discussions for those who are ready to go deeper.

To make money talks feel safe and non-judgmental, I focus on listening and encouraging honesty. I remind youth that everyone starts learning about money at their own pace and that making mistakes is part of the process.

When working with youth who feel excluded or disadvantaged, I try to highlight their strengths and show that financial literacy can be a tool for empowerment and independence, not a measure of social status.

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I keep up to date by reading, following online tutorials and sharing informations with collegues

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For young people sometimes these topics are not interesting enough, so what we are doing now is incorporating videos in our presentations and also doing small games/ assignments to maintain them active during this session. What we do well is that we add a personal touch to it, because us also being young we can understand them better. So most of the times we bring examples that they can relate to. I think for us to help youth specially on these topics, you have to make sure to put them to change their habits, so maybe something that could help them is interactive platforms that could provide them with easy assignments, that they could learn from.

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This is difficult because youth spend to many hours on social media. Social media feeds them a lot of this schemes. They believe more in these alternatives of making money quick that in the traditional ones. What I usually do with them is that I talk to them to not always believe what they see on social media.

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Our usual approach to giving these presentation is that we try our best adapt it to the audience. We try to understand their situation and adapt the presentation according to it. It's not always easy but until now it has worked.

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I keep myself updated by reading and also talking to experts on this field. The more you do sometimes the more you learn, specially when working with youth. So with every presentation I also grow to understand them better and seeing what helps them the most

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First i would start with the basics, such as the value of money. It appears to me that so many people do not recognise the real value of money. They often lack the capacity to relate earning to spending and saving.

They expect magic tricks to exist, that can make you rich in no time.

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I try to empower critical thinking and encourage young people to check every single information they read or ear about money. It is important to make them aware of the fact that money it is something real. They often are not able to recognize online scams because they are fascinated by the "magic trick that makes you rich". Simulation games are a good way to start

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First thing would be to know the background of the participants, and try to create some tools together, so that each and every one of them can be truly involved.

I think that can help to keep judgment at bay and also to build trust

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As a YW I talk to young people about budgeting and saving through real-life examples — for instance, how to plan for events or manage pocket money. I try to show them that even small, regular savings can make a difference and that financial decisions should be made with goals in mind.

What I already do well is connecting financial topics with situations that are relevant to their everyday lives, so they see the purpose behind managing money wisely.

I would like to develop more practical tools and interactive activities to help youth understand financial responsibility in a more engaging and hands-on way.

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I guide youth in the digital money world by encouraging them to think critically before trusting online financial content. We often analyze examples of “get rich quick” schemes or social media influencers promoting unrealistic investment ideas. Together, we discuss what makes these offers suspicious and how to verify information.

One of the biggest challenges is helping young people understand online safety — especially when using banking apps or digital wallets. Many are unaware of how easily personal information can be misused.

The most effective methods for me have been open discussions, interactive simulations, and case studies that show both the risks and benefits of digital finance. I also encourage them to ask questions and always double-check sources before taking financial action online.

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As a YW I grow by continuously learning and staying curious about new financial trends and technologies. I follow reliable online resources and attend workshops that help me understand topics like digital finance, cryptocurrencies, and AI tools — so I can better guide young people in a fast-changing world.

Peer learning is also very valuable to me. Sharing experiences with other youth workers helps me discover new approaches and stay motivated.

I regularly reflect on my practice by discussing challenges and successes with colleagues and by adjusting my activities based on feedback from youth. I believe that open exchange and collaboration are the best ways to keep improving and growing as a mentor.

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This is the feedback we received from youth when asked to rank the most important topics

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When asked about the topics they would like to learn more about, youth answered

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LT 2 educators responses received by email

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LT 2 educators responses received by email

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How do you model financial basics for youth?

They teach the basics, such as saving and budgeting. They highlighted a significant knowledge gap, both among young people and educators, regarding investing and understanding various investment solutions. They had even received direct requests to teach investing.

What do you already do well?

They feel confident in teaching budgeting and saving, using simulation-based learning and real-life case studies to make these topics relatable and engaging.

What skills or resources would help you support youth more confidently?

There is a clear need for deeper educator training in investment topics and taxation, including salary-related taxes and taxes on investment returns. These are areas where both educators and youth express confusion and interest.

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LT 2 educators responses received by email

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LT 2 educators responses received by email

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How do you guide youth in the digital money world?

The team incorporates critical digital literacy by using case studies of AI-generated scams to build youth awareness about deception in financial technologies.

How do you teach youth to question financial media or “get rich quick” schemes?

They integrate fictional scenarios and media examples into their sessions to strengthen young people’s ability to detect and question suspicious content.

What challenges do you face around online safety, apps, or digital banking?

A significant challenge is that young people often feel overwhelmed or hesitant to use investment apps. The fear of making mistakes online prevents them from engaging. Educators themselves also need more knowledge of digital financial tools.

Which tools or methods have worked best for you?

Simulations, fictional scenarios, and guided critical thinking exercises are their go-to methods. These help develop both technical confidence and analytical thinking.

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LT 2 educators responses received by email

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LT 2 educators responses received by email

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How do you make financial learning inclusive?

They acknowledge the importance of reaching diverse learners and note that many young people are curious but anxious, especially around complex topics such as taxes and investing. Making space for questions and using real-life examples helps them feel included.

What do you do to make money talks feel safe and non-judgmental?

By openly discussing common misconceptions and fears, especially around digital finance and investment risks, they normalise uncertainty and encourage dialogue.

How do you reach youth who feel excluded or disadvantaged?

They aim to adapt their programmes to the lived experiences of young people, though they noted that more inclusive content and national strategies are still lacking in Lithuania.

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LT 2 educators responses receive by email

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LT 2 educators responses receive by email

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How do you grow as a youth worker?

They are already engaged in developing new sessions and simulations based on youth feedback, particularly in areas where formal curricula are weak.

How do you keep yourself up-to-date with financial trends and tools (e.g., crypto, AI)?

Their approach includes learning from youth interests (e.g., AI scams, investing) and building content around those topics. However, they acknowledge the need for more structured professional development on emerging issues, such as AI in finance.

What training or peer learning would help you?

They expressed interest in collaborating on training that includes ethical finance, critical digital engagement, and inclusive investment education, topics often missing from current offerings.

How do you reflect on your practice and share resources with others?

They are open to co-creating new training content and are actively experimenting with ways to integrate better critical thinking, ethics, and participation in financial systems.

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Factsheet visualising the results of the two-year practice-based research, 'Seeing Together, Acting Together: Youth Workers Taking the Lead Against Poverty and Debt', conducted by the Youth Spot and Poverty Interventions research groups (lectoraten) at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with 15 youth work organisations. Assessment: Youth Worker Role in Tackling Poverty and Debt

💰 Core Financial Support (Hoe helpen jongerenwerkers met geldzaken)

Youth workers primarily support young people with financial matters by informing them about basic finance (such as saving and the transition to 18+, accounting for almost half of the mentions, n=26). Less frequently, they offer debt support (n=12) and budgeting skills (n=10). A significant portion of their work involves signposting—referring youth to employment/education (n=8) or other specialised organisations (n=4).

⭐ The Unique Factor: Attitude (Positive ervaringen met geboden hulp)

The attitude and personal approach of the youth worker is the most valued aspect of the help provided (n=48), even more so than the content of the support itself (n=33) or the positive leisure activities (n=25). This aligns with the stated methodological principles, which prioritise building a meaningful relationship (betekenisrelatie) and adapting to the young person's reality (aansluiten bij de leefwereld).

💼 Programme Structure (Wat is het aanbod van professionele jongerenwerkorganisaties)

Organisations offer four distinct types of services, with most focused on positive leisure activities (regulier jongerenwerk, 15x). Services directly addressing financial difficulty are split:

Preventative financial education (Aandacht vragen voor geldzaken) is delivered group-based (7x).

Direct support for (impending) money issues (Ondersteunen bij geldproblemen) is provided individually (9x), sometimes including material aid.

Support for established debt (Ondersteunen bij schulden) is also individual and involves collaboration with specialists (9x).

🚧 Key Implementation Challenges (Belemmeringen)

The main hurdles lie in systemic weaknesses:

1. Chain Partner Collaboration: Difficulties stem from varying speeds, unclear roles, differing work schedules, staff shortages, and fragmentation across partner organisations.

2. Internal Capacity: Youth workers face internal challenges due to lack of expertise and staff under-occupancy (onderbezetting).

3. Sustainability: The non-structural embedding of youth work is detrimental to sustained impact.

Overall Assessment: The data clearly shows that the personal connection and the flexible, youth-centric approach of youth workers are their key assets in this domain. However, the potential for greater impact is currently constrained by both a need for enhanced internal expertise and significant external collaboration barriers.

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Factsheet Samen Zien, samen doen: Jongerenwerkers aan zet tegen armoede en schulden

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Factsheet waarin de resultaten zijn gevisualiseerd van het tweejarige praktijkgerichte onderzoek ‘samen zien, samen doen, jongerenwerkers aan zet tegen armoede en schulden’ , uitgevoerd door de lectoraten Youth Spot en Armoede Interventies van de Hogeschool van Amsterdam in samenwerking met 15 jongerenwerkorganisaties. Het onderzoek is mededegefinancierd door Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA, onderdeel van NWO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek).

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Trendsein -Insight and action for tomorrow's youth culture. A platform connecting young people, families, and professionals with insight and innovation. By making trends in youth culture visible, they create opportunities for better guidance, prevention, and action.

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Trendsein -Insight and action for tomorrow's youth culture. A platform connecting young people, families, and professionals with insight and innovation. By making trends in youth culture visible, they create opportunities for better guidance, prevention, and action.

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Challenges we face around online safety, apps or digital banking:

We have several signalling monitors. One of them is from Trendsein. In October 2025 they signal that on social media messages arise where businesses or 'documentfactories' offer to clear study depts and fake promises. In real it is dissolution or fraude.

Or gambling recommendations, so called VIP packages with promises on winning in sport gambling.

And money mules, via social media young people receive messages 'can I use your bank card? Fast en easy money. Totally safe'. Youth are uses do whitewash criminal money and get a criminal record, bank block, debts or even contact with the law.

This Trendsein also offers 'What can you do as professional'-guiding.

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We follow several signalling monitorings that provide insight in trends, risky behaviour and criminal offences in youth culture.

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Adherence to the 'Seeing Together, Acting Together' Manifesto: Breaking Problematic Developments

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Adherence to the 'Seeing Together, Acting Together' Manifesto: Breaking Problematic Developments

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We endorse the 'Seeing Together, Acting Together' Manifesto: Break problematic developments that foster poverty and debt.

As youth workers, we are equipped to combat (impending) poverty and debt in collaboration with other professionals. However, we also observe problematic developments that contribute to young people getting into difficulties, over which we have no influence. To break this cycle, space must be created to signal these concerns and injustices.

We therefore make the following recommendations for action:

Actively inform young people about their rights. Many young people are unaware of their entitlements regarding income, benefits, and support.

Invest in better public awareness and education about 'quick loans' and (online) scams.

Actively refer young people to reliable and accessible information when, for instance, they register with the Chamber of Commerce.

Introduce better guidance and information for young people aspiring to become entrepreneurs. Consider an aptitude test or starting requirements, such as a financial plan or mandatory advice.

Offer tailored support to young people with business-related debts: they often have specific needs and require a different approach.

More strictly enforce (online) gambling policies and 'Afterpay' rules to ensure these services are genuinely only accessible from the age of 18.

Review legislation and regulations (such as the waiting period for applying for welfare benefits) to make help faster and more accessible. Prevent young people from sinking further into trouble due to bureaucracy.

Consider alternatives for not being allowed to hold a bank account following digital fraud.

Develop solutions for young people without a fixed address, for example, through temporary postal addresses or assistance via youth work.

Incentivise creditors to refer young people with repeated debts/fines to professional organisations that can support them.

This Manifesto was drafted following the participatory action research project, 'Youth Workers Taking the Lead Against Poverty and Debt' (August 2023–August 2025). This involved a learning and research process between 15 youth work organisations and the Youth Spot and Poverty Interventions research groups (lectoraten) at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA). The research was co-funded by the Netherlands Initiative for Applied Research (SIA), part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO).

The full research report, including a (visual) summary, can be found at: www.hva.nl/jongerenwerk-en-armoede

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How do you keep yourself up-to-date with financial trends and tools (e.g., crypto, AI)?

What training or peer learning would help you?

How do you reflect on your practice and share resources with others?

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🤝 How do you make financial learning inclusive?

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🤝 How do you make financial learning inclusive?

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How do you adapt learning for different backgrounds and abilities?

What do you do to make money talks feel safe and non-judgmental?

How do you reach youth who feel excluded or disadvantaged?

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💻 How do you guide youth in the digital money world?

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💻 How do you guide youth in the digital money world?

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How do you teach youth to question financial media or “get rich quick” schemes?

What challenges do you face around online safety, apps, or digital banking?

Which tools or methods have worked best for you?

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💼 How do you model financial basics for youth?

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💼 How do you model financial basics for youth?

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How do you talk about budgeting, saving, or financial obligations with young people?

What do you already do well?

What skills or resources would help you support youth more confidently?

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FINANCIAL LITERACY COMPETENCE MATRIX (1)

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🧭 Money Skills Map for Youth Workers – Add Your Voice!

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🧭 Money Skills Map for Youth Workers – Add Your Voice!

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💡 Help Us Shape the Future of Financial Education!

✔ Add your input in any column under the 4 pillars of the Money Skills Map for Youth Workers.

✔ Be reflective and practical — what works well in your practice, and what feels missing?

✔ Share concrete examples, ideas, or challenges.

📌 Your input will directly refine the Competency Skills Matrix (CSM) and help design training tools for youth workers.

📝 You can add text, video, audio, or links — whatever works for you.

Pillars to Explore:

1. Mentor with Money Smarts

2. Tech + Critical Thinking = Empowered Teaching

3. Create Spaces Where Youth Feel Safe and Included

4. Keep Adapting, Reflecting, and Growing

👥 Please share your role (youth worker, trainer, educator) and country.

🎨 Don’t forget to color your post:

🔵 Youth workers

🟠 Parents/Educators