Financial Decision Making

High school students face daily financial choices. From deciding between a $6 cup of Starbucks coffee or saving for a new pair of Air Jordans, to contemplating whether to invest in an ad-free YouTube subscription, the decisions they make can impact their financial well-being. They must also begin to understand the more sophisticated financial landscape to empower them to grow and manage their wealth throughout their lifetime. Uninformed decisions can often lead to financial setbacks. 

By delving into the basics of economics and fundamental financial principles, students will develop a robust understanding of financial concepts and navigate the complexities of the financial world confidently. They will engage with real-world datasets and practical examples, building their analytical skills and decision-making abilities. Students will enhance their learning experience with a group project. 

Financial Decision Making uses a curriculum developed by Wharton Professor David Musto who is an expert in capital markets and strategic equity finance. Over the course of the program, students will build a strong foundation in personal finance while developing analytical skills to make smarter financial decisions. Students will learn and practice using Excel throughout the program. 

Key themes include:  

• Personal Finance Foundations  
  • Budgeting, saving, and spending trade-offs
  • Understanding credit, debt, and interest rates 
  • Building good financial habits and avoiding common pitfalls  
• Introduction to Financial Markets
  • What are stocks, bonds, and mutual funds? 
  • How markets function and why they matter  
  • Risk vs. return: making informed investment choices 
• Money, Banking, and the Economy 
  • The role of banks and central banks  
  • How monetary policy impacts borrowing, spending, and investing 
  • Understanding inflation, interest rates, and economic cycles
• Wealth Building and Management 
  • The power of compound interest and long-term investing 
  • Diversification: spreading risk across assets  
  • Planning for major life goals (college, career, retirement)
• Financial Ethics and Responsibility 
  • Understanding trade-offs between profit and social impact 
  • The role of finance in addressing global challenges  
  • Ethical dilemmas in personal and corporate finance  

By the end of the program, students will not only understand financial concepts, but also be able to analyze real situations, weigh options, and communicate financial decisions effectively—skills that will serve them for life.  

Participants who successfully complete all requirements of the program will earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion. 

Eligibility  

High school students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 with demonstrated interest in economics and finance. International students are welcome.   

Admission  

Admission to the online Financial Decision Making program is selective. Eligible candidates should demonstrate a record of academic excellence, and a genuine interest in economics and finance. Prior knowledge in economics or finance is not required.   

*Financial Decision Making is a great introductory program to prepare students for our on-campus Essentials of Finance program.  

Please note that participation in Financial Decision Making does not guarantee admission into Penn.