In a culture where far too many 20-somethings are being overwhelmed by student loans, credit card debt and the ever-rising cost of living, the need to teach teenagers how to manage their finances is more urgent than ever.

The fact is, a lot of students are not saving, spending or giving efficiently; and if we don’t teach them these important lessons now, by the time they learn them it may be too late.

Dave Ramsey is famous for having a passion to teach people how to manage money effectively. In this new curriculum designed for high school students, he attempts to teach them how to find value in God (not stuff), how dangerous debt can be, how to save and use cash for what they want, and how to be a generous giver.

A 10- to 15-minute video introduction to each lesson leads participants into the student journal for discussion questions, exploration of Scripture, applicable activities and money-managing conclusions.

While Ramsey is famous for his financial strategies, he is not well known for his ability to communicate to high school students. In his videos, we see him speaking with a small teenage contingent, at times seeming bored or disconnected. If the students in the video aren’t resonating it may be even harder for him to connect with the ones watching at home.

If used to their full potential, the tools provided here really could help youth start out their financial life on the right foot. But for what you will pay for this curriculum, you will be surprised to find there are only four lessons; and a lot of the energy to make it effective will have to come from you.

If you want the assistance from an expert financial advisor and you can afford it, this is a good way to start teaching youth fiscal responsibility; but be aware you will have to be fully committed to and passionate about your students learning this material if you don’t want it to go over their heads or in one ear and out the other.

The Lampo Group Inc., 2007, $169.00