Smart Kilkenny Teens take a hands-on approach to financial literacy

Students at Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale have taken a hands-on approach to financial literacy by writing and publishing their very own book, Smart Money for Smart Teens.

In a world where managing money wisely is more important than ever, these 3rd year students set out to create a practical guide to help their peers understand key financial topics such as budgeting, saving, banking, online security, loans and taxes.

This project, part of their Digital Media class, was led by teachers Denis Carrigan and Rita Dooley and was made possible with funding from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) as part of Global Money Week (March 17–23, 2025).

The students took full ownership of the process, researching, designing, and producing the content themselves, making financial education clear, engaging, and useful for young people like themselves.

Beyond just distributing the book in Scoil Aireagail, the students wanted their work to have a wider impact.
Every student who received a copy donated €2 to St. Vincent de Paul, tying the project into the school’s Young St. Vincent de Paul group and reinforcing the importance of giving back to the community.

The students also plan to visit local primary schools, where they will introduce younger students to basic money skills in a fun and engaging way.

One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the intergenerational financial literacy workshop they are hosting with Mullinavat Active Retirement Group.

During this event, students will present key lessons from their book to the retirees, discussing topics like budgeting and online security. In return, the older generation will teach students how to cook budget-friendly meals, sharing traditional recipes such as brown bread and scones.

This exchange of financial and life skills will celebrate World Home Economics Day, highlighting the value of learning from different generations.

The project has also gained national recognition, with Scoil Aireagail students invited to Ireland’s Global Money Week Launch at Croke Park. There, a group of students shared their experiences of researching, writing, and publishing the book.
What started as a classroom project has grown into something much bigger - a real-world initiative making an impact in the school, community, and beyond.

Thanks to the CCPC’s support, Smart Money for Smart Teens is a book written by students, for students - helping young people make smart financial decisions for the future.