Guest Blogger Danny Jang
In this special guest blog, Sammy Rabbit is proud to showcase teen financial literacy education champion Danny Jang!
I met Danny while doing research on LinkedIn. If you're impressed with the wisdom of this young leader, you won't be alone. I am too. I asked Danny to share a litte about himself so we can get know him a little better.
"I’m Danny Jang, the founder of Financial Futures Incorporated, a nonprofit that helps young people gain essential financial literacy skills. I’m currently a student majoring in Strategic Asset Management at Bergen County Technical High School, in New Jersey, where I’ve deepened my passion for finance. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball, listening to music, and learning new things. A core value I hold is curiosity—I believe that a constant desire to learn and explore is essential for growth, whether in personal finance, academics, or life in general, and I encourage others to approach challenges with the same mindset."
Why Financial Literacy Is Important to Me
In today’s world, almost every decision we make is tied to money—yet so many people are left to figure it all out on their own. Growing up, I saw this gap firsthand. Financial literacy is something we don’t really talk about enough, and I’ve noticed how it can lead to financial stress and missed opportunities. People are often unprepared for simple things like budgeting or understanding credit. It made me realize that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers; it’s about gaining control over your life. It’s about making choices that give you the freedom to build a secure and less stressful future. That’s what inspired me to take action and help others, especially young people like me, learn the tools to make smart financial choices.
How It All Started
At my school, there was a financial literacy club that had only been around for a year. While it was a great start, I recognized a much bigger opportunity to expand its reach. I wanted to take it beyond just a school club and scale it up so that more students could access the financial education they needed. So, I decided to lead this initiative myself. I thought, “Why not take this knowledge beyond the classroom and into the community?”
Reaching the Community
One of my first ideas was to bring financial literacy workshops to libraries throughout my county. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, making them an ideal place to reach students from diverse backgrounds. We began offering workshops in various communities, and I was blown away by the response. In just six months, the club reached 15 libraries, with over 100 students participating, and we observed a 95% improvement in financial understanding based on the assessments we conducted. The most rewarding part was seeing students leave the workshops with newfound confidence; they no longer felt lost when it came to managing money. That’s when I realized that financial literacy should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few.
I remember one workshop when a student approached me afterward and said, “I never thought I’d understand investing, but now I feel like I actually get it.” Moments like that motivate me to continue expanding this initiative.
The Birth of Financial Futures Incorporated
As our workshops continued to grow, I decided to formalize the initiative by founding Financial Futures Incorporated. This nonprofit is dedicated to helping young people learn the financial skills they need to thrive. Our curriculum covers everything from the basics of money management, such as budgeting and saving, to more advanced topics like entrepreneurship and investing. My goal is simple: to ensure that every student who participates leaves feeling more in control of their financial future, equipped with knowledge they'll carry with them for life.
Building a Movement
One thing I’ve learned is that financial literacy isn’t just about managing money—it’s about building opportunities. Watching students grow confident in handling their finances is incredibly inspiring. However, I knew this initiative had to extend beyond just workshops. Our goal is to make financial literacy a standard part of the curriculum, ensuring that no student is left without the tools they need to make informed financial decisions. This isn’t just about my local community; it’s about changing the perception of financial literacy across the board.
Join Us in Empowering the Next Generation
The future of financial literacy is exciting, and I’m thrilled about the direction we're heading. Financial Futures Incorporated continues to grow, and we’re constantly seeking new ways to empower young people with the skills they need to succeed. However, I can’t do it alone. Whether you want to volunteer, partner with us, or simply support the cause, there are many ways to get involved. Together, we can ensure that the next generation is equipped to take control of their financial futures.
Discover more about our featured Guest Blogger
To learn more about Danny, connect with him on LinkedIn: Danny Jang.
Attention Young Leaders
We welcome and invite you to participate in Sammy's 'Be the Change' financial literacy initiative for college and high school students.
(1) Join peers advancing awareness on the importance of early age, youth, and family financial education by having your journey into financial literacy featured as a Sammy Rabbit Guest Blogger.
Arin Wani: Teen Leader Was Encouraged to Aim High!
Jacklin Wang: Becoming Financially Literate Since Age 9
Index of Student Blogs (Click and scroll down)
(2) Then volunteer as a Sammy Rabbit Ambassador or Intern championing financial literacy in your community and around the globe! Learn more in these blogs or by CONTACTING Team Sammy today! We welcome your questions and suggestions on Sammy Rabbit and his mission to get kids, families & communities financially literate.
