Hamilton High School Personal Finance students recently welcomed local community member and Edward Jones financial advisor Dan DeWeerdt for a wide-ranging presentation on the financial decisions they will face throughout their lives.
During a jam-packed hour with Mr. Dan Meiste’s classes, DeWeerdt discussed topics including debt, taxes, investing, financial planning, and the importance of understanding personal finances. He helped students connect classroom concepts to real-life decisions they will soon make as they begin working, attending college, managing their own expenses, and planning for the future.
Financial literacy is an important part of the Personal Finance curriculum at Hamilton High School. The course is designed to help students set financial goals, save and invest wisely, build wealth, create budgets, plan cash flow, responsibly manage credit and debt, and understand how credit scores can affect their financial future. Students also explore consumer decision-making, insurance, employment taxes, and the financial responsibilities that come with life after high school.
DeWeerdt’s visit provided students with the opportunity to hear directly from a local professional and ask questions about the topics they are learning in class. His real-world perspective helped demonstrate why financial knowledge matters long before students are making major purchases, accepting loans, earning full-time income, or beginning long-term investments.
Reflecting on the opportunities available to today’s students, DeWeerdt said Hamilton High School provides experiences that were not available when he was in high school.
“I think it’s great. There are so many opportunities for students at Hamilton High School today that we didn’t have 20 years ago, especially when it comes to things that are pertinent to everyday life—like personal finance, entrepreneurship, and anything business-related that can translate into so many different aspects of life,” DeWeerdt said. “Students have such a great opportunity here.”
DeWeerdt also praised Meiste’s classes and the questions students brought to the conversation.
“Dan Meiste teaches great classes, and I recommend that any and all students take them,” DeWeerdt said. “The students ask such great questions, and that’s my favorite part about coming in here. I wish we had another hour.”
Bringing community professionals into the classroom is one of the ways Hamilton connects academic learning to life beyond high school. Guest speakers like DeWeerdt give students practical insight and help make important financial lessons more relevant, understandable, and memorable.
Learn more about Career & College Readiness opportunities on our website.