Smart Money for Smart Teens
A Financial Literacy Project by 3rd Year Students at Scoil Aireagail
Over the past few months, 3rd Year students at Scoil Aireagail have taken on an exciting challenge—researching, writing, designing, and publishing their very own financial literacy book: Smart Money for Smart Teens. This project, part of the Digital Media Literacy class and co-taught by Mr. Denis Carrigan and Ms. Rita Dooley, was proudly funded by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) as part of Global Money Week 2025.
Why This Topic Matters
In today’s world, knowing how to manage money is an essential life skill. Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making smart decisions, planning for the future, and handling money responsibly. According to the CCPC’s Financial Wellbeing in Ireland report (2023), one in three people in Ireland are just getting by financially, and one in five have been victims of financial fraud. These findings highlight the urgent need for financial education, especially among young people.
With this in mind, our students created Smart Money for Smart Teens to help their peers better understand topics like saving, budgeting, banking, online safety, loans, and taxes—all in a way that’s simple and practical.
More Than Just a Book
This project began in the classroom, but its impact has extended far beyond. Students brought their learning into the community by:
- Visiting local primary schools to teach younger students about money in fun, age-appropriate ways.
- Hosting the Mullinavat Active Retirement Group for an intergenerational exchange to celebrate World Home Economics Day, where students shared financial knowledge and the retirees taught students how to cook traditional, budget-friendly meals like brown bread, cupcakes, stuffing, and sponge cake.
- Appearing on local radio to raise awareness about financial literacy.
- Donating €2 per book to our local St. Vincent de Paul, showing the importance of giving back.
The project was proudly recognised as the Winner of the CCPC’s ‘Our Money, Our Future’ Financial Literacy Competition 2025—a moment of huge pride for our students and teachers alike.
Get Your Copy
Copies of Smart Money for Smart Teens are available at Scoil Aireagail for a €2 donation to St. Vincent de Paul.
Visit the school reception,
Email: info@scoilaireagail.ie
Phone: (056) 776 8632
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to the CCPC for funding this initiative, and to everyone who supported us along the way: our teachers, school staff, and the wider community. This book was printed locally to support Irish businesses and reduce environmental impact. Most importantly, it was made by students, for students, to help young people make smarter money choices and build a brighter financial future.
On behalf of Scoil Aireagail, thank you for reading—and we hope you enjoy the book!
