Jake Cousineau on the Psychology Behind Financial Decision Making

Jake Cousineau on the Psychology Behind Financial Decision Making

Author: Next Gen Personal Finance August 3, 2026 Duration: 41:28

Jake Cousineau teaches personal finance at Viewpoint School, where what started as one trimester course now reaches nearly every eighth grader plus juniors and seniors. His first book "How to Adult: Personal Finance for the Real World" grew from a short guide for graduating seniors into a text adopted by schools and colleges nationwide. Now his second book "Face Your Financial Fears" tackles the myths and psychology that keep people from addressing money problems. In this session, Jake will share what he's learned from years in the classroom about making personal finance approachable rather than intimidating, why storytelling works better than traditional textbooks, and how he helps students shift from feeling hopeless about money to seeing a clear path forward. Perfect for teachers looking for practical ways to make financial concepts relatable and for anyone considering writing their own educational materials.


Behind the mission of Next Gen Personal Finance-a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every U.S. high school student takes a personal finance class-is a vibrant community of educators constantly refining their craft. The NGPF Podcast sits at the heart of that conversation. It’s a space where teachers, curriculum specialists, and sometimes even students share their real-world experiences and challenges in bringing financial literacy to life. You’ll hear practical discussions about what actually works in the classroom, from innovative lesson plans to navigating tricky topics like investing, credit, and behavioral economics. The episodes, often born from the organization's deep investment in teacher professional development, feel less like formal lectures and more like insightful coffee-break chats with colleagues who are just as passionate about empowering the next generation. Tuning into this podcast offers a direct line to the strategies and stories that are shaping financially capable young adults, all grounded in the high-quality resources NGPF is known for. It’s an essential listen for anyone invested in the practical side of financial education, whether you're in a classroom or simply believe in the critical importance of these skills for the future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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