Teaching Financial Literacy in Auto Tech

I teach Automotive Technology to 7th-12th grade students.  I am often shocked to see the new vehicles my students drive to school.  When I hear my students talk about vehicles they refer to the vehicle they drive as their vehicle, yet their parents make the payment, pay the insurance and pay for repairs.  I try to teach students to not only be able to work on their own vehicle, but why it is important to know how to work on their vehicle and the costs associated with driving.  The Auto Technology Class is ran like a dealership within a classroom.  Students learn about parts pricing, along with how and where to order the parts.  Students are required to check Kelley Blue Book for vehicle prices and learn about warranties.  I believe that students learn best about financial literacy when they have to be responsible for earning the money they spend.  I also believe when it comes to teaching children at a young age about financial literacy.  I believe most parents mean well by purchasing all of the wants and needs of their child, but I don't believe it is teaching them about financial literacy.

Interesting. I can picture the kids. Are the days gone when they'd fix up an old beater to drive? I think so. I drove through a high school parking lot the other day and oh my. Like a new car lot. I don't know if kids are learning financial literacy. And I don't think too many are learning financial responsibility.