Financial Playbook: Helping Young Adults Master Money Skills
Author: Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Published:
Monday, 11 Aug 2025
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Financial Playbook for Student-Athletes
Financial Playbook for Young Adults
Image caption: Enter an image captionFinancial Playbook’s optional student-athlete module helps players navigate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) income—teaching them how to manage earnings, plan for taxes, and build a secure financial future both on and off the field.
Financial Playbook: Helping Young Adults Master Money Skills
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) is excited to announce the launch of Financial Playbook by Junior Achievement, a powerful new financial literacy program designed specifically for young adults ages 18–25. JAEI is one of only a few areas nationwide chosen to pilot this initiative.
This in-person, turnkey workshop helps participants build real-world money skills that set them up for long-term success. From budgeting and saving to understanding taxes and managing debt, Financial Playbook gives young people the tools to make informed choices and confidently plan for the future.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will discover how to:
- Create and manage a budget
- Set and reach short- and long-term financial goals
- Make smart money decisions
- Understand and prepare for taxes
For student-athletes, there’s even an optional NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) lesson to help navigate income opportunities and their financial implications.
Why It Matters
“Financial literacy is more than a life skill—it’s a game changer,” says Carrie Pontzius, who is leading the program for JAEI. “With Financial Playbook, we’re giving young adults and student-athletes the tools to avoid financial pitfalls, maximize opportunities, and confidently plan for the future—whether they’re in the classroom, on the field, or beginning their careers.”
Powered by Athletes, Designed for Impact
Financial Playbook is powered by the Players Coalition, a nonprofit founded by current and former professional athletes to promote social justice and economic advancement. The program is also designed for the educators, coaches, and mentors who guide young people—making it easy to integrate financial literacy into existing programs.
Get Involved
JAEI is currently seeking:
- Colleges, universities, athletic programs, and community organizations to host workshops
- Volunteers, especially former athletes and financial professionals, to help deliver the program
If you’re ready to bring Financial Playbook to your campus or organization—or to volunteer—contact Carrie Pontzius at workforce@jaeasterniowa.org.
Image caption: Financial Playbook equips young adults with essential money skills—like budgeting, saving, and goal setting—so they can confidently make financial decisions and build a strong foundation for their future.
Why It Matters
“Financial literacy is more than a life skill—it’s a game changer,” says Carrie Pontzius, who is leading the program for JAEI. “With Financial Playbook, we’re giving young adults and student-athletes the tools to avoid financial pitfalls, maximize opportunities, and confidently plan for the future—whether they’re in the classroom, on the field, or beginning their careers.”
Powered by Athletes, Designed for Impact
Financial Playbook is powered by the Players Coalition, a nonprofit founded by current and former professional athletes to promote social justice and economic advancement. The program is also designed for the educators, coaches, and mentors who guide young people—making it easy to integrate financial literacy into existing programs.
Get Involved
JAEI is currently seeking:
- Colleges, universities, athletic programs, and community organizations to host workshops
- Volunteers, especially former athletes and financial professionals, to help deliver the program
If you’re ready to bring Financial Playbook to your campus or organization—or to volunteer—contact Carrie Pontzius at workforce@jaeasterniowa.org.
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