The Budget Challenge Blog

​​​​​​​Budget Challenge is proud to launch a new blog category dedicated to celebrating the exceptional educators who make financial literacy come alive in classrooms across the country. This year marks the introduction of our Best New Teacher Award, created to recognize outstanding first-year teachers who demonstrate remarkable student engagement and impactful instruction using the Budget Challenge program.

Karen Kurtz, a teacher from Stamford, CT, has used Budget Challenge in her classes since 2015 with great success. Read her guest blog post about her experiences using the program in her Honors Financial Planning course.

Kathy Simindinger, a teacher at Rhodes State College in Ohio, has used Budget Challenge to teach a personal finance course. Read about her experience.

At Budget Challenge, we’re always looking for ways to make teaching easier and learning more meaningful. Each year, we carefully review teacher and student feedback to identify improvements. Here’s what’s new for the 2025–2026 school year.

Michael Mann, a principal from North Star Academy in Newark, New Jersey, shares his experience using Budget Challenge in a graduation requirement state.

Jeanne White has taught for 19 years: 10 in middle school (in Texas) and 9 in high school overseas. Jeanne currently teaches at Kubasaki High School in Okinawa, Japan.

David Edelman, a teacher from Union Square Academy for Health Sciences in New York City, joins the Budget Challenge blog as our first featured guest blogger! Read about how teaching personal finance intertwines with civic participation and how Mr. Edelman approaches the subjects of government and economics. In addition, Mr. Edelman explains the process of applying for a NEA grant, which he is using to cover the costs of Budget Challenge at his school.

“Under the Hood” is back, and this time we will be taking a look at student reflections to better understand the impact of our 10-week experience. Putting students in charge of adult finances not only empowers them; it also reshapes their perspective on money. What makes it so transformative? Let’s explore through the voices of students who’ve experienced it.

Michele Moeller has been a Business Teacher for 23 years at Canon-McMillan High School in Canonsburg, PA. We asked to interview her about her experience using Budget Challenge. Here's what she had to say.

Rhiannon Miller, a teacher in South Park, Pennsylvania, has used Budget Challenge for the past four years. Read how she rewards her highest performing students.