Money Matters: Exploring Young Adults’ Financial Literacy

In today’s world, financial literacy has become an essential life skill. It is the ability to understand and manage financial matters effectively. Be Strong International’s Project H.O.P.E program aims to educate teens and young adults about the importance of financial literacy and provide them with the necessary tools to become financially capable. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of financial literacy and how Project H.O.P.E can help young adults become financially responsible.

What is Financial Literacy?

Financial literacy is the knowledge and skills required to make informed and effective decisions regarding financial matters. It involves understanding personal finance, financial planning, budgeting, and managing financial risks. It is the foundation for financial success and a secure future.

Why is Financial Literacy Important?

Financial literacy is essential to making informed decisions about earning, spending, saving, and investing money. It helps individuals avoid financial mistakes, such as excessive debt, high-interest loans, and inadequate savings. It also enables them to make better choices about career paths and financial goals. Financially literate individuals are more likely to achieve financial stability and long-term wealth.

What Does Project H.O.P.E Offer?

Project H.O.P.E is an interactive workshop series that guides and empowers young adults on heart skills, healthy relationships, character development, careers, and financial literacy. The program helps young adults develop financial capability through financial education, building financial capability, and financial management. Here are some of the courses covered by Project H.O.P.E:

Financial Literacy Course:
The program offers a comprehensive financial literacy course that covers the basics of personal finance, including budgeting, credit, and debt management.
Wealth Management:
The program helps young adults learn about the importance of building wealth and managing it effectively. It covers topics such as investments, retirement planning, and estate planning.
Money Management:
Project H.O.P.E provides practical advice on how to manage money effectively, including tips on saving, budgeting, and reducing expenses.
Financial Advisor:
The program offers young adults access to financial advisors who can help them develop personalized financial plans and provide guidance on financial matters.
Additional Courses:
Project H.O.P.E also provides supplementary courses on subjects such as financial planning, effective communication, and career and educational success.

Best Money Saving Tips for Young Adults:

Be Strong’s Project H.O.P.E. program provides young adults with the best money-saving tips. The program teaches young adults the importance of budgeting, saving money, and investing for the future. It provides tips on how to reduce expenses, avoid debt, and plan for their future. By following these tips, young adults can manage their finances effectively and avoid financial problems in the future. Here are some helpful questions and tips on financial literacy:

What are the 4 main areas of financial literacy?
The four main areas of financial literacy are budgeting, saving and investing, credit and debt management, and financial planning.
What is the 50-30-20 rule?
The 50-30-20 rule is a budgeting rule that suggests allocating 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.
What are the 5 components of financial literacy?
The five components of financial literacy are financial knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and values.
What is the 10-20-30 rule money?
The 10 20 30 rule is a budgeting rule that suggests allocating 10% of income to savings, 20% to debt repayment, and 30% to wants.
How can I improve my financial skills?
You can improve your financial skills by taking a financial literacy course, reading financial books and articles, and seeking advice from financial experts.
What is the difference between financial literacy and financial education?
Financial literacy is the ability to understand and manage financial matters, while financial education refers to the process of teaching financial literacy.
How money matters in our life?
Money plays a vital role in our lives as it affects our daily needs, wants, and goals. Financial stability and security can help reduce stress and improve our overall well-being.

Have questions? Contact us here.

In today’s society, it is essential for the youth to develop a strong character to succeed in life. A strong character can lead to healthy relationships, success in careers and education, and financial literacy. Be Strong’s Project H.O.P.E. is a program that focuses on healthy outcomes through prevention education. The program offers workshops that guide and empower teens and young adults in character development, healthy relationships, careers, and financial literacy. In this blog, we will explore the importance of character development in youth and how Be Strong’s Project H.O.P.E. can help.

Why character development is important:

Character development is crucial for the youth as it shapes their personality, behavior, and values. Developing positive traits such as honesty, respect, responsibility, and empathy can lead to success in various aspects of life. Positive character traits can also help youth overcome challenges and make informed decisions in difficult situations. Character development helps youth build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience, enabling them to face the world with a positive attitude.

Characteristics of 21st century youth:

The 21st century has brought about significant changes in society, including advancements in technology and globalization. The youth of this era are exposed to a wide range of opportunities and challenges, which require them to possess specific characteristics. Some of the positive characteristics of 21st century youth include adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. However, negative characteristics such as impulsiveness, addiction, and lack of empathy are also prevalent. Developing positive characteristics can lead to personal and societal growth, while negative traits can lead to destructive behavior.

What are the benefits of character development in youth?

Character development in youth can lead to a range of benefits, including:

Improved decision-making skills
Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
Greater empathy and respect for others
More positive relationships with peers, family, and authority figures
Higher levels of academic and career success

How Be Strong’s Project H.O.P.E. helps:

Be Strong’s Project H.O.P.E. offers workshops that focus on heart skills, character development, healthy relationships, career development, and financial literacy. The program deals with real-life situations, offering honest yet hopeful guidance for youth. The workshops are interactive and can be used by public and private schools, churches, and community organizations. Be Strong’s Project H.O.P.E. has served 25 middle and high schools in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Character development among youth is crucial for building a healthy and successful society. Be Strong’s Project H.O.P.E is making a difference by providing young people with the skills they need to succeed in all areas of their lives.

If you are interested in learning more about the program or supporting its mission, visit the Be Strong International today.

We’re proud to celebrate a special moment for Be Strong International as our work was recently featured in the August edition of Miami’s MIA Media & Communications Group magazine.

The feature shines a spotlight on Marriage Matters, Be Strong International’s program dedicated to helping couples strengthen communication, build connection, and develop the skills needed to create healthy, lasting relationships.

The magazine feature highlights how Marriage Matters provides couples with practical tools to improve their relationships, including communication skills, expressing appreciation, providing support, and navigating challenges together. The program is available to couples ages 18 and older, whether they are married, engaged, or committed to building a stronger relationship.

Celebrating Barbara Jean’s Recognition

The issue also features Barbara Jean, Senior Program Manager at Be Strong International, as one of Miami’s 2026 40 Under 40 Honorees. This recognition celebrates young professionals making an impact in the Miami community, and we are excited to see Barbara recognized for her leadership and dedication to strengthening individuals, couples, and families through her work at Be Strong International.

Having both Marriage Matters and Barbara featured in the same issue is a wonderful reflection of the impact our team is making in the community.

Want to see the full article and Barbara’s feature in the magazine? Check the link here Legacy MIAMI 40Under40 issue2026

Be Strong International (BSI) is honored to announce a transformative two-year grant from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, a philanthropic leader dedicated to improving education, health, and community well-being. This extraordinary investment serves as a powerful affirmation of BSI’s mission to strengthen families and empower individuals with the Heart Skills® needed to build healthier relationships.

“This grant represents hope, stability, and possibility for so many families who are yearning for connection,” said Michelle Shirley, CEO and Chief Heart Officer of Be Strong International. “Strengthening relationships strengthens communities. When couples thrive, children thrive, and the entire family system has a better chance to break cycles of stress and instability. We are deeply grateful to the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation for believing in the work we do and the lives we touch every day.”

The DeLuca Foundation’s support will sustain and expand Marriage Matters, one of BSI’s most impactful relationship-strengthening programs. Grounded in compassion, communication, and emotional wellness, Marriage Matters provides a fun and engaging, multisession curriculum for couples seeking greater understanding, harmony, and connection.

The program goes far beyond traditional skills training. It helps couples build healthier communication patterns, strengthen mutual respect and emotional regulation, reconnect with one another after periods of stress or disconnection, and develop long-term habits that support a stable, nurturing home environment. Offered in both English and Spanish, Marriage Matters intentionally serves low to moderate-income families and couples facing significant life stressors. Thanks to this grant, BSI will be able to serve over 200 couples over two years, providing not only workshops but also coaching, partner referrals, and access to wraparound services such as financial coaching and mental health support. to moderate-income families and couples facing significant life stressors. Thanks to this grant, BSI will be able to serve

In addition to supporting the Marriage Matters program, a significant portion of the grant will allow BSI to establish its first Fundraising Department, a long-awaited step toward organizational sustainability. This new department will focus on strengthening donor gifts and increasing donor visibility, ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the rich heritage of African Americans, honoring their resilience, achievements, and lasting contributions that continue to shape our great nation. This important observance highlights Black history, African American culture, and the impact of Black leaders whose courage, innovation, and perseverance have transformed communities and inspired generations. At Be Strong International, we proudly commemorate Black History Month by recognizing the triumphs, acknowledging the struggles, and celebrating the profound influence of Black changemakers whose legacies guide our present and strengthen our future.

From trailblazing inventors and visionary leaders, Black history is inseparable from the American story. We are especially proud to honor the extraordinary leadership within our own organization. Our Founder, Ms. Althea McMillan, and our CEO & Chief Heart Officer®, Michelle Shirley, embody the spirit of perseverance, community empowerment, and purpose-driven leadership. Their dedication reflects the core of our mission at Be Strong International: promoting resilience, strengthening healthy relationships, and supporting youth development and family empowerment.

Black History Month also serves as a reminder that the lessons of the past continue to shape the work of today. In South Florida, a region celebrated for its cultural vibrancy, communities navigate ongoing social, economic, and educational challenges. Yet throughout the region, Black professionals and nonprofit leaders, continue to drive meaningful change. Whether mentoring young people, or providing critical support services for families and children, these leaders exemplify resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to positive community impact. Their efforts contribute to stronger families, healthier communities, and expand opportunities for future generations.

As we honor Black History Month, Be Strong International reaffirms its commitment to community well-being. Because Black history is not only a reflection of the past, but a living legacy carried forward through leadership, advocacy, education, and the ongoing work of building stronger relationships and brighter futures.

Michelle Shirley, CEO and Chief Heart Officer of Be Strong International, was recently featured in VoyageMIA Magazine, where she shared her personal journey, professional path, and the experiences that shaped her passion for relationship education and emotional wellness.

In the interview, Michelle reflects on growing up in Miami as the daughter of Jamaican immigrant parents and how witnessing domestic violence in her childhood influenced her life’s mission. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she transformed those early challenges into purpose, dedicating her career to helping individuals, couples, and families build healthier, stronger relationships.

Michelle also opens up about the realities of nonprofit leadership, including navigating uncertainty, advocating for the organization’s mission, and making personal sacrifices to support her team. Her story highlights resilience, courage, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact in the community.

For Michelle, success is measured not by recognition but by transformation, the quiet yet powerful moments when individuals gain clarity, families reconnect, and people discover new ways to communicate and grow.

👉 Read the full VoyageMIA feature here:
https://voyagemia.com/interview/check-out-michelle-shirleys-story/

At Be Strong International, we are thrilled to honor our Employees of the Quarter, Ebonie Gilbert (First Quarter) and Mishell Valenzuela (Second Quarter) a recognition that took place during our BSI Team Summer Retreat.

From leading parenting workshops in shelters and correctional institutions to empowering families across Miami-Dade, Ebonie lives out our mission with heart, strength, and unwavering commitment. Her dedication to healing, service, and advocacy inspires everyone around her and leaves a lasting mark on the families she serves.

Equally vital to our mission, Mishell brings every Be Strong event to life through her creativity and vision. As our Communications & Digital Marketing Specialist, she captures each moment and transforms it into engaging content that resonates with our community, ensuring that the stories of connection, growth, and empowerment reach far and wide.

Together, Ebonie and Mishell embody the heart and strength that define Be Strong International. We are grateful for their contributions, their passion, and the way they uplift and inspire our team and community every single day.

If you’re a dad, you’re doing the most important job of your life. Study after study shows fathers play a critical role in their children’s well-being today and their success as adults tomorrow. It’s not always easy to see that, and both mothers and fathers constantly worry that they’re doing everything wrong. Many of us make the mistake of retreating from our children’s lives when they reach adolescence and tell us to leave them alone.

Deep down, the last thing they want is for you to disappear. You just have to know how to stay in the background but remain in the picture.

Active and engaged fatherhood has been linked to numerous positive outcomes in children’s development. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, a leading organization focused on promoting responsible fatherhood, studies have found children with involved fathers are twice as likely to attend college, 80 percent less likely to spend time in jail and 75 less likely to experience teen pregnancy.

Other studies have shown improved academic performance, fewer behavioral problems, and enhanced social skills and self-esteem in children whose fathers are actively involved in their lives. And active involvement is good for dads, too. They often experience personal growth, increased satisfaction and a more profound sense of purpose.

How to Become a Better Dad

You’re probably already doing a pretty good job, but everyone can get better. Here are some ideas for how you can:

Embrace Emotional Openness

It’s OK to show your feelings and share them with your family, even – or perhaps especially – when they’re not pleasant. Being open about anxiety or other emotional issues fosters deeper connections and teaches children healthy emotional responses.

Create Joyful Memories

Make time for fun and laughter. Be silly, play games and generally create positive experiences your children will remember. Cherish the time you have with your kids. It really is true that children grow up too fast. One day, you’ll be glad you made the most of these years.

Support Your Partner

Being a supportive partner not only strengthens your adult relationships but also models healthy relationships for children. Sharing responsibilities and showing mutual respect help create a nurturing home environment.

Lead by Example

Children often emulate their parents’ behaviors; they learn more from what you do than what you say. Demonstrating values like integrity, kindness, and perseverance teaches children to adopt these traits in their own lives.

Be Present and Engaged

Put away your phone and other distractions when spending time with your children. Being truly present shows your kids they are important and valued. Prioritize daily connection, whether through play, conversation or shared activities like family meals.

Show Affection and Support

Express love and affection openly. A nurturing father-child relationship boosts self-esteem and emotional well-being. Support your children’s interests, even if they differ from your own, and encourage their individuality and passions.

Be the Dad

A good father must accept that he’s not his children’s friend. You can have fun and relax with the kids and should never take yourself too seriously. But they need discipline – always fair and never abusive, but firm and clear. It’s not always easy to be “the bad guy,” but it’s how to teach your children how to become mature adults.

Keep Growing

Fatherhood is a dynamic and evolving role that offers countless opportunities for growth and connection. Continue to grow as a person, partner, and parent, and you will see your commitment to self-improvement benefiting your children as much as yourself.

Free Help for Dads (and Moms)

Be Strong International offers several free workshops for parents. They’re an excellent opportunity for men to learn actionable strategies, connect with others and feel more confident in their role as fathers.

To learn more about these and other family resources, call 305-969-7829 or visit Be Strong International’s workshop pages:

Raising the B.A.R. Parenting Alliance / Parent Club: Be Strong International has partnered with The Children’s Trust’s Parent Club to offer FREE, countywide workshops on relevant topics about raising children, strengthen family connections, improve parenting practices, and support children’s emotional, behavioral, social, and cognitive development. Join a free workshop today
Family Strengthening: Special programs in Broward and Miami-Dade counties to help parents build healthy relationships with their children.

New appointees from South Florida’s legal and health sectors to further strengthen non-profit growth and support local families.

Miami, FL (April 25, 2025) – Be Strong International, an award-winning non-profit serving South Florida families for more than 30 years, has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors. New members Randy M. Weber and Dr. O’Neil J. Pyke will help support Be Strong International’s mission of providing healthy relationship education programs that strengthen individuals and families in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

The now ten-member board is dedicated to overseeing one of South Florida’s rising nonprofit organizations. Like the current members, the new appointees bring expertise and resources from influential South Florida organizations:

Randy M. Weber, Founding Partner and Trial Attorney at Pita Weber Del Prado.

Mr. Randy M. Weber is a founding partner and trial attorney at Pita Weber Del Prado, with over 25 years of experience litigating and trying both criminal and civil cases in Florida’s State and Federal Courts. Beyond his multiple professional achievements, Mr. Weber is deeply committed to community service, volunteering with several charitable organizations in Miami-Dade County, including Assistance to the Elderly/Residential Plaza, Be Strong International, The American Heart Association, and Vitas Hospice Care.

Dr. O’Neil J. Pyke, Chief Medical Officer, Jackson North Medical Center, North Miami Beach, FL.

Dr. O’Neil J. Pyke is an accomplished healthcare consultant and Chief Medical Officer with over 24 years of clinical experience and six years of board experience. He has a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency, quality of care, and financial viability in healthcare organizations. Dr. Pyke has successfully scaled healthcare businesses to 9-figure revenue and launched multimillion-dollar revenue streams. He serves on several boards, including Be Strong International, The Hospitalist, and Today’s Hospitalist Magazine.

“We’re proud to welcome these accomplished professionals to our Board of Directors,” said Lisa Greer, President of Be Strong International’s Board of Directors. “They bring a remarkable set of skills and a history of caring for the community, and the entire Board is excited about working with them.”

“This is a critical time for Be Strong International and the families who rely on us,” said Michelle Shirley, CEO of Be Strong International. “The challenges our community faces are real and growing, and I’m deeply grateful to have such a passionate and qualified board by our side as we work to bring hope, healing, and lasting change.”

For more information and updates on its programs, follow Be Strong International on social media @bestrongintl or through the website https://bestrongintl.org.

About Be Strong International
Be Strong International is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides educational services and resources to families in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, helping them thrive with healthy relationships, and Heart Skills® education. Founded in 1992 by Mrs. Althea McMillan, a retired Miami-Dade County Public Schools teacher, it is now led by Michelle Shirley, CEO and Chief Heart Officer. Be Strong International’s Heart Skills® programs teach families how to make better decisions about relationships, money, work, and family life. In addition, Be Strong International partners with other institutions to offer resources that directly help the communities it serves, such as food drives and back-to-school supply drives. Known for its transformational workplace culture, Be Strong International has been selected as one of the Best Places to Work by the South Florida Business Journal and provides healthy culture training to corporations and universities. For more information and updates, follow Be Strong International on social media @bestrongintl or through their website: https://bestrongintl.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Monika Sanchez, monika@bestrongintl.org
Mishell Valenzuela, valenzuelam@bestrongintl.org

Sadly – and strangely – toxic relationships are being promoted in music and popular culture as the ultimate expression of romance. “But there’s nothing romantic about being in a toxic relationship,” says Sabrina Jules, Program Manager Youth Services for Be Strong International, which is helping young people build healthy relationships through Project H.O.P.E., an interactive workshop series offered at 25 middle and high schools in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

No matter what the songs say and the movies show, love doesn’t hurt. But when you’re young and in your first romantic relationship, it can be easy to think your partner is proving their love for you with hurtful actions. Jealousy, controlling behavior may seem passionate and romantic, but it’s just emotional manipulation that often leads to physical abuse.

If you’re experiencing this harmful kind of relationship, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, up to 19% of teens experience sexual or physical dating violence, about half face stalking or harassment, and as many as 65% report being psychologically abused.

We’re spotlighting Project H.O.P.E. during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, observed every February by the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Love Is Respect project. The event raises awareness and offers support, information and advocacy for young people ages 13-26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships. This year’s theme is “Respect That.”

Respecting others must begin with respecting yourself, and that means learning to communicate in a healthy way with those who hurt you and call it love. That’s what teens learn in Project H.O.P.E.

“To know what a healthy relationship is, you have to first know yourself – your values, your beliefs and how to be your best person,” says Jules. Project H.O.P.E. takes a holistic approach that looks at the whole person, not just the part that dating represents.

The workshops teach participants how to recognize harmful relationships and the feelings they create and then how to speak up and express their discomfort or even fear. Role-playing is one of the workshops’ foundations.

“We might show an example of what is not a healthy way of communicating with somebody, with a child shouting and calling names,” Jules explains. “And then we’ll ask you to show us a healthy way to communicate.”

Teens learn to express themselves rationally, with words like “I feel” and “I think.” Setting emotional and physical boundaries is another foundation of the workshops.

“We all come from different childhoods, different homes and different traumas, so we all have different boundaries,” Jules says. “For example, I don’t like when someone is shouting or yelling at me, so for me, everything is about tone of voice.” Someone else might set boundaries around physical contact.

When someone crosses the boundary, it can be a red flag leading up to violence by the person who claims to love you. The first step is to communicate the feelings of discomfort or anxiety:

“I don’t like when you’re yelling, screaming, or shouting at me.”

“Things are going a little fast, and I’d rather not be physically intimate with you right now.”

It’s not easy for many teens to communicate these feelings, so Project H.O.P.E. teaches workshop participants to begin by simply trusting their instincts.

“Even if you’re not able to use your words, listen to your body, listen to your breathing, listen to how your body is,” Jules says.

And don’t keep the situation to yourself, she adds. She urges young people to talk to their parents when faced with these situations. If that’s not possible or you don’t feel comfortable, talk to another trusted adult.

“Just use your voice and be brave,” she advises. “But know when to leave.”

More information

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: www.loveisrespect.org/get-involved/tdvam

For help in a crisis: www.thehotline.org

Project H.O.P.E.: www.bestrongintl.org/project-hope