It only takes a week or two for Mr. Feinberg to become a familiar face to any Holyoke High student. He can be found outside room 214 banging his yardstick against the lockers on any given day. Something not everyone knows about though, is his half year course offered solely to seniors; Financial Literature.

Starting in 1992 as Consumer Math, Mr. Feinberg began teaching students the in’s and out’s of “basic financial knowledge.”

“Every senior needs financial education,” said Feinberg, “knowledge of money is critical to survival in our society.”

He believes Financial Lit should even be a required course for seniors, since they are the closest to being plunged head first into the realities of the adult world. Teaching about smart saving, investing, retirement, and the value of home ownership, Feinberg’s class prepares the senior students who opt to take his elective for what life will be like outside of the classroom, once you’re on your own; college bound or otherwise.

“I like how his class makes managing your money seem easy,” said Linoska Hernandez – a student currently taking Financial Lit, “his lesson plans are always organized and easy to understand.”

Leaping from high school to any form of adulthood can be frightening and confusing, but luckily enough for the students of Holyoke High – we have this amazing elective that can help give any interested student a leg up in understanding the basics of financing and how to be smart with the money you make.

“They have a name for people that don’t understand money… indigent,” said Feinberg – and that is the last thing he wants to see any of his students become.

So when you juniors are sitting and picking your classes for next year, give Financial Lit a go. It is truly one of the most valuable courses our school has to offer.