Teaching Financial Literacy: Lessons from a Mortgage Agent

Recently, I had the privilege of teaching a financial literacy workshop to a group of students in Mississauga. Let me tell you, nothing prepares you for the combination of bright curiosity and brutal honesty that teenagers bring to a classroom. While mortgages might seem like the least exciting topic to a group more interested in TikTok trends than fixed versus variable rates, I discovered something wonderful: these students get it!.

Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building a foundation for life. And whether they realized it or not, the students were getting an early peek into the grown up world of budgeting, saving, and yes, mortgages.

Breaking Down Financial Literacy: The Fun (and Funny) Moments

Walking into that classroom, I was ready with a Slide deck, some handouts, (thank you JA Canada for the material) and a few cheezie jokes about interest rates to lighten the mood. But it quickly became apparent that the students were more engaged than I expected.

One student asked, "Lets use $450,000 and see how much my Ferrari would cost?" Cue the laughs. But that opened the door to a great conversation about responsibility, equity, and making informed decisions.

We talked about the basics of budgeting, debt management, and credit scores. Concepts that are vital whether you're buying your first car, getting a phone plan, or dreaming of owning a home someday. What amazed me was their hunger for real world knowledge. They wanted to know how mortgages worked, why down payments mattered, and even what refinancing was all about.

Tying It Back to Mortgages: A Life Lesson

I took the opportunity to connect their questions to real life scenarios. I explained how their financial decisions now whether it’s saving part of their allowance or being cautious about credit card use later can impact their ability to buy a home one day.

I showed them how compound interest works, both as a friend when you’re saving and as a potential negative when debt isn’t managed properly.

Why Financial Literacy Matters

As a licensed mortgage agent, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of financial knowledge can lead to poor decisions that cost people their dreams of homeownership. That’s why I believe teaching financial literacy isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s a necessary thing to do.

In the mortgage world, I often work with clients to consolidate debt, save money, and navigate financial challenges. And while it’s rewarding to help them, I can’t help but think, “What if they had learned these skills earlier?”

By teaching students these concepts now, I’m planting seeds that might one day grow into informed decisions, sound financial habits, and, perhaps, their first mortgage application with yours truly. (Hey, I can dream, right?)

Final Thoughts

Leaving that classroom, I felt a sense of hope and accomplishment. Sure, not every student will become a financial whiz or an aspiring homeowner tomorrow. But if even one of them remembers what I said about managing debt or saving for their first home, I’ll consider it a win.

Here’s to building brighter futures, one financial literacy workshop (and maybe one mortgage) at a time.

Kat Brazier - Mortgage Agent Level 2
416-464-6763
info@katbrazier.com