Financial literacy – a necessary skill in everyday life

February 18, 2026

Financial literacy is a vitally important skill that helps young people make more informed choices and cope better in everyday life. This doesn't just mean saving money, but also the ability to plan, think ahead, and make well-considered decisions. The earlier young people are introduced to the basics of financial literacy, the more confident and independent they will be in their decisions in the future.

In our youth center, we consciously focus on financial literacy and conduct various thematic activities and events. Together with young people, we discuss how to plan their money, what expenses to make, and try to get a better overview of their daily expenditures. We also talk simply about budgeting, distinguishing between needs and wants, and why it is important to think through one's expenses.

Practical experience is an important part of learning financial literacy. That's why we also went to the store with the young people, where we tried to make more conscious choices when buying groceries. We discussed which products offer the most reasonable price-quality ratio, how to compare different goods, and how much and what we actually need to buy. We also drew the young people's attention to food expiration dates to reduce unnecessary waste.

Together, we discussed meal planning and creating a simple and affordable menu. Together with the young people, we came to understand how planning helps save both money and time, and why it's sensible to plan purchases in advance. Such discussions and activities help young people better understand the value of money and connect everyday choices to the bigger picture.

Practical and discussion-based activities support the development of young people's independence and sense of responsibility. Financial literacy is not just theory – it's a skill that can be learned and practiced step-by-step, together with others. The safe and supportive environment created at the youth center gives young people the opportunity to ask questions, try new things, and learn through experiences.

Aleksandra Shcherbakova
Youth worker at Anneke Youth Center

Image source: https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/family-shopping-supermarket-foodstuff-store_22048160.htm?epik=dj0yJnU9QldaS2NlbWZ3bjJFTXhxVDItUlN1Nk53bHgyNXlRMTEmcD0wJm49dW02ZC1lbVowWFNmc0pyTElxZlNOdyZ0PUFBQUFBR21CeVNF

news:

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion — Our German Learning Mobility Program

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in youth work mean creating a safe and supportive environment where differences are not only acknowledged but also genuinely valued and encouraged. This means ensuring equal access, active participation, and a sense of belonging for all young people. This approach goes beyond merely taking into account differences in origin, gender, abilities, or orientation; it is aimed at removing barriers, expanding opportunities for marginalized and minority groups, and ensuring their full inclusion in all activities. Inclusion

For Your Information: Sleep as a Superpower

With the arrival of spring—accompanied by birdsong and the awakening of nature—comes a period that is stressful and hectic for so many young people and adults alike. Whether it’s due to graduations, the final stages of various projects, or simply the anticipation of summer. During this time, it’s important to take care of your health and maintain your routines, one of the most important of which is a healthy sleep routine

Connected internationally! A week in Latvia—fun, interesting, and memorable!

Eight young people from the Tartu Youth Work Center had the amazing opportunity to take part in the “Toolbox for Tomorrow” youth exchange in Latvia, which focused on digital tools, environmental development, design, and storytelling. Over 40 young people from Estonia, Latvia, Turkey, Italy, and Hungary took part in the youth exchange. On March 7, we set off with the group from Tartu train station toward Valmiera,

The Erasmus+ project gave young people the opportunity to organize their own esports event

At the end of February, the A. Le Coq Sport Sports Center was filled with e-sports enthusiasts for the Game in Tartu 2026 festival, dedicated to gaming culture. Over the course of two days, nearly 500 people from across Estonia visited the event; 20 organizations showcased their activities; and more than 50 organizers and volunteers contributed to the festival’s success. As part of Game in Tartu 2026, there was

The Tartu Youth Work Brigade is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a new visual identity

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Tartu Youth Work Brigade. This is a significant milestone that demonstrates Tartu’s consistent commitment to providing young people with their first work experiences, fostering their independence, and developing their social skills. To mark the anniversary, the work camp has also received a new visual identity that uses vibrant colors to reflect the energy of young people and brings together symbols that are important to the camp participants.

School Break City Camp – One Day, One Place, Lots of Fun!

We put together a varied program for every school break, but City Camp Day is the most special day of the entire break. On this day, Tartu’s youth gather at a single youth center. While all five centers are usually open, during City Camp, activities take place in just one location. This gives young people the chance to visit a place they might not otherwise go to on a daily basis

Ilmatsalu youth's small dream

The older teens at Ilmatsalu have had a little dream for a long time: a pool table—after all, every youth center for older teens has one. Until now, Ilmatsalu has only had a ping-pong table, which wasn’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea. So, one day in January, the topic of a pool table for the Ilmatsalu Youth Center came up again among the youth workers. I had an idea