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Inside a Central Florida High School Auditorium Financial Literacy Takes Center Stage
July 09, 2026
School is out for the summer, but students from Osceola High School in Kissimmee are applying practical life lessons that will serve them well during the summer months – and beyond.
In April, representatives from Suncoast Credit Union joined around 150 students inside the school’s auditorium to talk about the importance of financial literacy.
From understanding credit to interpreting insurance costs, the students spent more than an hour cramming their minds with financial tidbits they can carry through every stage of life.
Janelle, 16, said she plans to go to college. The financial well-being seminar really resonated with her as she prepares for life after high school.
“I was curious about what can benefit my credit, what can cause it to go down,” she said.
Angelys Saez, Jose Serrano and Pete Abbate from Suncoast Credit Union presented the information in easy-to-understand ways, hoping the students remember it and apply it when making life decisions – big or small.
They regularly present all around Central Florida as part of the perks offered to Suncoast Credit Union members and community partners.
“It’s a good idea to start establishing credit as soon as possible, and when you do, use it correctly,” Saez said.
Saez explained why good credit matters for car loans, mortgages, credit cards and personal loans. She also discussed other important issues and encouraged students to approach financial situations with intelligence, knowledge and reason, especially when it comes to insurance, employment opportunities and housing.
Serrano stressed the importance of budgeting, elaborating on the idea of needs versus wants.
"I would say budgeting is the first thing," he said. "If you're having a little part-time job, if your parents give you money every week, save the money, have a goal, cover necessities and save money for the future," he explained.
Abbate also reiterated the importance of saving, recommending a set amount be put aside after each pay period.
"Whatever you get paid on a weekly basis, just make that money disappear," Abbate said. "Ten percent. That money is getting saved and saved and saved until you're older."
The Osceola Magic and Education Foundation of Osceola County assisted with the seminar.
In 2025, Suncoast Credit Union presented 419 financial literacy programs across Florida, and 267 schools and non-profit organizations were impacted as a result.
The credit union understands the importance of equipping people in the community with the information to help with their finances and often goes into communities to highlight the basics that can help any generation.
Ariah, 15, enjoyed the presentation and plans to put the information to good use, especially the sound advice about credit cards and savings.
“It was good,” she said. “I have an idea about personal finance and learned more about it here.”
Her main concern: Not knowing how to manage money.
“I like spending instead of saving,” Ariah said.
Now Ariah can head into the summer months with the tools and understanding she needs to make smarter choices with her money.
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