Phil Campbell High School is acting on the idea that it is never too early to start learning about finances, with a class of students taking a financial literacy course from finance giant Dave Ramsey.

PCHS JAG students began the course in the spring semester with the will to learn how to avoid debt and learn money management.

Ruby Mauro-Torres is among the students taking advantage of the class.

“I believe this course will help me as I become an adult because I will already have a strong basis of money management, and I will be able to avoid steps that others have followed into debt,” said Mauro-Torres, adding she also believes the course will help her begin working toward a financially stable future. “I can learn what I can start doing now to secure my financial success and learn better ways to manage my money habits for the future,” Mauro-Torres said.

“I can also learn how to save and invest my money at a young age to maximize its time and ability to grow.”

Classmate Oscar Molina agreed with Mauro-Torres and said the class is also teaching how to prioritize needs over wants to avoid going into debt.

“This will help me later on as an adult because I will be more aware with personal finance and be able to save instead of spending on objects that aren’t necessary to have,” Molina said.

Molina said the goal is to be able to be financially independent and not have to rely on help from others.

Dave Ramsey is a financial adviser who has been working for more than 20 years to help people get out of debt and learn to manage their finances.

“The thing I am looking forward to the most about completing this course is my overall growth in controlling my money behavior, being money smart to help myself and others in the future and learning how to be as financially successful as possible,” Mauro-Torres said.