Every January, Middlebury College summons me to its campus to discuss financial literacy with a group of eager students. My lecture, titled 'Good Financial Hygiene — Lessons in Personal Finance', spans between 90 to 120 minutes, during which I share simple yet transformative financial principles drawn from a decade of experience interviewing wealthy individuals about money lessons they wish they'd known in their youth. Many students come to the realization that fundamental concepts such as 'paying yourself first' and 'automating savings' do not require formal financial training. I emphasize, 'Time is on your side. Don't wait. Start now!' This key takeaway underscores the importance of early savings and investing, backed by the compelling data that suggests Gen Z initiates their investment journeys at an average age of 19, much earlier than previous generations. One of the most potent themes of the lecture centers around compound interest — a concept that still eludes many. Only 23% of high school students were mandated to take personal finance classes in 2022, illustrating a crucial gap that we must continue to address. Understanding the mechanics of compounding can significantly boost one's wealth-building potential. The implicit message is clear: Investing is not exclusive to the affluent or financially astute. A student living on campus can begin today's journey into financial markets with just a small investment in index funds like the S&P 500. As we dive deeper, we also unpack the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, ensuring students comprehend that budgeting isn't a restriction but rather a strategy for liberation in financial choices. As students engage with these materials, their enthusiasm becomes palpable, reflecting a strong desire for financial education. In this constantly evolving landscape, the importance of ongoing discussions around personal finance cannot be overstated, as these conversations are key to nurturing a financially literate generation.