In two weeks, Meg Lovercamp will retire from a 20-year teaching career, including 15 years at Wenatchee High School in Washington. A passionate business educator, she spent the last two years exclusively teaching Financial Literacy—a subject she proudly calls “the best class at WHS” because of its life-changing relevance. Learn more about Meg.

What is one of your earliest money memories?

As a 3rd grader, I would vacuum my oldest sister’s car and she would let me keep all the spare change in her car. I was very motivated to clean every nook and cranny!

Another memory is when my Great Aunt Marion sent me a $10 birthday check. In second grade, that was a big deal! I folded it up carefully and put it in my piggy bank. (I had no idea it would soon become an outstanding check.) 

Describe your school and the size, location, and community where it is located. 

Wenatchee H. S. is a 4A-sized school with approximately 2,000 students. Over half of our students have a Latino background.

We are located in the north central part of Washington state. We have a large agricultural presence with cherry, apple, pear orchards along with some vineyards. 

How long have you been teaching? And how many of those years have you taught personal Finance? 

Over 20 years! The number of years of full-time teaching business education classes is 3 years at Highline H.S. and 15 years at Wenatchee High School.

I have also taught 4 quarters as an adjunct professor at Wenatchee Valley College. In addition I taught part time at our WSD parent-partnered program, Valley Academy for a span of eight years. All in all, 20 years!

What other classes do you teach? And what age are your students?

For the last two years, I have taught Financial Literacy. Prior to that, I taught Personal Finance and prior to that I taught Money Management. Our school board made Fin Lit a graduation requirement, so I was happy to teach Fin Lit exclusively. In previous years, I have also taught Business Communications. This class is now designated as a sophomore through senior class.

What makes you passionate about personal finance education?

Real-life relevance! It’s no longer considered just a “good idea” to take this class. I believe it will impact students’ lives.

I get to deliver the content and help provide a foundation, but it is the students' choice as to how they live it out. Sharing what they learn with their family can make a positive generational difference.

Can you provide an example of how a lesson taught in class helped a student and/or someone in their family make a better money decision?

While in the Managing Credit unit, I was teaching the Avalanche vs. the Debt Snowball method. One senior commented, “I am so glad I came today, I am totally going to do this!”

Of course my hope is that she will never find herself in this situation, but I know that if she does, she will have the ability to shovel herself out of that debt hole.

Another lesson I love to teach is the Budgeting With Roommates project. I am convinced that if roommates went over the ROOMMATE AGREEMENT before they stepped foot in their future apartment, 90% of the roommate drama would be eliminated.

I also love to see how the students reason out who will pay for different apartment expenses. The conversations and their rationale are delightful!

How has being part of the NGPF network helped you personally? Professionally?  

I love NGPF! It would be critical if I were a one-person department, but even though there are four of us in the Business department, the camaraderie that is gained online through PDs is priceless. Ideas other teachers shared have helped me better present a lesson or anticipate questions students might have.

What advice do you have for other personal finance teachers?

Let your passion shine! I stand behind the statement I make on the first day of class: This is the BEST CLASS AT WHS! I quickly add, NOT because I teach it, but because it is SO RELEVANT to your life! Live out what you learn along the way. It’s relevant for students, but also for teachers.

Is there anything else about you, your school, or your personal finance journey that you would like us to know?

I have been blown away by the generosity of NGPF! FREE TRAINING, FREE SWAG, FREE CREDITS, FREE CURRICULUM. ALL HIGH QUALITY! WOW!

When I attended my first FinCamp in January 2020, I was told that we would get a $100 bill and a free bottle of wine. I remember exclaiming, “Is this a joke?”

As teachers we are so used to doing extras without any compensation. It was so refreshing to be recognized and rewarded. Thank you NGPF!

Personally, I am retiring this year (only 14 days to go!) My passion for Financial Literacy is not retiring. When I told my administrator I just earned senior status in the NGPF Academy and that I am considering going to the FinCamp in Seattle, he looked at me like I was crazy! 

Congratulations on your retirement, Meg! We're glad to hear you're remaining passionate about financial education. 

About the Author

Hannah Rael

As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.