All people are going to have to deal with money at some point within their lifetime. No matter the number in one's bank account, one goal most people's share in life is to grow and care for their money. However, many people do not learn about personal finances and how to sustain their wealth until well into college. For some, the topics of finance are not even covered in college, and people are forced to figure it out on their own. So why, for something that is so crucial and prevalent to one's future, are the basic principles of finance not introduced sooner into people's lives?
Sean Caldwell, a current Junior at Providence Day School is trying to close the gap between finance and the age at which it is normally taught by creating a club which teaches investment and money managing strategies. During the beginning of high school, Caldwell picked up a interest for business while studying basic economics in a ninth grade civics class. As the year went along, he continued to do outside research regarding everything from business management to how hedge funds work. However, Caldwell explained the thing that really caught his eye was investing and the stock market.
He decided to fine focus his reading and research directly on the stock market and personal finance. His greatest source of knowledge came from reading, Caldwell read books and newspapers, watched videos, and read more books. As his interest into this “hobby” grew, so did his knowledge. Soon he was reading Forbes and the Wall Street Journal, gaining a financial literacy that most young adults do not have.
As Caldwell's time throughout high school progressed, he continued personal research and reading, trying to gain the most extensive knowledge that he could regarding the stock market. Caldwell was looking for a way to put his knowledge and newfound passion to test, so he joined the Providence Day Business Club during his 10th grade school year. While he enjoyed his time in the club, it was not what he was looking for. To Caldwell, the club only touched on the basics, and he wanted to know everything.
During the summer before Caldwell's upcoming Junior year, he connected with Reed Baker, a fellow Providence Day School student, and investment enthusiast. They decided they wanted to create a club, one that focused solely on investing and finance, so they took matters into their own hands. He and Baker created the curriculum and basis as of what they wanted to provide through their new investment club. As the school year came into sight they were excited to bring their new idea to the administration, but most of all to the students.
When the school year began it was time for the new clubs to be announced. Unfortunately, Caldwell and Baker did not hear the news that they were looking for. Their plan for a new club had been rejected. The Upper School administration felt that the club was to redundant because the Business Club already existed, and the teachers that they approached felt the same way. This setback did not deter Caldwell, and rather motivated him further. Now, rather than creating the school sponsored club, he and Baker had the opportunity to start something new. An off the books group was created, known as The Investment Society, or IMS for short. The group met weekly, gaining followers, and spreading financial literacy throughout the school. As the following grew, and word spread of the new club, the meetings began to fill up.
As the following grew, and word spread of the new club, the meetings began to fill up. More and more kids were coming to hear the weekly lessons taught by Caldwell. Ranging from how to buy and sell bonds, to suggesting stocks to invest in. According to IMS member Ryan Heffes, the meetings were informative, interesting, and well planned.
Finally, after months of meeting as an un-sanctioned club Caldwell had reached his goal. IMS was finally recognized as a school club, and got its own teacher advisor. What started as a hobby and small interest for Caldwell bloomed into a club of nearly 30 people. His determination and passion allowed for him to bring something he was passionate about to Providence Day, and spread his knowledge of investing.
Caldwell was looking for a way to put his knowledge and newfound passion to test.
The Investment Guru
By Sam Katz
Junior Sean Caldwell is trying to bring his passion for investing and finance into high school classrooms and bridge the gap between age and financial knowledge.
Photo Courtesy of Alex Pruidos
The official logo of the IMS club at Providence Day School. Image courtesy of Sean Caldwell.
As the school year came into sight they were excited to bring their new idea to the administration, but most of all to the students.
Current members of the Providence Day Investment Club. Photo thanks to Sean Caldwell.
What started as a hobby and small interest for Caldwell bloomed into a club of nearly 30 people.
The Charger, May 2017
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