Dear Readers, 

Welcome to Arkansas NEXT Money, your go-to guide for navigating the world of money matters. Whether you're thinking about your first paycheck, saving for college or wondering how credit cards work, we're here to help you build a strong financial foundation that will serve you for a lifetime.

Understanding money is one of the most important skills you can develop, and yet, it's rarely taught in school. That's why we've created this publication—to break down key financial concepts in an engaging way, practical and easy to apply to your everyday life. We aim to give you the knowledge to make smart financial decisions, avoid common mistakes and achieve financial independence.

In this issue, we'll explore topics like budgeting basics, the pros and cons of student loans, how to start saving with just a little money and the truth about credit scores. You'll also hear from young entrepreneurs who are already turning their financial dreams into reality and experts who share their best money tips for teens.

Remember: financial success isn't about how much money you have but how well you manage it. The earlier you start, the better prepared you'll be for the future.

So, dive in, take notes, ask questions, and, most importantly, take action. Your financial foundation starts today.

Happy reading!

Sincerely,

Rachel Pitre
Publisher, Arkansas Next