In May 2023, youth workers from across Europe gathered in Benalmádena, Spain, for the Erasmus+ training course Navigating Digital Finance. The program was designed to strengthen young people’s understanding of financial literacy in the digital age. Participants came from diverse backgrounds but shared a common goal: to explore how financial education could support youth empowerment and personal independence. Hosted in a collaborative and engaging environment, the training provided a space to share national challenges, learn about digital tools, and develop practical strategies to improve financial well-being among young people. For the Romanian participants representing the NGO GO OVER ALL LIMITS – TRECI PESTE TOATE LIMITELE, the course became a turning point in how they saw their role in youth development.
In Romania, young people continue to face serious challenges when it comes to financial literacy. In May 2023, the economic situation was marked by rising inflation, increasing housing costs, and limited access to trusted financial education in schools. Many youth in urban and rural areas did not fully understand how to manage bank accounts, avoid debt, or budget their expenses. The widespread use of digital banking and online shopping added new complications. Scams, risky loans, and unclear mobile contracts were becoming more common, especially among teenagers and students who lacked support in making informed decisions. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds or rural communities were even more affected, often lacking access to digital devices or stable internet connections.
GO OVER ALL LIMITS had already worked with vulnerable youth on topics such as career guidance and emotional well-being, but financial education was not a strong focus before the training. They noticed that many of the young people they supported were struggling with simple money management. Some were already in small debts due to phone subscriptions or online purchases. Others had little awareness of how saving money, understanding contracts, or comparing digital financial services could improve their daily lives. The team saw the problem clearly but lacked the tools and confidence to address it properly.
The training in Benalmádena offered a fresh perspective. It introduced the participants to a wide range of financial tools and methods that were both modern and accessible. They learned about the differences between traditional and digital finance, the importance of budgeting apps, the risks of digital fraud, and the value of saving strategies. One of the most eye-opening parts was discovering how digital financial literacy was not only about money but also about autonomy and future planning. Participants from other countries shared how they had integrated finance education into informal learning spaces, youth centers, and even through creative media like podcasts and Instagram reels. The Romanian team was particularly inspired by a session on storytelling and money, where participants explored their emotional relationship with spending and saving. It showed that financial habits are often shaped by emotions, family culture, and peer influence—and not just by numbers.
After the training, the Romanian team decided to act. They developed a project called Banii Contează (Money Matters), focused on helping young people in their community better understand digital finance in a fun, inclusive, and practical way. The program started with informal workshops in youth clubs and vocational schools, where participants could share their experiences with money and digital platforms in a safe space. The sessions used gamified tools, such as role-playing simulations of online banking, digital budgeting games, and real-world case studies of online frauds. These tools helped make the topic more engaging and helped participants feel less judged for not knowing everything.
A special feature of the Banii Contează project was the “Finance Mentor” system. Older youth who had completed the training were invited to mentor younger peers through guided conversations about everyday financial decisions. This peer-to-peer model was inspired directly by the training in Benalmádena, where participants saw how shared experience created trust and openness. The mentors helped guide their peers through activities like comparing online savings accounts, building a monthly budget, or reading the fine print of mobile contracts. In many cases, these informal conversations led to deeper confidence and stronger friendships.
The project also created short videos for social media, focusing on practical digital finance tips. The youth team wrote the scripts themselves and filmed simple scenarios like “What to check before using a buy-now-pay-later service” or “How to avoid fake investment ads.” These videos were shared across platforms like TikTok and Facebook, reaching not only their peers but also parents and teachers. The visibility of the campaign brought positive feedback from local schools, who requested to include the workshops in their optional curriculum. Some teachers also used the videos in economics classes to make the content more relatable.
As the project grew, its impact became visible. In just a few months, more than 200 youth across three towns participated in the workshops. Over 50 completed the mentorship cycle and reported feeling more confident with their financial decisions. Some participants used what they learned to open savings accounts, while others helped their families review home expenses. A few even said the project helped them avoid online scams or learn how to say no to risky purchases. The NGO also began collaborating with a local bank that offered to support educational materials and host safe “bank tours” for young people, explaining how digital systems work in practice.
GO OVER ALL LIMITS noticed a shift in the youth’s mindset. Young people were no longer afraid to talk about money. They asked questions, compared options, and gave advice to friends. Financial literacy, once seen as boring or too technical, became a source of confidence and pride. The organization itself also changed. Financial education became a permanent part of their youth development strategy, and they trained their own team members in how to deliver the sessions with empathy and clarity. They also began advocating for the inclusion of digital finance education in local youth policy discussions.
Reflecting on the journey, the team believes that the training in Benalmádena was more than just a course. It was a moment of change. It helped them see financial literacy not as a separate topic, but as something central to every young person’s life—affecting their freedom, safety, and opportunity. It also showed them that digital finance can be used as a tool for empowerment when explained in a relatable and inclusive way.
In a fast-changing world, where technology affects every area of life, young people need more than digital skills—they need digital understanding. They need to know how to protect themselves, how to plan, and how to make choices that support their dreams. Through programs like Banii Contează, youth workers can help close the gap between financial systems and real youth lives.
The future belongs to young people who are not only creative and passionate but also informed and equipped to manage the responsibilities of adulthood. Financial literacy is not about becoming a banker—it is about becoming a confident, independent person in a digital world. The experience in Benalmádena reminded the Romanian team that youth work is about giving tools, but also about giving hope. With the right support, young people will not only navigate the world of digital finance—they will shape it.