Capital One has set a Guinness World Record for the most users to take an online financial literacy lesson in 24 hours by enlightening 1,812 users.
The impact initiative, part of Capital One’s partnership with Khan Academy, aimed to provide free, high-quality financial education to improve the financial well-being of Americans.
The record-breaking event saw participation from the public and students from Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD (Newman Smith High School) and Richardson ISD (Buckner, Pearce, and Lake Highlands High Schools). On Tuesday, 450 students gathered at The Capital One Conference Center in Plano for the challenge, where they were joined by State Sen. Angela Paxton, State Rep. Mihaela Plesa, and Dallas Mavericks player P.J. Washington, who spoke on the importance of financial literacy.
The challenge encouraged participants to complete three financial lessons in about 30 minutes, as part of Capital One’s broader effort to make financial education accessible and engaging across the country.
‘Officially Amazing’: Stakeholders celebrate Capital One’s Guinness World Record achievement in financial literacy with awards, highlighting a milestone moment in their mission to promote financial education nationwide. [Capital One]
Sharing enthusiasm for ‘a vital skill’
Plesa said she was very excited to set the record together with students, noting that financial literacy isn’t just a textbook term but “a vital skill that will empower you to make informed decisions.”
“It’s going to help you build wealth and secure your financial independence,” she added in a statement. “The earlier you start learning about money management, the better equipped you will be to face your financial challenges into adulthood.”
TX Senator Angela Paxton [Capital One]
Paxton reiterated the importance of financial education on students, based on her 20 years as a teacher.
“This was really important to me as an educator, but I also know as a parent how important it’s been for my kids to understand how to handle their own money and to be successful in their future,” she said. “That’s important to me as a parent because I want them to be self-sufficient. I want them to be able to raise their own family and that’s what I want for you.”
PJ Washington [Capital One]
Washington told the students that saving their money is important to their future.
“I try to save as much as possible,” he told them. “As long as I’m saving more than what I’m spending, I think I will be in a good spot, and I think that’s a good way for you guys to think about it.”
“Some similarities in my goal-setting for basketball and goals for off the court—just be disciplined,” the Mavs star added. “I tell people all the time that being disciplined for six months can change your life forever. So just try to stay locked in, and you can do whatever you put your mind to.”
[Capital One]
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