Finance book for teens
- Client: SWEDBANK
- Year: 2023
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Services:
- ESG / Sustainability
- Integrated communication
About the project
Despite recent progress, the financial literacy of Lithuanian 15-year-olds remains below the OECD average. A 2019 survey by the Lithuanian Free Market Institute revealed that students in Lithuania lack basic economic knowledge, while teachers lack adequate tools to improve financial literacy. Similar challenges were highlighted in a Lithuanian Students’ Union survey.
To address this gap, Swedbank, a socially responsible institution dedicated to improving public financial literacy, initiated the publication of Start Now: A Financial Guide for Teenagers (Pradėk dabar: finansinis vadovas paaugliams). This educational book aims to equip young people with essential knowledge on managing money and preparing for financial independence.
The book was designed to appeal to teenagers aged 12-18, combining high-quality educational content with engaging contributions from prominent and successful Lithuanian figures. Alongside insights from author Jūratė Cvilikienė, notable contributors such as Beata Nicholson, Orijus Gasanovas, Rimvydas Širvinskas (Makalius), Ieva Krivickaitė, Tautvydas Marčiulaitis, and Laurynas Zmejauskas share inspiring stories, practical tips, and insights. Together, they address the key money-related questions young people often face.
The book was met with widespread acclaim. From the initial print run of 5,000 copies, 3,000 were sold, 660 were donated to municipal libraries, 100 were given to “Save the Children” day-care centers, and 300 were distributed to participants in Swedbank's youth programs. A second edition added another 4,500 copies, with more than half already sold.
Start Now received the prestigious TOP2021 badge from knygos.lt, Lithuania’s largest online book retailer. Additionally, the Lithuanian chapter of the International Board of Books for Young People nominated it for the Best Information Book of 2021 award.
The free e-book version has been viewed approximately 4,000 times online. Meanwhile, the book’s launch event on Facebook reached 86,000 viewers. To ensure accessibility, the e-book remains free, while physical copies are available in libraries, partner organizations, and bookstores.
Through this initiative, Swedbank has successfully contributed to enhancing financial literacy among young people, providing them with tools to manage money effectively and preparing them for financial independence.
