State Secretary Jurgen Nobel: Young people are increasingly tempted by buy now, pay later to spend money they do not have. With good financial lessons, you learn to handle money more consciously and prevent debts. Children develop habits at a young age that form the basis for their further life, also financially. So it really is: learned young, done old.
Figures from Nibud for 2024 show that 40% of 18- to 30-year-olds have difficulty making ends meet. 3% of young people between 16 and 25 years have problematic debts, according to CBS figures. For young adults, this applies to more than 20%.
With the rise of digital developments, such as buy now, pay later, the risk of payment arrears increases. In 2023, minors made 600,000 Buy now, Pay later transactions. Some of these faced reminder fees or a collection agency.
Apply for subsidy
With the subsidy, schools can prepare their pupils and students to handle money wisely. This is the 4th time schools can apply for the subsidy. In the past 3 years, more than 200 school boards received an amount.
Schools use the money to integrate financial education within existing subjects, such as math or economics. In secondary education and MBO, there is help for pupils and students, for example with applying for allowances when they turn 18. And at other schools, pupils can get financial advice at special consultation hours. Various primary schools support parents in the financial upbringing of their children, for example with workshops.
From February 2, 9:00 AM until March 16, 5:00 PM, school boards can submit an application for the subsidy. They can spend the money spread over three school years. Only school boards that have not applied before are eligible.
For information, visit geldlessen.nl/subsidie or directly do the subsidy application.