Ellis Dogbe

SFEPD Student Ambassador
Livingstone College
Hometown: Accra, Ghana

Growing up, what kind of relationship did you have with money?

Whenever I received money as a child, it was customary to hand it over to adults, as kids were often seen as too immature to manage it. Fortunately, as I grew older, my father gave me opportunities to handle money and consistently advised me on how to manage and maintain it responsibly.

What was it like to serve as an SFEPD Student Ambassador teaching your peers about personal finance, and what did you learn about yourself from this experience?

I realized that many people genuinely want to improve their relationship with money, but the stigma around asking questions about finances often holds them back. I truly enjoyed seeing students actively ask questions, eager to deepen their understanding of financial literacy.

What are the major benefits of students learning personal finance skills through seminars and classes during their college years?

Some benefits I see are helping students learn to manage money wisely, avoid debt, plan for the future, and build wealth early, boosting their confidence and financial security.

When should students start learning basic concepts about personal finance (in elementary, middle school, high school, or college) and why?

The earlier, the better—so I would say elementary school. Starting young allows individuals to build a healthy relationship with money from the beginning, rather than growing up and later having to correct financial misconceptions or unlearn negative habits.

If you could share one financial tip with college students, what would it be?

Start preparing for retirement NOW!

As a result of your Student Ambassador experience, what key lessons did you learn to help you manage your money better and is planning for your financial future an important goal after college?

My experience as a student ambassador has helped me build upon my knowledge of mutual funds and retirement accounts. It has helped me better understand what it takes to retire early.

How did serving as a Student Ambassador help you prepare for your future and your career goals?

I aspire to pursue a career in accounting or investment banking. Serving as a student ambassador has deepened my understanding of financial planning and significantly improved my presentation skills—an essential asset for my anticipated career.