Sumon Mondal

SFEPD Student Ambassador
Livingstone College
Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

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

My relationship with money was good.

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 learned a lot about people and their perspective about money. I enjoyed the most when I am clearing their doubts and misconceptions.

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

The major benefits of students learning personal finance skills while in college is they are less likely to make credit mistakes and can start investing early. Good financial decisions lead to a better life.

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

I believe young people should start learning basic concepts about personal finance as early as possible, ideally in elementary school. Introducing financial literacy at a young age helps build a strong foundation for understanding money management, budgeting, and saving, setting them up for a lifetime of financial success.

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

If I could share one financial tip with college students, it would be to start building good money habits now. Whether it’s setting a budget, saving regularly, or avoiding unnecessary debt, developing smart financial practices early on can set you up for success in the long run.

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?

As a Student Ambassador, I learned the importance of budgeting, saving, and avoiding unnecessary debt. These lessons have helped me manage my money better now by prioritizing my spending, setting financial goals, and being mindful of my financial decisions. Planning for my financial future is definitely an important goal after I graduate from college. I understand the significance of saving for emergencies, investing for the long term, and building financial security for myself.

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

As a Student Ambassador and SFEPD Student Assistant, I honed my communication skills and deepened my understanding of personal finance concepts, preparing me for a career in financial education and advocacy. These roles solidified my passion for empowering others through education and equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to pursue my goals.