SCHOOLS across West Dunbartonshire have received 75 free copies of Your Money Matters, a financial education textbook which provides pupils with education on how to handle money.

The book is designed for S4 and S5 students but can be adapted for both younger and older students, and provides the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes towards money as they gain greater independence.

It is particularly important at a time when many families and individuals have been financially impacted by the pandemic.

By exploring a variety of themes around key topics such as saving, borrowing, security and fraud and the world of work, Your Money Matters will help students to become financially capable and learn to manage money successfully.

The 148-page textbook has been produced with support from Education Scotland and input from TV’s ‘Money Saving Expert’, Martin Lewis. It is mapped to the Curriculum for Excellence and has been trialled with teachers and students.

It is certified as a “Quality Mark” resource, which is the UK’s only widely recognised accreditation system for financial education resources.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, cabinet secretary for education and skills, added: “Financial education is an important part of the school curriculum, preparing young people with skills for life and work.

“I am pleased that this valuable resource for young people has been adapted for use in Scotland by Young Enterprise and that all secondary schools will receive copies.

“I am grateful to Martin Lewis, Young Money and the Money and Pensions Service for ensuring Scotland’s teenagers can engage with and learn from this excellent resource.”