The second month of the new school year is ending, which means the many clubs at White Plains High School are starting up again, and new ones are being formed. One new club this year is Finance Club, started by junior Amir Melibaev and sophomore Judah Goldman. Club meetings are open to all grades, 9–12, and students learn how to manage money and prepare for the future.
So far, an average of around 30 members have been showing up to the meetings, which are held Fridays right after school in C110. Co-president Goldman is excited about the potential of the club, the learning opportunities it will bring, and is hopeful that more people will join.
The main goal of the club is to create an understanding of smart investing. Learning how to balance and keep track of money is an “important life skill that everyone should have.” The club uses an Excel spreadsheet to track attendance and other information, and officers and members are rewarded for being active participants.
Some topics the club will explore are basic personal finance and budgeting, using a credit card, how to earn and save, how the stock market works and how to invest in it, the economy, gambling versus investing, how crypto and credit scores work, investing in other countries, and various careers in finance. The club has also started an online stock market competition to give members some hands-on experience.
Goldman says that if he were to describe the club in three words, it would be “real world preparation.” By sharing their knowledge of finance and statistics, Goldman and Melibaev create a practical, almost entirely student-run learning environment. Clubs like these reward critical thinking, foster ways to improve, and offer leadership opportunities. They also give students the chance to learn something new that will be beneficial in the future and look great on college applications. Goldman believes the club has the potential to stand out because it has drive and purpose.
Melibaev added, “The best investment is one in yourself.” Both students are hopeful that, together and with the help of others, their efforts will create a meaningful and impactful environment.
Future goals for the club include teaching ways to avoid gambling or putting too much money into a single stock. This year, the Finance Club will explore practical scenarios, make connections, and share tips on spending and saving. The club emphasizes the importance of setting long- and short-term goals. Goldman says the main objective is “to inform as many people as possible” about money management. He wants to make things informative but interesting enough to keep people coming back. He jokingly notes that increasing financial literacy will prevent people our age “from putting your life savings on red.” Each meeting is designed so members learn something new, such as what an ETF is.
Students can stop by Finance Club in C110 to find out more. Who knows? It might even inspire you to start your own club or try investing for yourself.
