Summary:
At Earn Your Freedom, we are addressing the devastating lack of financial literacy, a critical life skill overlooked in traditional education systems. Our engaging video game, Money Quest, makes learning about personal finance and economics fun and accessible. This imbues users with control of their financial future, breaking the cycle of financial ignorance and fostering economic independence.
Money Quest, provides users with an in-depth overview of all things personal finance, from budgeting, investing, index funds, real estate, and more. There are countless benefits to gamification, including enhanced motivation, engagement, and a 25% improvement in learning outcomes compared to traditional education. By structuring partnerships with other institutes across Texas, we can broaden our reach and deepen our impact allowing users to take control of their financial futures.
Project Context:
Here's the thing, America's got a huge problem - we're pretty bad at money. According to Time, two-thirds of us - that's about 221 million people - aren't financially literate. That's a whole lot of folks who are losing big bucks, to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars each year, all because managing money can be tricky. And this problem hits minority communities the hardest, keeping generations stuck in a cycle of money confusion that blocks their path to economic progress. And, guess what? Our education system hasn't been too keen on teaching us about dollars and cents. That's the messy problem we're fired up to tackle. Financial literacy shapes more than just your wallet - it reaches into every corner of your life, influencing your health, relationships, and beyond.
Project Progress:
Here is our timeline with key milestones to achieve over the next year.
| Year |
Quarter
|
Target Milestone
|
Overview
|
In-Game Focus
|
| 2023 |
Q3 |
Raise $30K
|
Implement a second round of alpha testing and pilot programs in local schools via after school programs to better understand user needs and identify areas to enhance gameplay. |
-Curriculum updates
-Minigame Plugins
-Storyline |
| 2023 |
Q4 |
Aim for $50K
|
We'll utilize the feedback we received to make significant improvements that align with our mission. We will ramp up our game quality and mechanics. Revamping our curriculum and storyline according to user input, we'll perform additional tests for efficacy, and introduce updates like character customization. Begin Beta Testing. |
-More variety of jobs/skill levels in-game
-Restylizing Artwork UX/UI
-Character Customization + update |
| 2024 |
Q1 |
Target $70K
|
We'll keep refining our game based on regular testing and user feedback. We'll also focus on mobile development for both iOS and Android platforms. Our mantra for this quarter - Test, Improve, Repeat! |
-Mobile App UI/UX
-Steam page launch & Design
-Expand Career Center |
| 2024 |
Q2 |
Aim to secure $100K
|
We plan to utilize the funds raised for handling server costs, user onboarding, constant game development, and testing, along with marketing strategies to raise awareness about our mission and reach more people. Our continuous aim is to upgrade and adapt our program, making it effective and responsive to the financial literacy needs of young adults. |
-Custom Housing modifications
-Pets in-game
-Real estate + Expansion
|
Project Purpose:
EYF is more than a company, it's a personal mission born out of our passion for promoting financial freedom and security. It all began with our founder, Grant, looking to solve his own financial struggles. Buried in student loans, drowning in credit card debt, and living paycheck to paycheck, just like 70% of Americans, he understood the urgent need for change.
Co-founder Keely's journey towards financial literacy was sparked by a tragedy, followed by costly errors. After the sudden loss of her mother and stepfather, she received a life insurance payout. However, being just 17 and unaware of the true value of money or where to best allocate it, she made ill-advised investment decisions that wiped out any financial cushion she might have had.
Now, we're on a mission to create the financial education program we wish we'd had, helping the next generation avoid the financial pitfalls we encountered. We believe in the right of everyone to have the knowledge and skills needed for sound financial decision-making - something our education system has neglected. Our personal experiences with financial illiteracy drive us to make a real difference by offering engaging and accessible financial education through Money Quest. Our ultimate goal? To help people escape the cycle of financial struggles and forge a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
