Joseph A. Carpenter, co-owner of Carpenter Financial Services and an alumnus of Bishop McCort High School, recently returned to his alma mater alongside advisor Robert Sekerak, Jr. to educate students on personal finance. The duo also extended their outreach to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, continuing their mission to equip the next generation with essential financial knowledge.
At Bishop McCort, Carpenter and Sekerak visited two classrooms where students were learning from the Ramsey Education Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum, taught by instructors Jeff Philibin and Boston Bradley. Carpenter, a sponsor of the course at the school since 2021, and Sekerak built on the lessons of credit responsibility, and consumer awareness by introducing investing basics, emphasizing the value of starting early, staying out of debt, and maintaining a consistent financial plan.
At Pitt-Johnstown, they presented "The Basics of Investing" to students in Sandy Schrum’s Investments course. The presentation highlighted strategies like "paying yourself first," encouraging students to prioritize saving and investing as a foundation for long-term financial health.
Sekerak noted, "It’s inspiring to see how eager these students are to learn about financial planning. Sharing these concepts with them now can make a huge difference in their futures."
"Helping students understand and take control of their financial futures is an incredibly rewarding experience," Carpenter added. "These lessons can provide the foundation for lifelong financial confidence."
Through these initiatives, Carpenter Financial Services reaffirms its commitment to empowering students with the tools and confidence needed to navigate their financial futures successfully.
About Carpenter Financial Services:
Operating in Johnstown, Pennsylvania since 1953, Carpenter Financial Services began as an accounting firm founded by Samuel C. Carpenter. Today, the firm works with clients across the country to build the foundation for financial security and ensures they have the tools necessary to make informed financial decisions. Joe Carpenter is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®, a Certified Fund Specialist®, a Certified Senior Advisor and a Federal Retirement ConsultantSM.
Since 2021, Carpenter Financial Services has proudly sponsored the Ramsey Education Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum at Bishop McCort High School, equipping students with essential life skills in budgeting, staying out of debt, saving, and investing. Joe also takes an active role by visiting classrooms to interact with students, answer their questions, and share real-world insights, reflecting his dedication to fostering financial literacy and empowering young people to build a secure financial future. For more information, visit www.carpenterfinancialservices.com.
About Bishop McCort Catholic High School Inc.:
Bishop McCort Catholic High School (BMCHS), built in 1922, is an incorporated Catholic high school located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, approximately 67 miles east of Pittsburgh. Students of all religious denominations are challenged to develop independent critical-thinking skills necessary to be competitive in today’s global economy. One indicator of the quality of McCort’s academic program is the success of students in baccalaureate studies. The class of 2022 enjoyed a 100% graduation rate with 97% planning to pursue post-secondary degrees and 3% technical schooling or military service. For more information, visit www.mccort.org.
About University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown:
The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown offers a positive learning atmosphere, an outstanding record of student success, and a scenic natural environment. Pitt-Johnstown was founded in 1927, and is the first and largest regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt-Johnstown’s excellence is reflected by the accomplishments of students, faculty, and staff, the record of achievements of more than 22,000 alumni, the satisfaction of area employers, and the commendations of many external organizations. For more information, visit www.johnstown.pitt.edu.