ShareOne ReviewsCustomer story · Free Yourself
High School Student Learns to Open Roth IRA and Build Wealth Step-by-Step
Michael · Recorded 6/19/2025
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- Share One · June 19, 2025
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Michael Mandia used Free Yourself to transition from knowing very little about money to actively investing in mutual funds. He gained the technical skills to open a Roth IRA and manage his spending. This foundational knowledge led him to pursue a finance degree at the University of Florida to continue building long-term wealth.
At a glance
- Primary Use Case
- Financial literacy and investing education for students
- Reported Result
- Opened a Roth IRA and started investing in mutual funds
- Time to Value
- Started during junior year of high school
“I was taken step by step on exactly what to do... learning exactly how to fill out the paperwork to open your own Roth IRA.”
“I think this course has changed my future financially. I have already started investing and watching that money grow.”
“Three things that changed my life while moving forward is, starting to invest, as well as learning how to make myself rich, and not others.”
The interview
Who are you and what is your background?
I'm Michael Mandia from Stony Point, New York. I graduated in 2024, and I just finished my first year at the University of Florida.
What was your financial knowledge like before taking the course?
Before taking this course, I knew very little about money and investing. I was only a junior in high school. So, besides what my parents told me, and trying to save my money as best as I can, I really didn't know much.
How has the course changed your behavior with money?
Taking this course has changed my behavior with money because I now watch my spending more, I'm focused on investing, and I don't spend money on things I don't need.
What specific technical skills did you learn?
I was taken step by step on exactly what to do, showing me what a mutual fund is and what it's made up of, learning exactly how to fill out the paperwork to open your own Roth IRA.
What are the three main things that changed your life moving forward?
Three things that changed my life while moving forward is, starting to invest, as well as learning how to make myself rich, and not others. And then lastly, learning how to step by step become wealthy and build on it.
Why would you recommend someone take this course?
I think someone should take this course because School Zone teaches us a lot about investing. It teaches you step by step, it compiles information so you know exactly where to start and exactly where you'll end up.
How has this impacted your future and college experience?
I think this course has changed my future financially. I have already started investing and watching that money grow. It's also led me to take finance in college. It's really helped me adapt easily.
What is your final recommendation for the Free Yourself course?
I would recommend the Free Yourself course to others because not a lot of people have lot of opportunities to reach out, as well as any background information. They are there to help you learn, to help you grow, and invest wisely and watch you build wealth.
Frequently asked
How does a beginner learn where to start with investing?
Michael Mandia noted that before the course, he wouldn't even know where to start. Free Yourself provided a step-by-step guide that compiled information so he knew exactly where to begin and what his end goals should be.
Can a high school student learn to manage a Roth IRA?
Yes, Michael Mandia learned exactly how to fill out the paperwork to open his own Roth IRA while he was still in high school through the course's step-by-step instructions.
Does financial literacy education impact college career choices?
For Michael, the course changed his future financially and led him to take finance in college, helping him adapt easily to the subject matter at the University of Florida.
Full transcript
About Free Yourself
Free Yourself
Official site: www.freeyourself4life.comFree Yourself provides financial education and investing courses designed to help individuals build long-term wealth. They serve students and young adults by offering step-by-step guidance on mutual funds, Roth IRAs, and wise spending habits. The program transforms financial novices into confident investors who understand how to make themselves rich rather than others.
- Industry
- Financial Literacy Education
Topics
- financial literacy
- student
- investing
- wealth building
- personal finance education
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How this story was recorded
What equipment did Michael need to record this story?
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Recorded and verified with Share One. Published as recorded — unpaid, unscripted, and attributed to a named person.
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