November 4, 2025

Weekly Video: Everything You Need to Know About Lifestyle Math

In need of a financial literacy curriculum or wanting more information about Lifestyle Math? Check out this video and request a free preview today.

You can also check out an article written by Lifestyle Math author and Academic Innovations CEO, Mindy Bingham, to learn more about students knowing their “Lifestyle Number” and why it’s so important.

Professional Development Opportunities—With More Coming Soon

Lifestyle Math professional development is coming soon! Stay tuned for new training opportunities designed to help educators bring real-world financial literacy to life in every classroom.

In the meantime, we’re continuing to offer a range of virtual professional development sessions beyond Lifestyle Math. These interactive workshops are designed to help you get the most out of your Career Choices series curriculum—from supporting middle school transitions to full implementation sessions featuring hands-on strategies and My10YearPlan.com® integration.

You can also contact Sandy Ward at sandy@academicinnovations.com or book a one-on-one planning session to find out about additional dates or custom PD options.

Closing the Achievement Gap

The achievement gap—persistent disparities in student performance by race, income, and geography—remains a key challenge for K‑12 schools. Research shows that using disaggregated data and early, structured academic and career planning are critical to narrowing these gaps. For instance, the Hanover Research emphasizes that “data acts as the bridge between your goals and results” in closing achievement gaps. 

At Academic Innovations, we support educators with tools that help every student build a meaningful 10‑year Plan, monitor progress through data, and engage in goal‑oriented advising—strategies aligned with research on effective gap‑reduction.

Meet the Staff: Ashley Neckel, Curriculum Specialist

Ashley Neckel joined the Academic Innovations team in 2022. With an M.S. in Strategic Communication from Purdue University and a strong background in math, Ashley brings both skill and enthusiasm to her work. Inspired by Mindy Bingham’s vision, she is dedicated to helping the next generation build confidence, resilience, and purpose—and to translating those qualities into the skills and mindset they need to thrive in school, career, and life.

Upcoming Conferences Where We Can Meet!

Meet Ashley and other Academic Innovations staff at these events. We’re excited to connect with you and explore our curriculum, learn about your needs, and discover how we can support you and your program!

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