The Oak Hill Red Devils welcomed U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., to their high school Friday as she spoke on the importance of financial literacy after graduating. 

Capito spoke with a group of students currently learning about global capital markets, economics, investing, and personal finance in preparation for the 2019 SIFMA Foundation Capitol Hill Challenge (CHC) Stock Market Game, a national financial education competition for public middle and high schools that reaches every U.S. Congressional district. 

According to the CHC's website, the 2019 Capitol Hill Challenge runs from Feb. 4 to May 10 and concludes with a winners' trip to Washington, D.C., from June 10-12. CHC is offered by invitation from the SIFMA Foundation, with priority consideration given to public schools. 

Capito stood perched against a podium in the Oak Hill auditorium, facing the gleaming eyes of eager students and said, "Financial literacy is all about learning to manage your pocketbook. It's about making smart decisions about your personal life." 

She talked to students about receiving her first paycheck from her first full-time job, and how she was stunned when she learned how much money came out of the actual check for other things, like retirement, social security, etc. 

"That makes it even more important to start organizing your finances now — the more you save when you're younger, the better off you'll be in the future," Capito said. 

Capito also talked to students about student loan opportunities they will be offered when they go to college. She said although loan payments don't have to be made until graduation, they can really add up. 

"I would encourage all of you to be careful when looking at different student loans that are offered, and use tools that will help you save money," she said. 

Capito told students saving money is key to financial success in the future, especially to be able to afford medicines they may need, raise their children and grandchildren and any unexpected financial situation that may arise in their future. 

"We in the House of Representatives and the Senate want you to use tools that will help you save for your future, like 401(k) plans, savings accounts, all of that. If you invest in those, you grow in your own ability to increase your savings," she said. "Our country is in trillions of dollars of debt. When you're in debt, you have one hand tied behind your back. 

"If you can keep yourself from going into a large financial debt, that will help you in your future."