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Our schools are in trouble. We have some of the best colleges and universities in the w orld but some of the worst schools--primary and secondary. Why? Well, that's not a point to be focused on in this article. And I'm not even going to talk about the first three R's: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Their mis-application is problematic in itself, something I will go into in much more depth in my upcoming book Educaiton is a Waist of Time. For now, let's just talk about the problem that arises from our children's lack of financial education or, better yet, financial awareness.

 

Let's look at some current statistics before getting into the dire need for financial education in our schools, specifically in our secondary school systems. Current consumer debt is $2.46 trillion. And even though we've had seven years of prosperity, last year set a record for personal bankruptcies. Some report that this year may break that record. And because of credit card preditors, according to Barack Obama, the soaring credit card debt could turn into a crisis as big as the one in the subprime mortgage industry. What do we teach our children of these looming problems?

 

Bottom line, helping our children learn about finances, finanacial dangers, and generally supplying them with an overall understanding of what is required to pay for the basics of life (cars, home, insurances, investments, etc.) is essential information for any high school graduate. Unfortunately, our children are not educated as to the finacial obligations, requirements, and pitfalls that exist and mostly learn about these issues after running into financial difficulties themselves.

 

Understanding finances and financial obligations is as essential as breathing. You really can't live without doing so. So how much of an injustice are we inflicting on our children without informing them of what's out there after they've learned their three R's?

 

Personally, before my children reach the age of nineteen, they will have read Rich Dad Poor Dad (Pap Rico Papa Pobre), Think and Grow Rich (Piensey Hagase Rico), and The Greatest Salesman in the World (El Vendedor Mas Grande del Mundo). To just name a few.

 

Not only must our children learn about looming financial challanges but they must be emotionally prepaired for many challanges to come: financial, familial, extra-familial relationships, work, career, health, and so on. If we don't do it as parents, who will? It's certainly not being addressed in our schools or by our financial institutions.

 

If we do not prepair our children to the extent necessary, then we are putting not only a few at risk but an entire nation. For ignorance is not bliss it is the kiss of death. Send your children off with educational supplementation that will save their lives, and while you're at it, wrap it in a loving embrace and a kiss of hope and faith. God bless.