How did you learn about the financial world?

Question

balancing a check book, doing your taxes, managing credit... Did you feel prepared once you stepped into the "real" world?

do you think there should be financial education in high school?

Answer 1

I began by taking care of my parents' bills when I was 12. My dad thought it would be a good idea for me to learn how to write checks... I was prepared but I can say that I was a rarity.

I decided to carry on the tradition with my children. Even my youngest, 10, can write out a check, balance the checkbook, and tally a grocery bill. They all know how to figure out sale prices and tax. We're working on interest now. (Both for borrowed and saved money.) Taxes, we'll work on that as they get jobs...


Do I think there should be financial education in High School? Absolutely! Money is an integral part of our lives. I'm sorry to say that I spend a good portion of time helping people to clean up their credit because they had no idea how the whole system works.

In today's world, it's very difficult to manage without plastic. You'll find it almost impossible to travel, shop and work without some type of credit/debit card and credit history.

Unfortunately, our young people are inundated with offers of credit. I think for their protection, they should be educated about the benefits of handling money and credit wisely.

Great Question!

Best of Luck!

Anne

Answer 2

I learned from all of the above, as well as majoring in Finance and Econ in college.

Yes, I felt prepared when I entered the "real" world, but studies seem to indicate that many college grads nowadays are unable to balance a checkbook.

I think that's tragic and sad, even if the surveys cited are skewed or inaccurate. Yes, there should be A LOT more practical, real world financial education in high school.

Answer 3

Not at first ,but just doing basics you can learn the checkbook thing,I worked for an accountant and learned many skills, but when i was young I did my own taxes and figured it out and now I do taxes as a job! I work for a mutual fund company and I have learned so much about the stock market... You can learn alot by watching shows on TV, like Susie Orman and many other shows that teach you to be wise about your money

Answer 4

Read a lot of books. I'd start with "Buffett - the making of an american capitlist" by Rober Lowenstein. Get a little bit ahead, than a little bit more and then a little bit more. The first $100,000 is the most difficult, but after that - it gets easier. I think too many people come into this world thinking they're entitled to everything like cars, college, clothes, music, etc. etc. Get to the basics of life - its cheaper to live that way.

Answer 5

i still don't know any of that. i'm 26. My check book, is just messy.. My taxes, i have to learn... Managing credit, what's that? Really, i mean what is credit... i don't even have a credit card.

Answer 6

The wall street journal will teach you every thing you need too know about finance if only you will open your mind and let the information in.Been reading it since i was fourteen,i am now older wiser and wealthy.

Answer 7

yes, with more complicated stuff in real world, they need to learn how to invest in young age too. the younger they learn, the more they are responsible people.

Answer 8

tv that one chick on msnbc who gos over peoples crdit and phioscores man she scares me some times lol im not even old enough to have a crdit card

Answer 9

yes... i have struggled all my life with this. I agree that it should be a class in school.

Answer 10

you mean like a math class?