Are You Financially Educated?

Why Finances Aren’t Taught in Public Schools

1. Outdated Curriculum Priorities – Schools focus on traditional subjects like math, science, and history, while financial literacy is often seen as secondary.

2. Lack of Teacher Training – Many educators are not well-versed in personal finance, making it difficult to teach.

3. State & Federal Policies – Education standards are slow to change, and financial literacy isn’t a nationwide requirement.

4. Consumer Culture Influence – Some argue that financial illiteracy benefits credit card companies, banks, and lenders who profit from uninformed financial decisions.

5. Assumption of Parental Teaching – Many believe financial lessons should come from parents, but most people were never taught proper money management themselves.

6. Standardized Testing Focus – Schools prioritize subjects that appear on standardized tests, and financial literacy isn’t typically included.

7. Resistance to Change – Education systems are bureaucratic and slow to adopt new subjects, even when they’re necessary for real-world success.

How to Educate Yourself on Finances

If schools won’t teach it, you can take control of your financial education. Here’s how:

1. Read Personal Finance Books

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki – Mindset & financial independence

• The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley – Wealth habits

• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel – Behavioral finance

• I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi – Practical money management

2. Listen to Financial Podcasts

• BiggerPockets Money Podcast – Real estate & wealth-building

• The Dave Ramsey Show – Budgeting & debt elimination

• The Smart Passive Income Podcast – Investing & entrepreneurship

3. Take Online Courses

• Khan Academy – Free personal finance courses

• Coursera & Udemy – Affordable finance & investing classes

• YouTube Channels – Nischa, Ken McElroy, Taillight Podcast

4. Track & Budget Your Money

• Use apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or Personal Capital to manage your income, expenses, and investments.

• Follow the 50/30/20 Rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings/investing.

5. Start Investing

• Learn about real estate investing, which aligns with your business goals.