Financial Literacy

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Financial literacy is an important life skill, and it is imperative to make it a required component of the K12 curriculum. Courses within the typical high school often veer toward standard curriculum and do not focus exclusively on financial enlightenment or success. Teenagers are at their most vulnerable when first acquiring an initial paycheck, today’s society is constantly bombarding our youth with junk productions that encourage us to waste revenue; consequently, this causes a stiff increase in financial irresponsibility. Educational institutions have one simple task; instruct the next generation in practical knowledge such as mathematics or reading. Despite being a skill considered most vital within our society, financial literacy isn't …show more content…

It is alarming that the average consumer struggles to manage their finances, whether that be from a lack knowledge, or better spending habits. Not only did I learn about these subjects in greater intimate detail, but I also even learned what financial scandals can cause for an otherwise pristine company (such as the Elron energy company scandal). Some might ask why is it that financial literacy be considered required within todays K12 curriculum; the answer is really quite simple: it’s everywhere. Financial responsibility is something not taught to our aging youth, and yet it is something that will be plastered on their lives for the majority of their living …show more content…

Speaking plainly about my own experience, not only was I able to visualize how I was able to put my life on the fast track by learning everything my class had to offer, I reaped the sweet rewards that came with being recognized as a top 20th percentile student in the financial literacy exam that every student participated in. Being in any high-class standard has a way of making a person feel good about themselves, and it showed me that any average joe could learn this stuff if they put the time and effort into doing so. Some may argue that making financial literacy part of a required curriculum may clog an already convoluted formula, or that cuts may be needed to other courses as a result. I refute these by bringing attention to a very crucial point; it is the duty of our academic institutions to impart wisdom on the next generation so that they may be able to become contributing adults to society as a whole, by holding back on such an important life skill we are essentially crippling future generations and making our own machine run less

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