A Gift that Lasts a Lifetime - Financial Education

Jan 3
10:03

2008

Vince Shorb

Vince Shorb

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Do you want to help your children be financially secure at a young age? Today the financial odds are stacked against your children. Every day, more Americans are falling victim to runaway personal debt, an empty savings account, and inadequate retirement planning all because they lack a practical financial education. It's not taught at school so this is where you come in.

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Today the financial odds are stacked against your children. Every day,A Gift that Lasts a Lifetime - Financial Education Articles more Americans are falling victim to runaway personal debt, an empty savings account, and inadequate retirement planning all because they lack a practical financial education. It's not taught at school so this is where you come in.

A recent study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) predicts that one out of every three workers will have nothing ($0) saved in a 401k style account by 2050. This statistic is supported by the National Association of State Boards of Education's report that states 'most workers are not participating sufficiently enough to allow comfortable retirement'. What makes this study scary is the fact that social security and pensions probably will not be around in the future so the need for financial security is more important than ever.

Not only will a practical financial education benefit young adults in the long-term but it will also have considerable positive effects right now. In recent studies are over half of all college graduates are planning to move back home and many are moving back for financial reasons. According to the Student Monitor, 62% of college graduates leave school with $27,236 in debt. In addition, less than one-quarter of students and only 20% of parents say students are very well prepared to deal with the financial challenges that await them after graduation. Giving them a practical financial education prior to them leaving home will save them from these problems.

Most parents realize the importance of a financial education and are already aware that public high schools do not provide young adults with the necessary money skills. Parents know the significant positive impact that a practical financial education will have on their kids future. So parents it's up to you to provide your children with the financial skills they need to make it in today's society.

Even if you have made financial errors yourself there are resources available to help give your children the advantages many parents wish they had. Looking at the statistics it is apparent the majority of parents do not have enough knowledge to raise a financially responsible teenager. Public high schools have been teaching similar subjects for the last 50 years and financial education is not one of them. Consequently, many parents learned about money from the school of hard knocks and do not feel qualified to raise a financially independent teenager.

This lack of financial knowledge gets passed down through the generations because most children learn about money from their parents. Unfortunately, because most parents did not receive any financial education, many are not comfortable teaching their children about money. The good news is that learning the basics of personal money management is much easier and faster than picking up most courses in high school. The financial skills gained will last a lifetime and affect your child's life profoundly for the better.

Getting your kids prepared for the realities of the 21st century is an important part of responsible parenting. Giving them a practical financial education before they move out on their own will continue to benefit them throughout their entire life. You would never give your child a car without drivers training; So before they leave home teach them about money with a practical financial education course.

Now, more than ever before, it is critical your children are on the path to financial security. There are courses that teach practical financial education that will give your child the money skills they need to succeed. Plus it can be a great way for you to pickup the money management skills that will help you feel financially secure so your life, and your child's life, is made financially easier.