Youth and Money

I was cleaning out some old boxes the other day and reminiscing about my youth when I came across a letter I had written my grandmother over 22 years ago.  Reading this letter I realized that I had a desire to read and learn about money at a fairly young age.  This desire was likely somewhat hampered by the education system at the time.

I remember learning how to make a pair of shorts from a pattern in Home Economics, make a plastic dish in Industrial Arts and the value of pi.  I am confident that there was a purpose to learning these things, but looking back why did they not teach me anything about money?  I am happy to report that things have changed in the last 22 years.

Government of Alberta Education has a mandatory Career and Life Management program that provides some financial education to high school students.   This is definitely a step in the right direction.  I would be interested to see if the students get something out of this program or just see it as being necessary to graduate.

Like most things, if you want it done well do it yourself.  Educate your children about personal finance.