by Toni Doswell

Created on: March 31, 2008

The high school student is a few steps from
going out into the real world to function as a
young adult. Personal finance will be a very
vital part of his/her survival. Despite all
that we believe about personal finance, there
are so many things that need to be staunchly
taught. Most parents impart some concepts about
how to manage money. They do this from their
own personal experience and perspective. Usually

they leave out some vital concepts, therefore a
high school finance class will give a more well
rounded approach to the student's practices.

Personal finance classes teach the basics.
They help students understand their present
economic predicaments, and help them to plan
how they will live within their means in that
present economy. There are so many ways to
stretch a dollar and make a dime squeak. These
need to be learned. There are many good books
out on the market telling us how to budget,
save, and how to stay out of debt, but just how
many high school age students will even look
up such information. Therefore a course of this
offering is needed.

Students who major in business and finance
are usually more equipped to handle all aspects
of budgeting, purchasing, and investments in
their lives. They look at the picture in the
light of the machinery of the business world.
On the other hand, young adults who have no
clue about business, can make mistakes which
will cost them some time to repair.

Knowing when and what to buy is essential.
Knowing how to shop for bargains, knowing what
items should be top priorities, knowing why
certain items and investments rise and fall in
cost are extremely important bodies of knowledge
which personal finance classes will expose.

The question is, "Do we want a well informed
future society of young adults, or do we want
an ill informed society in the future?" If the
answer is the former, we will want all of our
high school students to perform in the real world
at their best. Along with personal finance
classes, we need additional "real world" courses,
however, without a doubt, this should be at the
top of the list.

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