Why High School Personal Finance Curriculum Should Be a Priority for Students

The Importance of High School Personal Finance Curriculum

When it comes to high school curriculums, there are certain subjects that we expect students to learn to prepare them for their future. Math, science, English, and social studies are standard classes that students take. However, there is one subject that is often overlooked but should be a priority for high schoolers – personal finance.

Many high school students leave school without proper financial literacy, a skill that is essential to their future success. In this article, we will explore why high school personal finance curriculum should be a priority for students.

1. Financial literacy is crucial for adulthood

It is no secret that a good financial education leads to better financial decisions later in life. A proper personal finance curriculum in high school can equip students with the knowledge they need to navigate various financial scenarios they’ll encounter when they become an adult.

2. Personal finance education is not taught at home

While parents can be great teachers, not everyone has grown up with parents who are financially literate. According to an article published by CBS News, only 24% of parents feel qualified to teach their children about money. This is why it’s important for schools to step in and provide financial education.

3. Debt is an epidemic

The average American has $90,460 of debt. This number is mostly driven by student loans, credit card debt, and car loans. Without proper financial literacy, high school students may not understand the consequences of taking too much debt.

4. Good financial habits start early

Many financial advisors will say that one of the keys to becoming wealthy is to start practicing good financial habits early on in life. With a personal finance curriculum in high school, students will have a good foundation to build on throughout their lives.

5. Investing is becoming more important

In the past, investing was reserved for the wealthy. Today, investing is accessible to anyone, and it’s becoming more important to start young. A personal finance curriculum can teach high schoolers the basics of investing.

In conclusion, personal finance curriculum should be a priority for high school students because it equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate adulthood successfully. It’s also an area where many parents may not be able to provide adequate education, making it essential for schools to step in. The earlier students start practicing good financial habits, the better off they will be in the long run.