An Obvious Answer to Our Economic Crisis

In the midst of the country's economic meltdown, I cannot think of a better subject to teach children and youth than personal finance education! It amazes me how the MI Jumpstart Coalition has to beg the MI Department of Education and the Legislators to make this a mandatory class for every student. How could this possibly be in question when during the winter of 2009, the average score of Michigan high school seniors on the National Jumpstart Student Survey (http://www.jumpstart.org/) was only 54%? Isn't it yet understood that the recent financial crisis was caused largely by lack of financial education? Therefore isn't it obvious that the cure is in us providing financial education?



I was not offered a single course in personal finance during my K-12 public education, or throughout the pursuit of my master's degree at my public institution here in MI. I thank God that my parents taught me the value of money and how to save. What about the majority that do not get that privilege? Today's crisis is evidence of the problems created! Our society is living the ramifications of this void, while leaders are still debating if they can fit this course into a students education.



If budget constraints might be a concern in making this decision, the MI Jumpstart Coalition (http://www.mijumpstartcoalition.org/) would like to inform school officials that the National Jumpstart Coalition has a Clearinghouse with tons of free and low cost curriculum and resources that will meet state standards. Let's give personal finance a try and watch the next generation succeed, rather than have the negative debt ratio like has occurred in today's U.S. population.



When we put our teenager behind the wheel of a car, we make sure that they complete a training course. How about we steer our children straight by requiring they all know how to operate their personal finances, prior to learning from society to spend more than they earn.



Lois Gibbons is the Chair for the Michigan JumpStart Coalition and Consultant/Educator with the Harmony Financial Network - http://www.harmonyfinancialnetwork.net/