Financial Literacy for Kids

December 22, 2008 by Mark T. Rafter

Anyone that has read much of this blog knows that I am on the warpath about the overall fiscal irresponsibility demonstrated by the United Socialist States of America (used to be USA). From the damn-the deficit-and-print trillions Federal Reserve to the cash-out-refi-something-for-nothing home owners (interesting and rather inaccurate term … “home owner” … in this case dont you think?), few people seem to grasp the depth of financial crap we have plopped ourselves into.

So, let’s talk about part of the solution: getting people smarter now about how to actually save, invest and earn. That is one my broader purposes with this blog (and my other blog at Your Inner Expert) but also in my life right now…I’m here to help (uh oh … I sound like Henry Paulson). Some of you can still change your bad habits (some are beyond hope but you are likely not reading this anyway). Anyone can benefit from the following resources but the are targeted toward the best place to start and that is: WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG.

This blog includes some off and online resources that can be used to educate your kids (anyone’s kids … hold weekly classes at your church for that matter) about money and why knowing this earlier in their life can make a HUGE difference later on.

After all, future generation are going to need to make a lot of money to pay off the debt they are being burdened with. They will also be choosing our nursing homes. So, when I have a conscientious and financially sound attendant wiping my chin when I am toothless and drooling in my “past the golden years”, I will sleep peacefully knowing I contributed in some small way.

Online Resources

California Jumpstart - a non-profit aimed at improving young people’s financial chops
Money Smart Kids - this is a weekly column on kids financial issues by Kiplinger writer Janet Bodnar.
360 Degress of FInancial Literacy - financial advice for all “younger people”, from kids to teens and college students.
California Department of Education - website features money management books, tools, and resources for K-12 students.

Offline (books)

That’s it for now. I may update this as time goes on (or add new addendums).