Last week I read an article on CNN titled “Why you can’t teach money”. In this article, law professor Lauren Willis argues that financial education is a waste of time and money. Here are my thoughts on this matter.
Her first argument that financial education doesn’t work because financial product companies “spend billions drowning out well-meaning messages to consumers from nonprofits or government agencies.” This is certainly true. I am sure people are more likely to know lines from the MasterCard “Priceless” commercials rather than their own credit card interest rate. Also, she says that financial products change all the time so it is hard for educators to teach a subject that is constantly in flux. That is also true, but some basics stay the same.
Next she argues that teaching the basics of finance is a waste of money because sending people to class gives them the illusion that they are educated in the ways of finances and they don’t change their financial behavior. I’m not sure if I agree with this because just listening to the basics of budgeting and getting out of debt can be really helpful. It may be that people who are forced to take classes in personal finance do not change their behavior, but people who want to learn and change can certainly benefit.
Finally, she believes that the government should spend more money on regulating the financial industry rather than trying to educate consumers about the dangers of certain financial products. I agree that there needs to be regulation on deceptive business practices, but an informed consumer is more able to use the wide variety of financial products to his or her advantage. People do not need to have the knowledge of a professional financial planner to understand some arithmetic and figure out what is best for them. Indeed, some financial companies make the math more complicated than it really is, but I think the basics of budgeting and interest rates be understood by any human being with average intelligence.
To close the interview the professor stated that parents should continue to teach their children about money and finances because families can educate their children better than the government could. That may be true, but if the parents have no financial knowledge, then it would be the blind leading the blind. Financial education has to start somewhere, and blankly stating that it is a waste of time and money does not help the fact that many people are clueless about how to manage their money. I know a lot of people want to learn how to manage their money better, and those who seek the education voluntarily are more likely to benefit from it.
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6 comments ↓
Education has to begin somewhere. To state that teaching the basics of finance is a waste of time and money is simple and narrow-minded. While I agree that our culture is constantly bombarded with messages of how debt is good for you, showing someone the correct way to budget their money and to live within their means goes a long way.
It only takes one person to change a family tree.
There is an old saying,” Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Financial education and money management training are skills that will not only last you a lifetime but will enhance the quality and well being of your life.
Money is America’s main religion.
Maybe it’s not ok to teach religion in school?
Hey Baglady congratulations on the 9rules success
I’m just visiting all fellow 9rulers today and see what they’re up to.
Simon
This is the problem with spending so much time in their ivory towers, many educators lose touch with the average American.
Of course financial education works.
Some (okay, many) people refuse to find importance in being fiscally-responsible. BUT, not everyone.
However, I also truly believe that one’s financial state is a reflection of his/her state of mind. People will only embrace their finances when “they” decide it’s time.
Myself, my friend Mr. Earl, or the smart folks over in The Bogleheads Investment Forum can attest to that.
I do agree with the professor’s point about government agencies promoting financial education. It’s a waste of time and resources, which, like she said, could be better used regulating the financial industry.
One last point. Something to always keep in mind, and something that many of us just cannot accept.
Most politicians do not serve the average American. They are there to serve themselves and the people who got them their positions. If you believe any of their rhetoric, then you have only yourself to blame for the consequences.
If we just give up and don’t promote financial awareness and independence, what will happen? Oh, I know, we’ll have more bankruptcies, crime, and unstable markets than we currently have now. I think we should offer more classes and teach kids before they hit college. So many fun ways to help educate children and show them how to save, rather than spend. Products and services can change for mortgages and insurance, but the basic premise that we need to make more than we spend is timeless.
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