Most of us were never really taught about the
proper way to balance a check book or use credit cards. We weren't taught how
to manage cash, or budget and pay bills. We especially weren't taught how to
use and build credit, or even how to save or invest.
Instead, you
probably watched your parents struggle with money, you were taught that you
couldn't afford things, that money was scarce, and that you would have to
struggle all your life for whatever you wanted. You may have been taught that
you "need to save money".
In school, you were taught things like
history. Things that you've probably completely forgotten. You were
taught various types of math -- that you've never used since -- just try
sitting down with a 7th grader and help him or her with some of their math
homework -- see how much you remember or understand.
Our schools, and us
as parents, should be teaching our children the important skills that are
necessary to thrive in the world they are to be a part of.
What about
interpersonal relationships?
What about handling finances?
As
adults, those who have good interpersonal skills are the ones who will have the
best jobs. Being in control of our finances will make it easier to have good
relationships.
These two skills are the most important skills that you
can teach a person.
Many of today's children will end up as part of a
broken home. Many of those broken homes will break because of money issues.
Those children will, in turn grow up to have the same mindsets and attitudes
that they've learned from our examples.
If we are to break this cycle,
we MUST become educated ourselves. We have to understand how to handle our
finances in a way that that will assure us all of a happy future for ourselves
and our children.
If you can learn these things today, and teach them
to your children before they learn to handle money properly, you will just
possibly save your future generations from years of
unhappiness.
