Why Personal Finance Education Belongs in Every High School
- Peyton Widen
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
In today's digital and fast-paced society, financial education is more important than it ever has been before. People are facing debt, multiple types of investments, and there is a significant number of people entering their adult life with little to no financial education. No matter what career path you decide to go down, topics like credit, mortgages, car payments, among other topics, are all things that you will encounter throughout your life. Despite all this, personal finance isn’t required in K-12 education in most states, but we have seen a recent increase in the number of states that are making it a required course.
A recent poll by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) found that 83% of U.S. adults believe personal finance should be taught in high school. These people in the survey have entered their adult lives and wish it was required when they were in school. This shows how all types of people wish they had more education when it comes to their personal finances. Luckily, in recent years we have seen growth in certain states requiring some sort of personal finance course in high school to graduate. Recently, Michigan
students entering 8th grade in 2023 are required to complete a ½ credit course in personal finance that meets subject area content expectations to graduate high school.
It is also important that the curriculum in these newly required classes is designed to be practical and relevant. Some of the most important things that should be included, according to the New York Times, are how to manage a budget, understand credit scores, save for emergencies, and even explore investing basics. The goal should be to give students the knowledge and skills that help them avoid simple financial mistakes so they can make smarter decisions to set them up for a better financial future.
Mandatory personal finance education is important so it can lead to financially responsible and knowledge individuals. While implementing these requirements, schools need to make sure it’s not just about passing a class. It’s about preparing students to navigate real world financial challenges they may face.
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