On Sun, 28 Nov 2004 14:06:42 -0500, Matt Whiting
wrote:

Rich wrote:
Yes... basic values used to be taught at home by parents and family.
Since they are not (in general), it sure seems they should be taught in
school.

It always puzzled me that there is emphasis on learning that the "Battle
of Hastings was fought in 1066" and how to solve quadratic equations
(When will you EVER use this information in real life?) and nothing
taught about REAL life skills kids lack and really need.

Well, maybe I shouldn't admit this, but I do (did anyway) use quadratic
equations and significant other math in my day job. However, I

I find I use a lot of trig, but I don't think I've ever used the
Quadratic since graduation, nor have I used any of that Calculus.
Well... I did use it in grad school, but I never had to use it in
software design like I did in college.

Even with a minor in math I sure don't miss the stuff.

understand and agree with your point. I'm not against history or
advanced math, but I do think teaching a little more basics on personal
financial management would help a lot of young folks as they start out

The local high schools are doing that now. I could have used it back
when I was in high school. At least when I was in college they had
developed "Writing across the curriculum", meaning you wrote at least
three or four papers in each class, not just English.

Had they taught even basics in finance along with investing I think
we'd be far better off today.

24 years ago I had just gotten out of a marriage, owed so much money I
thought I'd never get out of debt and still managed to get my daughter
through college and number one son out on his own. (I got the kids)

on their own. I had a pretty good grounding growing up, but also read a
lot of financial books very early in my college and working career and
it helped tremendously.

Thanks to the level headedness of my folks I have a pretty good head
for finances. I was raised on a small farm and actually farmed long
enough after high school I knew that was not for me. It took me 29
years to get back into college, but I did well. Started on my masters,
but quit for a good job. Worked 7 years and retired. It'd be nice if
retirement paid a bit better, but my wife and I can do most of the
things we like. We don't drive new cars. We pretty much drive them
till the wheels are ready to fall off although my TA had a bit of help
from a GMC. Even then the wheels didn't fall off, but the front ones
ended up under the dash.

I firmly believe if the youth of today were given a good education in
finances, learned to conserve while young, were willing to wait a few
years before starting a family, were willing to settle for an economy
car instead of a big truck or SUV, and put every cent allowed into
their company's CAP (or invested it wisely) they could retire
millionaires. Giving up a little early one can pay really big later
on in life.

There will always be those who don't make it, or get caught, but if
they are willing to move and hunt for the good jobs, save early on
while planning ahead *most* will do well.


Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

Matt