Matt Whiting wrote:
Unfortunately, our schools and often
our parents simply don't teach people good financial management skills.
And society in general certainly encourages financial recklessness and
people without the skills and will power to handle it can easily get in
trouble.

Reluctantly dipping my toe in this thread and finding something on which to
agree with Matt :-)

My parents, bless 'em, did their best to give me a good start in life and I
certainly thank them for all they did for me, but they couldn't pass on
knowledge they didn't have. They didn't know much about how to manage money, and
I inherited their ignorance. I didn't know how much I didn't know. I've been to
the brink and seen down into the abyss. I'm still learning. If you (collective
you) are like me, take the initiative to get some help, training, education in
managing money, then apply the things you learn. It's not too late... and don't
forget to pass along what you learn to your kids.

Dave