If only we'd learned then what kids are learning now

If only we knew then what we know now ...

Congratulations to our local educators on their efforts to help those in their charge to avoid regrets like those expressed above when it comes to career and finances.

Monday we were at first concerned when we saw an ambulance and other vehicles parked around Central Elementary, but Principal Joel Bednar assured us it was just “Career on Wheels” day, giving students a chance to learn more about occupations they might pursue in the future. Besides the ambulance, we noticed vehicles from folks like the power company, farm implement dealer and military surrounding the block so kids could learn more.

Today, Prairie Plains CASA is conducting a “Reality Check” for eighth graders, giving them a chance to make real-world financial and career decisions without real-world consequences.

Such programs are a welcome improvement from years past when kids were expected to pick up such practical information by osmosis while academics attempted to channel most students into a college track.

Sure, advanced education is vital for many professions, but all students can benefit from learning money management skills such as budgeting, saving, investing, debt, and basic financial terminology.

Even young students can learn how to set financial goals, create and maintain a budget, track expenses, differentiate between needs and wants, and prioritize spending.

Learning financial responsibility helps them develop wise spending habits such as making thoughtful purchasing decisions, comparison shopping, and considering the value and long-term implications of their choices.

Everyone can benefit from learning to save money. They can learn by saving for short-term goals, such as buying a toy or gadget, as well as long-term goals like education, a car, or retirement. Along the way, they can gain knowledge about the basics of investing and how it can grow their savings over time, fostering a mindset of wealth accumulation.

And how many of us wish we had learned more about the implications of debt. Financial training introduces kids to the concept of borrowing, interest rates, and credit cards, learning about responsible borrowing, the consequences of excessive debt, and how to manage credit effectively.

And, with today’s new and revolutionary opportunities, perhaps they’ll even become employers themselves. Children may learn about entrepreneurship, business concepts, and money-making opportunities. This exposure can spark their entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring them to develop innovative ideas, pursue business ventures, and contribute to the economy later in life.

At the least, early financial training will make them more likely to achieve financial stability and security. They are better prepared to handle unexpected expenses, emergencies, and economic downturns. Additionally, financial literacy helps individuals make sound decisions about insurance, retirement planning, and other long-term financial considerations.

Along the way, they’ll also develop improved decision-making skills by evaluating financial options, weighing risks and rewards, and considering the trade-offs. These skills extend far beyond financial matters into all aspects of life, including career choices, education, and personal relationships.

Years in the future, today’s students will be able to thank today’s educators for the practical day-to-day living skills that have made their lives successful and improved their society as a whole.