What We Learned in School vs. What They Didn’t Teach Us About Money

Think back to your school days. What do you remember learning about money? Maybe there was a quick lesson on how to balance a checkbook or a basic introduction to supply and demand. But did those lessons prepare you for managing your finances as an adult?

For most of us, the answer is no. School taught us plenty about algebra, literature, and world history, but the tools we need to build wealth and navigate the financial world were left out. And yet, these are the skills that can truly change your life.

What We Learned in School

To be fair, we did learn a few helpful things:

1. Calculating Percentages: Handy for figuring out discounts or tips.

2. Understanding Supply and Demand: A good start for understanding markets.

3. The Importance of Saving: Though it was more about the concept than the actual practice.

These lessons were a start, but they didn’t dive deep enough to prepare us for real-world financial decisions.

What They Didn’t Teach Us

Here’s where the real gaps were:

1. How to Invest Wisely: Stocks, bonds, real estate, and diversification were never explained. Concepts like compound interest, one of the most powerful financial tools, didn’t even make the cut.

2. Managing Debt: Credit cards, student loans, and mortgages were all mysteries. No one taught us the difference between good debt, like a mortgage, and bad debt, like high-interest credit cards.

3. Entrepreneurship: We were told to get a good job and save for retirement, but starting your own business or creating passive income streams? Not a word.

4. Building Financial Freedom: Living paycheck-to-paycheck isn’t inevitable, but without the tools to create multiple income streams, it often feels that way.

The Real-World Impact

Not learning these things early on has consequences. Studies show that a majority of adults feel stressed about money, with many carrying significant debt or lacking confidence in managing their investments. For most of us, financial literacy has been learned through trial and error—often at a high cost.

A New Way Forward

The good news is that it’s never too late to learn. Whether it’s investing, starting a business, or understanding real estate, these skills can be mastered at any point.

That’s what this newsletter is all about—filling the gaps and helping you take control of your financial future. We’ll talk about building wealth, making smarter money decisions, and creating a life where your money works for you.

So, what do you wish you’d learned about money in school? Let’s start the conversation. Share your thoughts and stay tuned for insights that can help you move forward with confidence.

A great book about this topic is Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki https://amzn.to/3BYHtjF