The problem with saying “every kid needs to learn financial literacy in high school” is that most of the details aren’t relevant for 2, 5 or even 35 years from when you’re learning them.
It feels like “just in case” information. And when information doesn’t seem relevant or actionable, we tune out.
Yes, interest, compounding, investing are important. But they are abstract concepts to a 16 year old who is worried about the next milestone like buying a car.
The broader problem here is that we spend 12 – 16+ years learning, then 30+ years doing. Rarely do the two mix. We need education solutions that provide “just in time” information rather than “just in case” information.
The goal is that you should be learning when you’re ready to learn. You probably don’t want to learn about saving for retirement when you’re starting college, but maybe when you turn 25 and have your first child, you’re ready for a crash course in different investment strategies.
How might we provide the information right when you need it? No sooner, no later.