It’s summer and the kids are out of school, but that doesn’t mean you can’t think about what the schools should be offering your children. And the question comes as to whether or not personal finance should be one.

I could see it as a part of another class. There are a few basic things that would generally be good to teach.

Balancing a checkbook would be one. Coping with debts of all sorts would be another.

But really, the best people to teach children about personal finance is their parents. Show them how you use your checkbook and credit cards. Show them that living on a budget is a priority. Show them that you don’t need all the latest gadgets to be happy.

Realistically, of course, this is an example that many parents do not set. And so one must wonder if the schools could find a little room to help. I don’t think the only option is an entire semester, but as an add-on to another class it could be a good thing.

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