Let’s be literate

I haven’t completed a quadratic equation since 1995.  Pythagoras’ theorum, so enthusiastically instilled into my education, has really not held any sway over my adult life.  I’m sure many people use these maths concepts on a daily basis, but I know for myself, I’ve referenced Shakespeare more often than Pi.

What do I wish had been taught?  I reckon every person, whether engineer or nurse, needs to know how to read a contract and how to calculate interest.  Tawa Intermediate School is teaching financial literacy, and I reckon that’s fantastic.  Rich or poor, intelligent or just average, we all need to understand finance, saving, budgeting and what really is the best fiscal decision in any given situation.  In my professional life I have seen tremendous stress brought on by people not understanding the financial implications of their decisions, and it’s painful to watch.

While my parents were sensible in their financial decisions, and instilled the value of delayed gratification, it wasn’t until I worked in business that I understood some of the big, conflicting decisions of good financial management.  Being able to develop a financial plan around whether something is a money-maker, investment or expense, including a buffer for the unexpected, and weighing up the decision are crucial skills.

Let’s see more schools and places of education recognising the importance of a financially literate future.

What was the best financial advice you ever received?