Why didn’t anyone teach me this stuff in school?

If you’ve ever felt that pang of frustration while grappling with a budget, wrestling with debt, or trying to decode your credit score, you’re not alone. For so many of us, personal finance feels like this mysterious, high-stakes game—and no one handed us the rulebook. It’s not just about the money itself; it’s the overwhelming sense that you’re behind, fumbling to catch up, and everyone else seems to have it all figured out. Spoiler alert: they don’t.

Let’s be honest—most of us weren’t taught how to manage money. Maybe your parents handed down a few pearls of wisdom, or you picked up some tips along the way. But comprehensive, practical financial education? It’s almost nonexistent. Instead, we’re tossed into adulthood with vague warnings about credit cards and a faint idea that saving is good, but the how? That’s often left to trial and error.

So here we are, piecing it together, Googling “what is an IRA?” at midnight, and trying to make sense of it all. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

Why We’re All Playing Catch-Up

There’s something almost absurd about the fact that we’re expected to navigate mortgages, taxes, and retirement planning without any formal education. Think about it—we spend years learning about the Pythagorean theorem (which, let’s be real, most of us haven’t used since high school), but understanding compound interest? Crickets.

And it’s not just a “you” problem. Society at large has been set up this way. Financial literacy isn’t prioritized, and instead, we’re bombarded with mixed messages. “Invest in your future,” they say, but also, “Treat yourself, you deserve it.” The result? A whole lot of confusion, guilt, and a sense that you’re failing no matter what you do.

But here’s the thing: it’s not your fault. The system wasn’t built to make this easy. So if you’ve ever beaten yourself up for not knowing more or for making a financial misstep, let that go. You’re not failing; you’re learning—and that’s what matters.

The Emotional Side of Money

Money isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s deeply tied to our emotions. Stress, shame, pride, fear—our finances can bring out the best and worst in us. Ever felt your chest tighten looking at a credit card bill? Or experienced the fleeting high of an impulse buy, only to feel the weight of regret later? That’s the emotional rollercoaster of money.

And it’s not just about what’s in your bank account. It’s about what money represents: security, freedom, success. When you’re struggling financially, it can feel like more than just a practical issue. It can feel like a personal failure. But here’s the truth: your worth isn’t tied to your net worth. Read that again.

This emotional connection is one of the reasons personal finance can feel so overwhelming. It’s not just about mastering skills; it’s about untangling years of beliefs, habits, and fears. And that’s no small feat.

Finding Your Way Forward

So, how do we untangle this mess? How do we move from financial anxiety to a place of confidence and control? It starts with small, intentional steps—and a whole lot of grace for yourself along the way.

1. Start Where You 

AreIt’s easy to feel paralyzed by how much you don’t know or how far behind you think you are. But the only way forward is to start exactly where you are. Don’t worry about being perfect or getting it all right immediately. Focus on understanding one thing at a time. Maybe that’s creating a basic budget, learning how to read your credit report, or setting up an emergency fund—whatever feels manageable.

2. Educate Yourself

One Bite at a TimePersonal finance is a vast topic, and trying to learn it all at once will only lead to burnout. Instead, break it into smaller pieces. Want to understand investing? Start with the basics of index funds. Confused about debt? Research the snowball and avalanche methods. Find resources that resonate with you—books, podcasts, YouTube channels—and take it one step at a time.

3. Question the Narratives You’ve Been Told

We all carry money stories—the beliefs and attitudes we’ve absorbed over the years. Maybe you grew up thinking debt is always bad, or that talking about money is taboo. But here’s the thing: those stories aren’t set in stone. Challenge them. Ask yourself, “Is this belief serving me?” If not, it’s time to rewrite the narrative.

4. Find Community

You’re not alone in this journey, and connecting with others can make a world of difference. Whether it’s joining a personal finance group, finding a mentor, or simply talking openly with friends, sharing your experiences can be incredibly validating. Plus, you’ll learn from others’ mistakes and victories.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Every step forward is worth celebrating. Paid off a credit card? That’s huge. Stuck to your budget for a month? Amazing. Opened your first investment account? Game-changer. Recognize your progress, no matter how small it might seem.

Reimagining Financial Success

What if we redefined what it means to be “good with money”? Instead of aiming for perfection or comparing ourselves to others, what if success looked like making intentional choices that align with our values? Maybe it’s about creating a life where you’re not constantly stressed about bills. Maybe it’s having the freedom to pursue a passion or support your family. Maybe it’s simply feeling at peace with where you’re at.

Financial success isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination. It’s deeply personal, and it’s okay if your journey looks different from someone else’s. What matters is that you’re moving forward, learning, and building a relationship with money that feels healthy and empowering.

A Journey Worth Taking

Personal finance isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building the life you want. It’s about freedom, choices, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re in control. And while the journey might feel daunting at times, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

So the next time you find yourself wondering why no one taught you this in school, remember this: you’re teaching yourself now, and that’s something to be proud of. Each step you take is an investment in your future, a declaration that you’re worthy of financial confidence and security.

You’ve got this. Keep going. The best time to start was yesterday, but the second-best time? It’s right now.

If you’ve ever felt that pang of frustration while grappling with a budget, wrestling with debt, or trying to decode your credit score, you’re not alone.

“I’m just not good with money.”
How many times have you heard someone say that? Maybe you've even said it yourself. There’s a particular sting in those words, isn’t there? 

“Why does learning about money always feel so overwhelming? I want to understand it, but every time I try, I’m either bored to tears or completely lost.”
If that thought has ever crossed your mind, you’re not alone.

“Why didn’t anyone teach me this stuff in school?”
It’s a phrase we’ve all heard. Maybe you’ve said it yourself while staring at a credit card statement, scratching your head over compound interest, 

I believe in empowering future generations with the skills they need to thrive. As a parent and educator, I am deeply concerned about the challenges facing our youth and how we can better prepare them for their futures.

Liwei McBain's journey from a language educator to a transformative financial literacy mentor is fueled by her belief in empowering individuals to live a life with purpose and wisdom. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and nearly two decades in language and cultural education, Liwei has always been passionate about teaching. Her motto, "Teach a man to fish, rather than give him fish," perfectly captures her approach to financial education.

Determined to make a significant impact, Liwei has expanded her teaching to financial literacy, addressing a crucial gap often overlooked by traditional financial institutions. She’s not just teaching people how to save and manage money, but also how to grow their wealth and make informed decisions that transform their lives.

Liwei Mc'Bain

Contact

3242 Preston Rd,

Suite 100

Plano
TX 75093

Hours

Monday - Friday
08:30 - 18:00

Saturday
08:30 - 18:00

Sunday
Closed

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