Are Your Kids Prepared for the Real World?

“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, or wondering why budgeting feels like solving a Rubik’s cube in the dark. Financial literacy, for many, feels like a foreign language—a necessary skill that somehow slipped through the cracks of traditional education.

For young people, the stakes are especially high. They’re stepping into a world of digital payments, student loans, and an endless sea of financial products, often with little to no guidance. Imagine being handed the keys to a car without knowing how to drive; it’s no wonder so many crash and burn before they even realize they’re in the driver’s seat.

This lack of preparation isn’t just frustrating; it’s life-altering. The earlier someone learns how to manage money, the more likely they are to build habits that lead to stability and freedom. So why aren’t we doing more to teach these skills?

Let’s explore this together.

Picture this: A high school senior gets their first paycheck from a part-time job. They’re excited, maybe even a little proud. But when they look at the slip, they’re puzzled. What’s FICA? Why is the amount deposited into their account less than what they expected? Should they save, spend, or invest this money? The reality is, many young people face these questions with zero preparation.

And it’s not their fault.

Schools teach algebra and biology, but rarely dive into how to open a bank account, understand a pay stub, or build credit. Parents often assume schools cover it, while schools might assume it’s a parental responsibility. This game of hot potato leaves too many kids in the lurch.

Let’s pause here. 

Can you think of a time when you had to learn something about money the hard way? Maybe it was the sting of overdraft fees, the shock of a credit card balance spiraling out of control, or the realization that your student loan interest was ballooning faster than you could pay it off. These moments stick with us. They shape our relationship with money—sometimes for better, often for worse.

Here’s the thing: 

Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers. It’s about confidence, independence, and empowerment. It’s knowing you can handle whatever life throws at you because you understand how to make your money work for you. And that starts with the basics.

Imagine teaching a 10-year-old that saving money is like planting a seed. The more you water it (or add to your savings), the more it grows. Pair that with a clear explanation of compound interest—how your money can earn money—and suddenly, saving isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s an exciting opportunity. By high school, you can introduce budgeting as a form of goal-setting. Want that new phone? Let’s figure out how to afford it without going broke. Break it down step by step, and the mystery of managing money starts to fade.

But financial education doesn’t have to stop at the basics. In today’s world, we need to teach kids about digital tools, too. Apps like Venmo and Cash App make money feel intangible, almost like Monopoly cash. It’s easy to lose track of spending when all you’re doing is tapping a screen. Encouraging young people to track their transactions and review their spending habits can help demystify the process and prevent financial blind spots.

Let’s talk about credit, too. 

So many young adults find themselves trapped by credit card debt simply because they don’t understand how credit works. Explain it early: A credit card isn’t free money. It’s a tool—one that can either build your financial future or bury it, depending on how you use it. Break down terms like APR and minimum payments in a way that makes sense. Use real-world examples. Ask them to calculate how much that $500 purchase will cost if they only make minimum payments. Make it tangible.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: student loans. 

They’re a fact of life for many young people, yet they’re rarely discussed in practical terms. Before signing on the dotted line, every student should know exactly what they’re committing to. How much will their monthly payments be after graduation? What’s the interest rate? What are their repayment options? These are conversations that need to happen long before college acceptance letters arrive.

And what about earning money? 

Financial literacy isn’t just about managing what you have; it’s about growing it. Encourage young people to explore different ways to earn, whether it’s through part-time jobs, side hustles, or even starting their own business. Show them that money doesn’t have to come from a single source. Diversification isn’t just for investments; it’s a mindset.

Of course, financial literacy isn’t just a checklist of skills. It’s a mindset, a way of thinking about money that evolves over time. And like any skill, it takes practice. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. In fact, they’re an essential part of the learning process. The key is to treat those mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than sources of shame.

Let’s say a teenager blows their entire paycheck on clothes and fast food. Instead of scolding them, use it as a teachable moment. Ask them how they felt about their choices. Did they get value from what they bought? What might they do differently next time? These conversations build self-awareness, which is the foundation of good financial habits.

And here’s an idea: 

What if we made financial literacy more fun? Gamify it. Use apps that reward saving or investing. Create challenges where kids compete to stick to a budget or grow their savings. Turn what might feel like a chore into something engaging. After all, the lessons that stick are often the ones we enjoy learning.

At its core, teaching financial literacy is about giving young people the tools they need to thrive. It’s about breaking cycles of ignorance and empowering the next generation to build lives of choice and opportunity. And it’s about time we stopped treating it as an afterthought.

So, where do we go from here? 

Start small. Talk to the young people in your life about money—honestly and openly. Share your own experiences, both the wins and the mistakes. Advocate for financial education in schools. Look for resources, like books, online courses, or community workshops, that can fill in the gaps.

Most importantly, keep the conversation going. Financial literacy isn’t something you learn once and move on from; it’s a lifelong journey. And the more we talk about it, the easier it becomes.

Here’s to a future where no one has to ask, “Why didn’t anyone teach me this stuff in school?” Let’s make that future a reality, one conversation at a time.

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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