Nov 09

Hard economic times (like the ones we’re in) tend to remind us of how important understanding financial matters can be. After all, everyday transactions and financial decisions are what pave the way to larger financial events like being able to purchase a home or requiring the debt help offered by bankruptcy.

But, according to a recent report from Credit.com, fewer than half of the nation’s high school students were able to earn passing grades on a test of the basic tenets of financial literacy. And, according to another Credit.com story, many American parents are similarly befuddled by money matters.

What Your Kids Need to Know about Money

According to Credit.com, financial literacy lessons are best given and demonstrated in the home. Here are some finance basics to consider:

  • Debt starts early: Sources note that the average college student leaves school with about $4,000 in credit card debt and $20,000 in student loans – that’s a pretty big hole to be in, especially in this economy, when jobs are difficult to find. Further

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Tags: Financial, Financial Literacy

Jul 05

There’s been a lot in the news about the financial regulatory overhaul bill currently working itself out in Congress and, with the bill expected to be signed into law by the Fourth of July, it’s a good time to look at how you’re likely to benefit from the bill’s passage. Here’s a look at how various aspects of the legislation are likely to play out when the financial reform hits the books (adapted in part from this article).

Outlook Good for Consumers

One of the major changes the bill will make is the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, which would be a unit dedicated to regulating financial products with consumer rights in mind. The neces

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Tags: Financial, Financial Reform