Ian B. Davidson discusses the importance of financial literacy and how American society has gradually shifted from a "save now, buy later society" into a "buy now, save later society." He discusses the accelerating rate of bankruptcies as well as family breakups and growing welfare in the U.S. Davidson discusses a program that he sponsors at Montana State University that allows students to manage a $50,000 portfolio. The effectiveness of this program speaks for itself because its returns are continually much higher than the average Dow Jones returns.

Credit card companies have historically been "out to get people" since their invention in the 1960's. It is obvious that credit card companies purposely exploit people who are now knowledgable of credit cards for their own gain. Credit card dept constitutes a large percentage of the dept in the United States. Credit Card companies need to be forced to require more information and educate their customers about their credit cards before they distribute them.

Financially literate people are imperative to an economy because they make good financial decisions that help stimulate the economy. The author emphasizes the need for individuals (especially low income families to write out a written budget monthly. Consumers should establish emergency funds, practice good saving habits and have knowledge of investment funds. Through the surveys conducted in the article there is a correlation between knowledge of financial practices with and financial achievement. The author emphasizes the need to expand on ones' personal financial knowledge in a way befitting to the individual.

A major problem with the ever growing population of the elderly is their children's financial literacy. It is important that the children of aging parents are proactive and get involved with their parents financial matters. Children need to be aware of the government funded programs as well as the financial strategies that their parents can qualify for based upon their age. There are often outside factors that contribute to complications of sorting out financial documents and dollar figures and children of the aging need to be aware of these issues as well as the help that is available to them.

The Author suggests that many of Americans Financial difficulties are brought about as a result of a lack of self-regulation. A lack of financial literacy can hit lower-income families the hardest because of their ability to be exploited. Consumers with lack of financial knowledge find themselves caught up in short term benefits rather than long term benefits. Proper knowledge of strategies would enable many individuals to avoid problems and better prepare themselves for the future by protecting themselves in the present.

A major problem with the ever growing population of the elderly is their children's financial literacy. It is important that the children of aging parents are proactive and get involved with their parents financial matters. Children need to be aware of the government funded programs as well as the financial strategies that their parents can qualify for based upon their age. There are often outside factors that contribute to complications of sorting out financial documents and dollar figures and children of the aging need to be aware of these issues as well as the help that is available to them.

Expansion of the internet and market innovation have lead to national economies and the deregulation of banking with a changing economy. In an ever changing economy like the United States individuals must constantly keep updated and improve their level of financial literacy, be aware of changes in personal finances and demography and obtain current knowledge of mortgage lending practices. Financial literacy programs such as first time homebuyer programs, basic financial literacy programs, and savings initiatives have been established through private and public funding to increase the financial literacy of the public. The effectiveness of some of these programs has not been concluded, however, individuals have stated that after completing the programs they felt much more confident in making investments.

The Author suggests that many of Americans Financial difficulties are brought about as a result of a lack of self-regulation. A lack of financial literacy can hit lower-income families the hardest because of their ability to be exploited. Consumers with lack of financial knowledge find themselves caught up in short term benefits rather than long term benefits. Proper knowledge of strategies would enable many individuals to avoid problems and better prepare themselves for the future by protecting themselves in the present.

Financially literate people are imperative to an economy because they make good financial decisions that help stimulate the economy. The author emphasizes the need for individuals (especially low income families to write out a written budget monthly. Consumers should establish emergency funds, practice good saving habits and have knowledge of investment funds. Through the surveys conducted in the article there is a correlation between knowledge of financial practices with and financial achievement. The author emphasizes the need to expand on ones' personal financial knowledge in a way befitting to the individual.

It is shocking to see the statistic that almost 2/3 of individuals over the age of 50, still in the working environment, have not thought about their retirement. This failure to plan has lead Americans to financial illiteracy. Almost half of people in the workforce are unaware of pension and retirement funds that they as employees qualify for. The author suggests requiring proper planning aid information upon new employee orientation, educational programs as well as a personal incentive for individuals to think and plan for the future.

Credit card companies have historically been "out to get people" since their invention in the 1960's. It is obvious that credit card companies purposely exploit people who are now knowledgable of credit cards for their own gain. Credit card dept constitutes a large percentage of the dept in the United States. Credit Card companies need to be forced to require more information and educate their customers about their credit cards before they distribute them.

Ian B. Davidson discusses the importance of financial literacy and how American society has gradually shifted from a "save now, buy later society" into a "buy now, save later society." He discusses the accelerating rate of bankruptcies as well as family breakups and growing welfare in the U.S. Davidson discusses a program that he sponsors at Montana State University that allows students to manage a $50,000 portfolio. The effectiveness of this program speaks for itself because its returns are continually much higher than the average Dow Jones returns.

A survey conducted in 2004 by bankrate.com shows that the average United States citizen scored just 66 percent on a financial literacy test. The test was based upon twelve basic financial topics that were considered fundamental knowledge that all people in a capitalistic society should know. Individuals, who were not determined to be financially literate, stated that they were aware of their problem but never sought help. Individuals who were determined as most financially literate and most financially illiterate showed common characteristics, none which included any connection to gender.

In 2007, the Oklahoma Legistalure passed a law called "The Passport to Financial Literacy Act" that requires students, beginning in the 7th grade, to demonstarate "financial proficiency in 14 areas" to acheive a high school diploma. Other schools with the help of the National Endowment Fund for Financial Education have incorporated programs to increase the levels of financial literacy among students. Critics of this program state that these prgrams are not helping the overall financial literacy levels of high school students upon completion. It is not plausable to state that these financial programs are useless, because these programs need to work in correcpendence of parents teaching their children good financial habits within their own homes.