I honestly believe that learning fiscal responsibility is better done through parent modeling, not a classroom lecture. Just like the DARE program or “Just Say No” doesn’t have much effect on teenage drug use, I think that lecturing to teens about not spending more than they earn won’t get too far. Granted I do believe that at least providing them with an opportunity to learn about budgets, revolving debt, compound interest, etc would be helpful to at least give them a chance in life, I don’t believe that type of lecturing will change the spending habits of someone who hasn’t been exposed to healthy role modeling of fiscal responsibility. Some of you have read the book “Millionaire Next Door”. This book talks about certain traits that overspenders have and the modeling that they got as kids. I really believe that this is a more important factor to financial health than a classroom environment.

Marion – I do remember Home Ec, I especially terrible at the sewing class 🙂 Though cooking was fun, I still remember making a yummy chocolate cake with mocha frosting. But in HS, we actually had a separate Econ class more related to money and learning about the markets.