Cracks in the Foundation: Why the U.S. Is Failing the Next Generation

The Financial Literacy Crisis Starts Early

In a country built on capitalism, it is alarming how few children are taught how to navigate the financial system. Despite its critical importance, financial literacy is still not a universal requirement in the American school system. Only 17 states currently mandate a standalone personal finance course for high school graduation. The result? Millions of young adults enter adulthood without understanding how to budget, save, invest, or manage debt.

Students memorize formulas and recite historical facts, but many can't explain the difference between a checking and savings account. We’ve prioritized test preparation over practical life preparation. And it’s showing—87% of teens say they don’t feel confident in managing their money. That’s not a reflection of students' abilities; it's a glaring failure in the system.

Other countries take a vastly different approach. In Australia and the UK, financial education begins in primary school. They treat it as a civic necessity, not an extracurricular luxury. The U.S., meanwhile, continues to treat money management as optional.

We need a paradigm shift: financial literacy isn’t a side subject—it’s survival.