School's in Session

This week's responses weren't really surprising...almost everyone wants classes on money management.

It's a clear flaw in our school system in the US when people entering the job force know that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, but not how to function autonomously in society. I know of many people that are well past middle age and still struggle with topics that should be basic even to those just reaching adulthood.

Perhaps those planning the curriculum assume that parents should be the ones teaching those essential life skills. Maybe that's how they learned, or maybe they just think that there are people trained to do it so they don't have to.

The problem, and what they fail to understand, is that many people simply aren't able to afford the luxury of someone else taking care of those problems.

And I'm not just talking about financial advisers; this applies to regular duties like home or auto maintenance as well. It's astounding how many people are unable to do those basic things that someone just leaving high school should be able to do. And in today's world of modern technology, basic computer skills are just as important as financing.

Now, I don't mean that the average Joe should know the full plumbing blueprints for a house, take apart an engine, or code an operating system. However, things like changing out old parts in a toilet, changing oil in a car, or basic computer troubleshooting should be old hat for anyone with a high school diploma.

In that world, the tradesmen and women don't have to be irritated by the trivial, and can be freed up to answer the call for the big problems that they really trained for.

In that world, we don't have to go running for help for those trivial things; we can take care of them and go about our day. We can worry the important things, the things we really want to focus on.

Like History of Magic, apparently.

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Seriously, if anyone needs advice on managing their finances, check out Dave Ramsey's book Total Money Makeover. I may not agree with his politics, but he is solid in his money practices.

Thanks to Kelsey, Shayna, Kendra, Jennifer, Ryan, Karen, Matt, Brian, Renay, John, Nicole, Sarah, Fay, Rikki, Chuck, Jacob, Becca, Laura, Samantha, and Jess for their ideas on this week's blog.

For next week, give an example of a class you had to take that you feel has been useless in your day to day life. This does not necessarily have to be your least favorite class. Post your submissions in the comments section below, and if you haven't done so already, please subscribe!