This week, it was great to chat to Brian Curcio around the need for focus on educating our young people and adults on finance. He and his team have created Rapunzl, a financial literacy, EdTech tool to revolutionise how we teach students about investing (the good and the bad of crypto, for example) and to provide equitable access to high-quality, project-based learning tools for students across the world. It is not just about how but why we need to understand our finances and investments better.

In the current global financial crisis, where many are living hand to mouth, is education the way we can help the world help themselves when things get tough?

Financial education is often overlooked and undervalued when it comes to the development of young people. However, it is important to understand that financial literacy is an essential life skill that every individual needs to possess. The need for good financial education cannot be overstated, especially in a world where financial responsibilities are becoming more complex and challenging by the day. So, let's explore why young people need to be equipped with good financial education and how it can be made fun.

Be able to make the right decisions

Firstly, good financial education is critical to enabling young people to make informed financial decisions. It equips them with the necessary skills to manage their finances effectively, make wise investments, and avoid debt traps. With proper financial education, young people will be able to set realistic financial goals, create budgets, and stick to them. This, in turn, will help them build a strong financial foundation for their future.

Make it fun to make it stick

Secondly, financial education can be fun and engaging. Young people tend to be more interested in learning when they find the subject matter enjoyable. Therefore, educators can make financial education more interactive and engaging by using games, quizzes, and simulations. For example, they can use online games that simulate real-life financial situations to help young people learn the basics of budgeting, saving, and investing. This is where Rapunzl comes in!

Make fewer mistakes

Finally, financial education can help young people develop healthy financial habits. By learning about the importance of saving, investing, and managing debt early on, young people will be able to avoid common financial mistakes that can have long-term consequences. They will also be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the financial world, which will enable them to make sound financial decisions that will benefit them in the long run.

Good financial education is clearly key for young people, and it can and should be made fun and engaging to help it stick. By doing so, young people will be better equipped to manage their finances, make wise investments, and avoid traps and issues which can arise. School might not have taught us how to get a mortgage, the difference between gross and net profit or what a good APR % is, but we can do better for our kids.