Recently, a hot topic in many states is requiring students to take a personal finance class in order to graduate because of the recent changes in finance over the last 50 years, including credit cards, real estate prices, and multiple other things that have changed how the world works. Personal finance classes can teach you valuable information, such as the differences between credit and debt, saving and investing, retirement funds, and even basic things such as how to write a check. Taking a personal finance class can completely change how you think after high school, which can set you up on better footing for the rest of your life.

Compound interest was one of the most important things I ever learned in the personal finance class I took, and I still remember everything I learned about it now. I also know things about loans, insurance, and basic budgeting. All of these things will help me and anyone else who takes a personal finance class succeed with money in the early years of adulthood and eventually carve a path for a better career and nicer life overall.

Seventy-seven percent of households carry some kind of debt, and 45.2% have some form of credit card debt specifically. A lot of this debt could have been avoided if students were to understand how credit cards and other loans work. Understanding what debt can do to you might also encourage students to work towards higher grades to earn scholarships so they don’t have to pay as much in student loans after they graduate from college.

Debt in America is only getting worse as more people enter their adult lives without the knowledge they need. Basic personal finance classes would lower the amount of debt Americans accumulate and increase the number of Americans who understand how to spend and manage their money.

Sophomore Devin Page said, “Taking a personal finance class is very important, as you can learn how to manage your finances.

Another sophomore, Paxton Probst, said, “I feel that finance classes should be available for people who want to better themselves with money. Although I don’t believe they should be required.” Clearly, student opinions are mixed as to whether they should be required or not.

In conclusion, I think that requiring a personal finance class will change the way that the next generation will handle their money when they become adults and make our country a better place to live overall.