[Lizavetta]

I would much rather see, at least for non-math/science majors, a year of high school math spent on EVERYDAY MATH........learning about mortgage loans, credit card terms, buying a car, whether a high-ticket item is a good deal or not, compound interest and mutual funds, etc. etc.

That people can leave school without knowledge of any of these subjects is astounding.

[avacado]

"I would much rather see, at least for non-math/science majors, a year of high school math spent on EVERYDAY MATH........learning about mortgage loans, credit card terms, buying a car, whether a high-ticket item is a good deal or not, compound interest and mutual funds, etc. etc."

That would require basic algebra.

[ClearCase_guy]

I agree with the posters who say that algebra can be learned by just about anyone. But I also agree with you that Everyday Math would be very worthwhile for all kids.

A major reason some folks who earned $25,000 a year went out and got $400,000 mortgages is because they figured they could make the numbers work. They just didn't know any better, because no one ever taught them.

[babble-on]

I agree with your proposal. A “life skills” course could also include - in addition to basic financial comprehension - skills like doing the laundry, shopping for nutritious food, changing a tire, changing a dirty diaper, learning the DUI laws.

[HungarianGypsy]

I would much rather see, at least for non-math/science majors, a year of high school math spent on EVERYDAY MATH........learning about mortgage loans, credit card terms, buying a car, whether a high-ticket item is a good deal or not, compound interest and mutual funds, etc. etc. That's what this highly stupid person learned in Consumer Math. :-)

[EEDUDE]

What you are calling for is education in personal finance with the math to back it up...and I could not agree with you more!

In our society, understanding these things is as essential as learning to read. It IS basic education.

Lot’s of young people cannot manage their finances because they were never taught how, and they get into trouble that could be easily avoided.