The Importance of

Financial Literature
By: Lane Wedge
What is Financial Literature?

A financial literature class explores various aspects of finance through the use of literature. It

involves studying financial themes, concepts, and issues portrayed in novels, short stories,

essays, and other literary works. This approach helps students understand financial concepts

in a broader social, cultural, and historical context. The class aims to help fix the problems

that many young adults face, including struggles with budgeting, achieving financial success,

and avoiding debt accumulation.

Three Reasons it should be
added to the curriculum

1. According to Andy Hill’s article, “Why personal finance should be

taught in school,” from Empower, “integrating personal finance
education would provide students with foundational knowledge
that they can utilize throughout their lives, ensuring a lifetime of
financial success, regardless of their career paths or economic
circumstances”.

2. Highlighted by Joe Camberato's article “Should Schools Teach

Financial Literacy Classes?” in Forbes, “over 60% of Americans live
paycheck to paycheck, emphasizing the urgent need for financial
education”.

3. Reported in “State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Visits Personal

Finance Class and Addresses Benefits of Financial Literacy for
Students.” an article by The California Department of Education,
“Students who receive comprehensive financial education are more
likely to make informed financial decisions, such as investing in
savings accounts, planning for retirement, and managing debt
effectively”.
Works Cited

Hill, Andy. “Why personal finance should be taught in school.” Empower, 18 July 2023,
https://www.empower.com/the-currency/life/why-personal-finance-taught-in-school.
Accessed 29 April 2024.

Camberato, Joe. “Should Schools Teach Financial Literacy Classes?” Forbes, Forbes
Magazine, 11 October 2022,
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2022/10/11/should-schools-teac
h-financial-literacy-classes/?sh=2f1449d46335. Accessed 29 April 2024.

California Department of Education. “State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Visits Personal

Finance Class and Addresses Benefits of Financial Literacy for Students.” California
Department of Education, 30 March 2023,
https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr23/yr23rel22.asp. Accessed 29 April 2024.