Financial Literacy

     Financial Literacy is generally not taught in pre-schools, elementary schools, high schools or even universities.

     The financial crisis in the early 21st century may, indeed, have been caused in part by the lack of financial literacy, even among otherwise well-educated, even highly educated people.

     Financial Literacy begins with simple math: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.  No statistics, algebra, geometry or advanced math required for Financial Literacy.

     Learning to be "Literate" with money simply means being able to understand the difference between an "asset" (money in...) and a "liability" (money out...);  the way money flows; money statements (descriptions of how money flows); credit cards and how they work; bank accounts, the use and purpose of banks; and what taxes are and what they do to money flow; and finally, what a corporation or company is (a legal entity established for a purpose...).

     At Reston Day School, Financial Literacy is something that the students enjoy as they run businesses, track stocks, build savings and investigate banks, as well as other financial activities.