The Great Equalizer- Harnessing the Power of Economic Education to Create a More Equitable and Prosperous Nation

This blog explores the transformative potential of economic education as a tool for empowerment and societal equality. It argues that by enhancing financial literacy, individuals from all backgrounds can gain the knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions, thereby leveling the playing field and reducing economic disparities. The blog advocates for integrating comprehensive economic education into national curricula, highlighting its role in fostering a more informed citizenry and a more robust democracy. Through poignant examples and compelling data, the narrative underscores economic education's capacity to equip individuals with the tools needed to improve their economic circumstances and contribute to national prosperity. It calls on policymakers, educators, and community leaders to prioritize and invest in economic education, presenting it as a cornerstone of a truly equitable society.

What if the key to unlocking America’s potential, reducing inequality, and ensuring prosperity for all was hiding in plain sight – in the classrooms across our nation? While political debates rage and economic theories clash, we often overlook the transformative power of a balanced economic education.

Far from a mere academic exercise, understanding the forces that shape our financial lives is a critical life skill. Yet, in a rapidly evolving global economy, our education system has struggled to keep pace. The result? Generations of Americans left ill-equipped to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape.

This is not just an individual struggle, but a national imperative. As former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan once warned, “The number one problem in today’s generation and economy is the lack of financial literacy.” This lack of understanding doesn’t just impact individual bank accounts – it ripples across society, exacerbating inequality, stifling entrepreneurship, and hindering economic growth.

So how do we bridge this gap? How do we harness the power of economic education to create a more equitable and prosperous nation? The answer lies in a bold reimagining of how we teach economics – one that goes beyond theory and puts practical, real-world application at the forefront. By empowering Americans with the tools to make informed financial decisions, we can unlock the full potential of our economy and build a brighter future for all.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the current state of economic education in America, the far-reaching consequences of financial illiteracy, and the transformative solutions that can pave the way for a more financially savvy society. Join us as we embark on a journey to leverage the power of knowledge in the pursuit of prosperity.

Background Comprehensiveness

While federal student lending programs have been a fixture of the American education system since the 1950s, their impact on economic literacy has been a subject of heated debate. On the surface, these programs, such as the National Defense Education Act and the Higher Education Act, aimed to make college more accessible. However, critics argue that they’ve inadvertently contributed to the erosion of economic education.

One controversial aspect is how these lending programs have shaped the curriculum itself. As colleges increasingly relied on federal funding, it has been argued that they’ve become more beholden to government mandates and less responsive to the actual needs of students and the economy. This has led to a prioritization of certain subjects deemed politically expedient, often at the expense of practical economic skills.

Moreover, the very structure of these lending programs may have disincentivized students from truly engaging with the financial realities of their education. With the government bearing the risk, students are often insulated from the true costs of their loans, leading to a disconnect between their education choices and the economic consequences.

Another lesser-known facet is how the expansion of these programs has coincided with a shift in attitudes towards debt. As student loans became normalized, so did the idea of starting one’s adult life in significant debt. This normalization of debt has had ripple effects far beyond the realm of education, shaping how Americans approach everything from credit cards to mortgages.

Perhaps most controversially, some critics argue that the federal student loan system has actually exacerbated economic inequality. By funneling more students into higher education regardless of their career prospects, these programs may have inadvertently contributed to degree inflation and the devaluation of once well-paying blue-collar jobs. This has left many students saddled with debt and without the earning potential to pay it off, further widening the wealth gap.

These are complex issues without easy answers. But by grappling with these controversial aspects of our education system, we can begin to have a more honest conversation about the role of economic education in creating a more equitable and prosperous society. It’s a conversation that’s long overdue, and one that requires us to challenge long-held assumptions and confront uncomfortable truths.

Background Comprehensiveness

While federal student lending programs have been a fixture of the American education system since the 1950s, their impact on economic literacy has been a subject of heated debate. On the surface, these programs, such as the National Defense Education Act and the Higher Education Act, aimed to make college more accessible. However, critics argue that they’ve inadvertently contributed to the erosion of economic education.

One controversial aspect is how these lending programs have shaped the curriculum itself. As colleges increasingly relied on federal funding, it has been argued that they’ve become more beholden to government mandates and less responsive to the actual needs of students and the economy. This has led to a prioritization of certain subjects deemed politically expedient, often at the expense of practical economic skills.

Moreover, the very structure of these lending programs may have disincentivized students from truly engaging with the financial realities of their education. With the government bearing the risk, students are often insulated from the true costs of their loans, leading to a disconnect between their education choices and the economic consequences.

Another lesser-known facet is how the expansion of these programs has coincided with a shift in attitudes towards debt. As student loans became normalized, so did the idea of starting one’s adult life in significant debt. This normalization of debt has had ripple effects far beyond the realm of education, shaping how Americans approach everything from credit cards to mortgages.

Perhaps most controversially, some critics argue that the federal student loan system has actually exacerbated economic inequality. By funneling more students into higher education regardless of their career prospects, these programs may have inadvertently contributed to degree inflation and the devaluation of once well-paying blue-collar jobs. This has left many students saddled with debt and without the earning potential to pay it off, further widening the wealth gap.

These are complex issues without easy answers. But by grappling with these controversial aspects of our education system, we can begin to have a more honest conversation about the role of economic education in creating a more equitable and prosperous society. It’s a conversation that’s long overdue, and one that requires us to challenge long-held assumptions and confront uncomfortable truths.

Problem Description 

The lack of a balanced economic education in the United States is worrying and concerning because it leads millions of Americans, especially the students, to student loan and credit card debt (Fox 2021). That in its turn leads millions of Americans to live paycheck to paycheck, not saving for retirement, missing investment, and business opportunities, and in my personal opinion, to not being fully free because freedom partially comes from wealth and financial freedom.

In 2024, only 28 states require students to take an economics course to graduate. In 2021, only 25 states had that requirement, so that small increase in supporting economic education shows the lack of urgency among state officials to make it a must for all students. The sad truth is that much of that small increase between 2021 and 2024 comes from economic concepts taught in civics and government courses instead of designing a solid economics curriculum that equip American students to enter adulthood with the right ammunition to make life-changing decisions. And to make things worse, some states are preferring financial education over economic education instead of integrating the two (“Survey of the States” 2024).

When it comes to the implementation process, the devil lies in the details. Legislative successes that promote economic education in curriculums is one thing, and the regulation and implementation of these laws could totally mean another thing. According to the Council for Economic Education, in 2022, the state of Michigan passed a law that requires schools to include a stand-alone personal finance course, but the Michigan Department of Education interpreted that to mean that only standards need to be met without requiring schools to include a stand-alone course. Other states leave it up to the districts to decide whether it is mandatory or optional to offer a course about economic education despite legislative mandates to do so (“Survey of the States” 2024).

So, how much debt is there and who owes all that debt? As of September 2023, the total student debt is roughly more than $1.7 trillion ($1.6 trillion in federal student loans and the rest are private loans) owed by forty-three million American borrowers. Three factors have contributed to the rise of the student loan debt in the United States. The first is the rise in the cost to attend college where tuition has grown faster than income. The second is the rise in the number of students attending college compared to the late 1980s and early 1990s. The third is the lack of state funding to public universities after the 2008 financial crisis (CFR.org Editors 2024).

For every 5 Americans, one of them holds a student loan. 53% of borrowers, which is equal to 45 million borrowers, owe less than $20K, 39% of borrowers who hold federal student loans owe between $20K and $100K, and only 7% of the borrowers owe more than $100K in federal student loans (Fowers and Douglas-Gabriel 2022).

Current Debate 

Many experts and policymakers agree today that the rising cost to attend a university with the current volume of loans is holding student borrowers back from achieving their financial goals. Unlike the older generation that could pay off their student debt by finding jobs, the current generation is unable to do that due to the rising cost to attend a university, and the recessions that happened because of Covid-19 and the financial crisis in 2008 (CFR.org Editors 2024).

But experts and policymakers have disagreed about the ways to solve this challenge and lessen its impact on students. Three proposals have been introduced to solve this issue:

1. Large-scale debt cancellation: It calls to cancel all existing student loans while others call to forgive up to $50,000 in student loans (CFR.org Editors 2024).
2. Target debt relief: It aims to forgive most or all the debt of borrowers who make under a certain income (CFR.org Editors 2024).
3. Systemic reforms: it proposes to limit tuition at public universities, increase aid for low-income students, incentivize employers to help with tuition, and restrict issuing student loans to universities that have a low post-graduation employment rate (CFR.org Editors 2024).

Implications 

The implications of an unbalanced economic education can be very destructive for various stakeholders whether that includes the general public, or small businesses.

On the General Public 

Student loans lead to less consumption because consumer spending is positively correlated to personal finance, so when consumers have less income due to debt, they tend to spend less. For every 1% increase in the debt-to-income ratio of a consumer’s student, their consumption declines by 3.7%. 18% of student loan holders report that it is challenging for them to purchase their daily necessities because of the financial burden placed on them due to student loans (Hanson 2023).

On Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They make up 50% of the private sector, and 99% of the businesses in the United States. But, to start a small business, entrepreneurs need access to capital, and if they are under the burden of student loan debt, that alone can have lasting effects on their ability to survive and raise capital. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, there is an economically negative correlation between changes in student loan debt and net small business formation (small businesses employing between one and four employees). The reason behind that is that those small businesses are heavily dependent on personal financing unlike large firms that are more dependent on outside capital. The number of small businesses with one to four employees decreased by 14% between 2000 and 2014 for a 3.3% increase in student debt loans (Ambrose, Cordell, and Ma 2015).

On Home Ownership 

The relationship between student loan debt and the home ownership rate is complicated because student loans are a double-edged sword. It is logical to say that student loans reduce students’ financial ability to save enough money for a down payment or to qualify for a mortgage, but it is also logical to assume that investing in one’s own education leads to higher earnings. The rate of homeownership declined by 4 percentage points in the United States from 69% in 2005 to 65% in 2014, especially among young adults. And, if we break down these numbers according to ages, we find that 36% of people aged between 24 and 32 years old were1 homeowners in 2014 compared to 45% in 2005. While many factors have been responsible for this 9-percentage point decrease in homeownership, estimates say that roughly 20% of that decrease (2% of the 9%) could be attributed to the increase in student loan debt from 2005 to 2014 (Alvaro et al. 2015).

On Retirement 

Student loan debt has a multigenerational impact on family and retirement savings. Roughly 84% of student loan holders say that they are less capable of saving for their retirement because of the burden of student loan debt. 73% of the borrowers expect to increase their contributions once their student loan debt is paid off, and 26% aren’t able to save any amount for their retirement because they need to pay off their student debt. Beside students who are the primary borrowers, parents and grandparents are also making sacrifices and sharing some of the debt burden with their children and grandchildren. 43% of parents and grandparents who took out student loans for their children and grandchildren say that they will increase their retirement savings once student loan debt is paid off. (“Understanding the Multigenerational Impact of Student Loan Debt on Family, Finances and Relationships” n.d.).

Solutions for a More Balanced Economic Education

Individual Lifestyle Changes

Don’t wait for the government to save the day – take charge of your own economic education  and start today! It’s time to embrace the power of self-education and dive into the world of economics and financial literacy. With countless books and online courses at your fingertips, you have the opportunity to transform your financial future, one page or video at a time.

Imagine dedicating just an hour or two each day to expanding your knowledge. It’s as simple as swapping out some mindless scrolling for a thought-provoking article on current economic policies or trading a Netflix binge for an engaging online tutorial. By making these small changes to your daily habits, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can become a true consumer of knowledge.

Picture yourself a few months from now, armed with a newfound understanding of the economic forces shaping our world. You’ll be able to navigate financial decisions with confidence, spot opportunities for growth and investment, and even engage in meaningful discussions about the policies impacting your life.

So why wait for high school or college to catch up? The power to build a strong foundation in economic education is right at your fingertips. Seize this moment to invest in yourself and your future. Start exploring the wealth of resources available to you and watch as your financial literacy soars to new heights. Your future self will thank you for taking this bold step towards a brighter, more financially savvy tomorrow. The cost of this newly adopted habit is at most a couple of dollars per month given the vast abundance of free and cheap resources on the internet from free online videos to eBook’s, free tutorials, and recorded online lessons on platforms like Udemy and YouTube free online videos and long-term impacts of this solution are countless on a personal level, and on the national economic level. Income is strongly tied to literacy. Adults with a minimum level of proficiency (level 3) make on average $63,000/year compared to adults who are just below the level of proficiency (level 2) and at the low level of proficiency (level 0 & 1) who make on average $48,000 and $34,000, respectively. At the national economic level, literacy could have tremendous economic benefits. If all American adults reach level 3 of proficiency, that alone will add $2.2 trillion to gross domestic product (GDP) (Rothwell 2020).

Governance Changes

While it’s rational to take individual initiatives toward self-education instead of relying on government’s efforts for that matter, the government at both the federal and state levels still have a responsibility to promote a balanced economic education to make sure the next generation is well prepared to enter adulthood with a solid understanding of key financial and economic principles that shape their everyday lives. It’s recommended that states require high school students to take courses in both economics and finance for at least an entire academic year where students develop an interdisciplinary understanding of how economics and finance work together for their best interests.

Virginia and North Carolina are very successful models to follow when it comes to financial and economic literacy. For example, both states require students to take a full-credit course in personal finance and economics to graduate where the Board of Education provides standards and objectives that allow the students to apply the skills, knowledge, and concepts learned in classrooms to be ready to enter college and civic life. In addition, they provide government funded websites filled with free educational resources to learn about economics, finance, and money (Pickler, Foote, and Spann 2023, 18-24).

It’s not a coincidence that these two states are placed among the top 10 states for financial literacy with each one receiving a grade of A. So, a potential roadmap should first entail the passage of legislation that clearly demands for these materials to be taught through full-credit courses rather than squeezing some concepts here and there. Second, the Board of Education must play a vital role in laying out the standards and objectives to be achieved in partnership with other state agencies to oversee the implementation and track progress.

Joining a Non-Profit Organization & Having a Mentor

From my personal experience, joining a group of experts with boots on the ground experience in the financial world is the best and smartest move an ambitious young person can make toward having a balanced economic education and much more than that. For those who aspire to become true catalysts of change in the economic landscape of our great nation, I wholeheartedly recommend aligning yourself with a distinguished assembly of visionary business leaders, such as the esteemed https://www.financialpolicycouncil.org/ Financial Policy Council (FPC). Under the sagacious guidance of its Founder and Chairman Ziad K. Abdelnour and the august members of the Project Liberty Team, the FPC transcends the mere impartation of rudimentary economic and financial theories. Instead, it imbues its members with the indomitable spirit of wealth creation, activism, and leadership, empowering them to become intrepid game-changers in the realm of finance and beyond.

By joining forces with this illustrious organization, one embarks upon a transformative journey that goes far beyond the acquisition of textbook knowledge.  The FPC serves as a crucible in which the most brilliant minds in business converge, forging an unbreakable alliance dedicated to the noble pursuit of American prosperity. Through their unwavering commitment to the principles of free enterprise, individual liberty, and the indomitable spirit of innovation, the members of the FPC stand as a bulwark against the forces of economic stagnation and a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

In this hallowed hall of financial acumen, one is not merely a passive recipient of knowledge but an active participant in the shaping of our nation’s economic destiny. The FPC provides an unparalleled platform for individuals to unleash their full potential as wealth creators, activists, and leaders, armed with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern economic landscape. By embracing the values and vision of this esteemed organization, one becomes an integral part of a movement that is not content with the status quo but instead dares to challenge convention and forge a path towards a more prosperous and equitable future for all Americans. 

To be a part of a non-profit Think Tank as prestigious as the Policy Council is to find oneself in the company of an elite cadre of world-class doyens, drawn from the most illustrious corners of industry. From the titans of oil and gas to the master strategists of hedge funds, private equity, and real estate, the FPC assembles a veritable who’s who of financial acumen and business prowess.

Yet, what sets the FPC (https://www.financialpolicycouncil.org/) apart is not merely the individual brilliance of its members but the unbreakable bonds of camaraderie and shared purpose that unite them. The Project Liberty Team and the Board of Directors stand shoulder-to-shoulder, a band of brothers and sisters forged in the crucible of American enterprise, ready and willing to lend their considerable expertise and support to their fellow patriots.

In this rarefied atmosphere of intellectual rigor and unwavering dedication, the members operate with the precision and cohesion of a Navy SEAL unit. Each individual brings their unique skills and experience to bear, working in seamless harmony to tackle the most pressing economic challenges of our time. Through their combined efforts, they strive to unlock the full potential of the American economy, securing a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

To be counted among this august body is to stand at the vanguard of economic thought and action, to be part of a living, breathing testament to the enduring spirit of American ingenuity and resilience. It is an honor reserved for those who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the principles of free enterprise, individual liberty, and the pursuit of excellence in all their endeavors. 

In addition, exposure to business ideas, to a large network, and to think like a businessman, and to have the courage, the knowledge, and the character to go out fearlessly and be a game changer is a must for every person, especially the younger generation.

People must give up small thoughts and think big in a strategic way with a vision and execute that vision. From talking to many people my age, I see the lack of having not only a balanced economic education, but also the lack of having a strategic vision for their life and who they want to be. The majority of the younger generation must not fall into a circular loop that consumes their life due to unwise decisions that they could have avoided with some education.

To reverse that terrible course of action that has led to wealth destruction instead of wealth creation, look no further than the Financial Policy Council. Its commitment to financial education among many others, its commitment to mentoring its members where experienced professionals provide mentorship and guidance to newcomers in the financial and investment sectors, and the networking opportunities that it offers to its members with exclusive access to like-minded experts and professionals are a real treasure to reverse course of action and create the next generation of business leaders.

Conclusion

There is an unbalanced economic education in the United States where only half of the states require students to take a course in economics to graduate. That is a problem because it is leading millions of American students to fall under the burden of student loans by making unwise economic decisions, which in its turn has many serious implications for borrowers on many levels. It weakens their consumption, reduces their capability to become entrepreneurs and launch their own businesses, delays them, and even prevents them from being homeowners, and it disrupts their retirement planning. To transition from an unbalanced economic education to a balanced economic education, it is necessary to adopt a new lifestyle based on self-education, promote governance changes like the model of Virginia and North Carolina in promoted balanced economic and financial education, and joining a group of business leaders like the Financial Policy Council that not only equips its new young members with a balanced economic education, but it is a fertile ground for the rise of new business leaders.

Ending Statement

I encourage you to visit the Financial Policy Council website: www.financialpolicycouncil.org for a wealth of blogs focused on financial education, and a wide range of other topics that every reader will find sort of benefit in reading them. This is your opportunity to connect with experts from various investment silos that engage in discussions that prioritizes the financial education role in shaping America’s future. By joining forces, we can support initiatives that enhance economic strength, protect our national security, and lead to new scientific breakthroughs, setting the stage for American leadership for decades and even centuries to come.

#financialeducation    #economiceducation    #wealthcreation    #studentloans    #financialpolicycouncil    #balancedeconomiceducation 

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