Skyrocketing foreclosures, runaways personal debt and bankruptcies - many Americans are currently experiencing financial challenges. It doesn't have to be this way for today's youth. By giving teenagers a practical financial education they can avoid much of the trouble that is plaguing so many people.

A recent study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) predicts that one out of every three workers will have nothing ($0) saved in a 401k style account by 2050. This statistic is supported by the National Association of State Boards of Education's report that states 'most workers are not participating sufficiently enough to allow comfortable retirement'. What makes this study scary is the fact that social security and pensions probably will not be around in the future so the need for financial security is more important than ever.

Not only will a practical financial education benefit young adults in the long-term but it will also have considerable positive effects right now. The latest studies show that over fifty percent of college graduates are planning to move back with their parents. According to the Student Monitor, 62% of college graduates leave school with $27,236 in debt. In addition, less than one-quarter of students and only 20% of parents say students are very well prepared to deal with the financial challenges that await them after graduation. Giving them a practical financial education prior to them leaving home will save them from these problems.

Most parents realize the importance of a financial education and are already aware that public high schools do not provide young adults with the necessary money skills. Parents know the significant positive impact that a practical financial education will have on their kids future. So parents it's up to you to provide your children with the financial skills they need to make it in today's society.

Even if you have made financial errors yourself there are resources available to help give your children the advantages many parents wish they had. Looking at the statistics it is apparent the majority of parents do not have enough knowledge to raise a financially responsible teenager. Public high schools have been teaching similar subjects for the last 50 years and financial education is not one of them. Consequently, many parents learned about money from the school of hard knocks and do not feel qualified to raise a financially independent teenager.

This lack of financial knowledge gets passed down through the generations because most children learn about money from their parents. Sadly, because parents weren't taught about money either, they don't feel qualified to teach their kids practical financial skills. The good news is that learning the basics of personal money management is much easier and faster than picking up most courses in high school. The financial skills gained will last a lifetime and affect your child's life profoundly for the better.

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