Thursday, February 11, 2010

Financial Literacy for Secondary Students

Someone asked for my views about the content of a financial literacy talk for secondary students. After some discussion, we agreed on the following:

* to set aside savings, from parent's allowance or part time work, in a bank account
* to distinguish between necessary and avoidable expenditures
* to calculate the interest charges on installment payments for computer, mobile phones and other items
* to avoid investing in products that are inflexible and have high charges, e.g. life insurance policies
* to have flexible savings that may be needed to pay for education and other necessary expenses
* financial burden to parents on sending children for education in overseas universities

These points are covered in my book, Practical Guide on Financial Planning which is available here.

Please share your views on other points that should be included.

Tan Kin Lian