Improving Education Through Financial Literacy
Written by: Lea Smith, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In our neighborhoods, public and or private schools were designed to teach the systemic oppression of many cultures and environments. Systemic oppression is systematic and has historical antecedents; it is the intentional reminder for disadvantaged groups of people based on their identity while advancing members of a dominant group such as gender, race, class, sexual orientation, language and more progress in society. Our economic, social, political and cultural systems have emerged in separation. Unfortunately, there is a daily reminder of depression, racism, segregation, differences in our practices as people and many protests to stop the division. Yes, these are all serious issues but here’s a thought for a simple movement, we can begin revitalization in our communities by improving education through teaching financial literacy to our youth.
Don’t be misled by the terms “national deficit” and “U.S. deficit” because they have the same meaning and are used interchangeably by the U.S. Treasury. In the last 50 years, the federal government has run a surplus five times, most recently in 2001. The national deficit of $421 billion dollars is due to the federal government spending trillions that exceeded revenue. In the Fiscal Year of 2022, the federal government spent $6.27 trillion and collected $4.90 trillion in revenue, resulting in a deficit. When there is no deficit or surplus due to spending and revenue being equal, the budget is considered balanced. At Alea’s Helping Hand Inc., our mission is simply to impact, motivate and empower our youth to obtain financial literacy. We show the relation between individuals and build by strengthening our core with real numbers.
Regardless of whether its sign is the numerical value of or relating to numbers, especially the characters 0 to 9. Alea’s HelpingHand Inc., Financial Literacy program has a positive outcome on youth primarily in disadvantaged neighborhoods. We’ve explored the opportunities and benefits for their families to transcend into generational wealth and sustainability. Alea’s Helping Hand Inc., programs will provide the five (5) core competencies of financial literacy: (Earning, Saving, Investing, Spending, Borrowing, and Protecting) via virtual workshops, in personal trainings, community events that are offered free to the public, collaborations and partnerships worldwide. Financial literacy is achieved through financial education; hence, by understanding these competencies; the youth in the Alea’sHelping Hand Inc., programs utilize knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial well-being.
We all have our own unique relationship with money and should not take it for granted the generational curses that affect“Black Folks” culture. These powerful lessons are identified through crimes, scandals, violence and other nonsense that impact the rise in numbers for the U.S. consideration in legal matters. It’s not just “The Black folks” who aren’t educated,89% of people do not obtain financial literacy in their lifetime. People only do what they’re taught, shown and have learned through personal experiences. Too often people say their habits are the reasons they’ve characterized themselves with “This is how I’ve been my whole life.”
Prohibiting yourself from learning new methods, processes and systems are symptoms of “Stunting your own growth.” Our lives are changing daily and our senses are dull because distractions and propaganda are utilized to gear your thoughts, money and emotions towards the subject matter being sold in your environment and neighborhoods. Pay close attention when exposing the youth to crafty marketing and advertisements are distributed according to geographics, statistics, research and what the consumer craves to hear and see. Don’t take my word for it, just reflect on your deepest desires and goals. What does your mind think of first? As a parent, is it your family and how you’ll continue to support them with the steady rise of inflation? Will I get laid off next? Will my child/children be the next statistics because the environment is getting worse? Changing the path for youth who lack the confidence to embrace changing the patterns of unintentional consequences can be achieved through collaboration, partnerships and resources. Creating a roadmap to a better tomorrow will depend on the decisions made today. There are long-term gains for short-term sacrifice as being parents, community partners, advocates and adults creating generational wealth. Financial Literacy is the guide to financial, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Invest in yourself and get the education available within your community.
Lea Smith, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Courageous Lea, is the Founder of Alea's Helping Hand Inc., 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization. The foundation of business is understanding concepts, processes and money. Lea’s ability to identify areas of strength and weaknesses to implement standards and changes in operation that optimize productivity, bottom line, cycle time and cost help business owners increase profits. Courageous Lea, is a progressive leader with strong strategic planning skills, effective in training, development, team building and problem solving. Through financial literacy we can improve our mental, emotional and spiritual growth with fundamentals that will break the generational curse of poverty, poor money management and habits.
