UK schools offer financial literacy courses

It looks as if Americans aren’t the only ones getting themselves into financial trouble. According to this article by the BBC, consumer debt in the UK has climbed so high that there is a need for financial literacy courses in schools. Starting in September, teens in the UK will be able to take classes like “Introduction to Money”, “Money Management”, “Personal Financial Encounters” and “Money Management Solutions.”

While schools in the US might not be ready to support this kind of curriculum, Verity Credit Union already does. We are a proud sponsor of Credit University, which covers topics such as understanding credit, saving and investing, and identity theft. Last year Credit U reached over 7,000 students in 181 schools in Western Washington, with plans to reach even more kids this year. My hopes are that this program will be so successful that it inspires schools to offer courses similar to those being offered in the UK.