Agreed. I only pointed out compound interest as an example of the kinds of tools that kids aren't really taught about (well, I wasn't, at least).
The thing is, I did actually pick up a book on stock investing as a teen... one more of my "library book sale" pick ups, but I skimmed through it, but the value of investing and taking advantage of the capital markets didn't "click" for me back then. Also, considering this was in the 80's, far before there was E-Trade or Sharebuilder or anything of that nature, the markets didn't seem very accessible to a poor kid growing up in rural NC.
At least that's one advantage we have today... something like Sharebuilder is a nice way to dip your toes in the water.
For better or for worse, we're in the era of "DIY" investments. You can't just dump your cash in a bank account, mutual funds, or write a cheque to your broker and expect to make money like was done in years gone by.
Now you need to be educated. You need to know the tools at your disposal and how best to make use of them.
My advice to anyone looking to invest is to first read up on gambling. Any book worth reading spends a good chunk of time explaining one thing over and over: bankroll management. For investment this is the same idea. Don't over-commit.
I'd also advocate reading on gambling scams as there's far too many dodgy investments out there promising impossible returns or companies with a "business plan" that's so full of holes it whistles when it moves.
Perhaps people who grew up in an environment filled with mistrust and the constant risk of thievery would be better prepared for investing in the stock market than most.
The thing is, I did actually pick up a book on stock investing as a teen... one more of my "library book sale" pick ups, but I skimmed through it, but the value of investing and taking advantage of the capital markets didn't "click" for me back then. Also, considering this was in the 80's, far before there was E-Trade or Sharebuilder or anything of that nature, the markets didn't seem very accessible to a poor kid growing up in rural NC.
At least that's one advantage we have today... something like Sharebuilder is a nice way to dip your toes in the water.