The Problem

     Many people today are in deep financial trouble, finding themselves struggling in financial quicksand due to excessive debt, low wages, and high costs of living. Stuck and sinking, they feel the pressure from a combination of mounting bills and having little to no money. This is a frightening situation to be in. The problem that many face today is not having enough money.

     After the financial crisis that began in 2007, millions of people have lost their jobs, their homes, and their businesses. Unfortunately, due to our nation’s economic policies the situation is only going to worsen. To stay afloat many will make lifestyle changes. They will cut back on spending and attempt to save more. Believing that more education is the answer, some will go back to school and pursue higher learning. Others may take on a side job to help make ends meet. The harsh reality, however, is that in the next decade a significant number will slip out of the middle class and into poverty.

     Saving more money seems like a good idea. But why save money when the government is printing trillions of dollars, destroying the purchasing power of savings? Going back to college seems like a good idea. But why go further into debt when employers are rapidly reducing their workforces and unemployment is on the rise? Working two jobs seems like a good idea. But why work harder for money when the government has to increase taxes to fund its entitlement programs? Therefore, another issue arises: What is the real solution when what used to work doesn’t work anymore? With trillions of dollars in circulation that really is the million dollar question. The answer is financial education.

     The reason that people today don’t have enough money is because they lack financial education. Due to that lack, people are playing the game of money by the old rules, when new rules exist. Those playing by the new rules have a tremendous advantage. That is why the rich, who play by the new rules, get richer and the poor and middle class suffer. The rich have the problem of too much money, and the poor and middle class have the problem of not enough money.

     Fortunately, regardless of where a person lies, it’s all a matter of financial education and knowing that the rules have changed.