What’s a skill that everyone should have?

mastermind@lemm.ee to Ask Lemmy@lemmy.world – 64 points –
45

You are viewing a single comment

Balancing a checkbook/bank account and understanding basic financial principles like compound interest.

Balance a checkbook?! Who even uses checks anymore... I bought a box once and have used maybe 3 over the last 10 years or so and definitely haven't used any in the last few years.

I balance my checking account by logging into the mobile app and looking at the balance lol

I think 'balancing your checkbook' nowadays means making financially sound decisions, not literally sitting there with an actual checkbook. I might be wrong though, I'm not a native English speaker.

Nevermind, I was wrong.

Accountant here.

Nobody needs to balance a checkbook. We have live access to our banking 24/7 with apps. And who even uses personal checks anymore? Maybe just for rent - if you have an old landlord. Even then, it’s one check a month.

But yes - having basic financial literacy is really important and should be part of any High School curriculum. It’s a little discouraging when we hire folks, tell them a 401k is part of their benefits and hear “what’s that mean?”