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Yahoo
12 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
15 Brutal Signs Your Marriage Isn't Built To Last
In the ever-evolving game of love, it's all too easy to wear those rose-colored glasses a tad too long. Yet, as life unfolds its intricate layers, certain telltale signs whisper that perhaps your union isn't the forever kind. Sure, every couple has their quirks, but some signs are less about personality and more about compatibility's fatal flaw. Grab your latte, settle into your most chic corner, and let's dig into these unexpected signals that suggest your marriage might be more fragile than a fashion model's ego at a runway show. In the grand tapestry of love, communication is far more than just words. It's about resonating on the same frequency, and sometimes, you might be tuned to entirely different channels. If your idea of affection is a bouquet of roses, while your partner's is a silent Netflix binge, you might be living an emotional Tower of Babel scenario. Dr. Gary Chapman, author of "The Five Love Languages," highlights the importance of understanding your partner's love language as fundamental to maintaining a healthy emotional connection. When love languages clash, it's not just about unmet expectations. It can spiral into a feeling of emotional neglect, where both parties feel unappreciated. The inability to speak each other's love dialect can leave you feeling as though you're living with a friendly stranger. Without a translator, this gap can widen, turning shared moments into silent room-shares instead of a partnership. In the age of digital personas, sharing a bit of your life online is par for the course. However, if your deepest thoughts and grievances regarding your partner are more likely to be found on Instagram than in your bedroom, there's a red flag flapping in the breeze. This public airing can hint that you're seeking validation outside your marriage, where intimacy ought to thrive within its private sphere. A relationship built on external validation is often a relationship teetering on a very public precipice. Nothing should replace face-to-face communication, especially not a status update. When grievances become performative, it signals that the comfort of connection has abandoned the premises. The true danger lies in creating a persona for your marriage that exists only for public consumption. Over time, the audience becomes more involved in your relationship than you are, leaving the real connection neglected and ignored, much like a relic of past seasons' fashion. While infidelity might initially conjure images of clandestine meetings or secret flings, financial infidelity is an equally insidious foe. When credit card statements become more closely guarded than a celebrity's privacy, it signals trouble. According to a study by Harris Poll on behalf of the National Endowment for Financial Education, two in five Americans admit to lying to their partners about money. The deception involved in financial secrets can erode trust faster than a viral tweet. Financial dishonesty might start small, but it has a way of snowballing into larger, more destructive habits. When one partner hides spending or debt, it creates a power imbalance, much like uneven hemlines in fashion. Over time, trust becomes a mere echo of its former self, breeding resentment and division. Without transparency, the partnership part of your relationship turns into a competitive sport, complete with winners and losers. For some, conflict is the emotional equivalent of a pop-up ad—unexpected and to be avoided at all costs. But when you dodge every disagreement, it's less about keeping the peace and more about stifling communication. A marriage without disagreement is often one where deeper issues simmer unaddressed beneath a polished exterior. Avoidance doesn't protect the relationship; it suffocates it with silence. The absence of conflict might initially seem harmonious, but it's more like a fashion collection with no risks—safe yet forgettable. Disagreements are opportunities to grow, evolve, and understand your partner on a deeper level. When you forgo these opportunities, you're not preventing harm but preventing growth. In time, unresolved issues can accumulate, creating an emotional landfill of ignored grievances. Every strong partnership has a compass—a set of shared dreams that guide the relationship. When your dreams diverge like two fashion lines going in opposite directions, the future can become more of a question mark than an exclamation point. Dr. Terri Orbuch, a social psychologist and author of "5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great," asserts that couples benefit significantly when they maintain goals that align. Without this alignment, a marriage can become a dual residency instead of a unified home. Diverging dreams may start innocently enough, as personal pursuits are natural and encouraged. However, if these pursuits lead you down separate paths, you'll eventually find yourselves living parallel lives. The richness of a shared future is diluted, leaving a paler, more isolated existence. When dreams no longer intertwine, the fabric of marriage can unravel, thread by thread. Intimacy, in all its forms, is the connective tissue of a marriage, and its absence can be as glaring as a fashion faux pas on the red carpet. When physical and emotional closeness becomes a relic of the past, the relationship starts to resemble a beautifully kept museum—admired but untouched. This disconnect can transform partners into roommates, coexisting without the glue of genuine closeness. Without intimacy, the vibrancy of a relationship can fade into monochrome. The decline of intimacy often goes unnoticed at first, like the slow fade of a favorite fabric. Subtle changes, like a lack of touch or absence of shared secrets, may seem harmless initially. Yet, as time goes on, the gap widens, leaving a void where connection once thrived. Rediscovering intimacy requires intention and effort, much like reviving a forgotten trend, but the cost of neglecting it is a relationship stripped of its warmth and color. When a relationship morphs into a competitive sport, with each partner keeping meticulous score, it's a sign of deep-seated issues. Keeping tabs on who did what or who owes whom what favor is a surefire way to build resentment. According to relationship expert Dr. John Gottman, relationships thrive not on tallying points but on acts of kindness and generosity that create positive sentiment. When the focus is on winning rather than partnership, both parties ultimately lose. The constant scorekeeping can transform love into a ledger, a transactional relationship devoid of genuine emotion. In such an environment, every interaction is tinged with an invisible checklist, ensuring that everything remains balanced. But love isn't about balance sheets; it's about support, care, and connection. When transactions replace gestures of love, the foundation of the relationship becomes less about unity and more about competition. There's nothing wrong with cherishing a little solitude in our hectic lives. However, when the highlight of your day is the moment you can escape your partner, it unveils a chasm between you. While independence is essential, a marriage thrives on shared experiences and mutual enjoyment. If "me time" feels like a rescue mission rather than a rejuvenation, it suggests a deeper dissatisfaction. Cherishing alone time should be a complement to, not a substitute for, time spent together. When you consistently seek solitude, it implies that your partner's presence is more draining than fulfilling. Over time, this dynamic can lead to isolation, where both parties drift into separate worlds. When togetherness becomes a chore, it's a signal to reassess the relationship's pulse. It's natural to admire other couples' dynamics, but when admiration turns to envy, there's something amiss. If you find yourself consistently longing for the type of relationship others seem to have, it's a cue to reflect internally. This envy might stem from unmet needs or unaddressed issues within your marriage. When you're more focused on what others have, you neglect the potential for growth in your relationship. Jealousy often masks deeper insecurities and dissatisfaction. It's a form of escapism, where dreaming about someone else's reality distracts from confronting your own. This habit can erode gratitude, blinding you to the positives in your partnership. When every outing feels like a reminder of what you lack, rather than what you cherish, it's a cue for introspection and change. Nostalgia has its place, but when you're constantly reminiscing about the "good old days," it may signal a disconnect with the present. A marriage rooted in the past indicates that you're yearning for a time when things felt more connected, easier, or simply better. This fixation can stall growth, trapping the relationship in a time capsule rather than evolving with the present. When your best memories outweigh your current joys, it's an indication that something needs attention. Living in the past creates an invisible wall between what was and what is. It prevents you from embracing the changes and challenges that naturally come with time. The inability to let go of old glories can hinder your ability to adapt and grow together. When your present feels like a footnote to your past, it's time to reevaluate the dynamics at play. Feeling invisible in a relationship can be as isolating as being at a party where you don't know a soul. When your thoughts, opinions, and feelings consistently go unnoticed or dismissed, it's a red flag. A healthy marriage involves active listening and mutual respect, not a one-sided monologue. When your voice feels like a whisper in the wind, it's time to address the imbalance. Silence often speaks louder than words, and when your partner fails to acknowledge your presence, it creates a rift. Being unseen can lead to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, even when you're physically together. Over time, this neglect can sap the relationship's vitality, leaving a hollow shell where depth once thrived. Reclaiming your space and voice is essential to restoring balance and connection. In a strong partnership, one person's success is a shared victory. However, when your partner's achievements leave you feeling threatened or inadequate, it suggests an undercurrent of insecurity. This dynamic can lead to resentment, where support turns into silent competition. Instead of celebrating together, it creates an emotional divide that can be hard to bridge. Feeling overshadowed by your partner's accomplishments can breed feelings of inferiority. It can shift the relationship's balance from teamwork to rivalry, where one person's win feels like another's loss. This mindset stifles the potential for mutual growth and understanding. When success becomes a battleground rather than a shared joy, it's crucial to address the emotions at play. Introducing your partner to your inner circle should be a natural, joyous occasion. But if you find yourself hesitating, it's a signal that something might be awry. This reluctance could stem from embarrassment, doubt, or a lack of confidence in your relationship's stability. Avoidance suggests that on some level, you're unsure about how well your partnership fits into the wider tapestry of your life. Keeping your partner separate from your other relationships creates a duality that's hard to sustain. It implies a lack of integration and can prevent the relationship from fully flourishing. Over time, these separate worlds can drift further apart, much like an unsynchronized dance. When introductions feel more like obligations than celebrations, it's time to examine the underlying causes. A partner should be your sanctuary, not a source of additional stress. If you find yourself seeking solace elsewhere when the going gets tough, it's a sign of emotional distance. This lack of safety can turn the relationship into a minefield, where vulnerability is risky rather than welcomed. A marriage without a safe space is like a home without a roof—exposed to the elements and vulnerable to damage. When your partner isn't your confidant, it signals a breakdown in trust and communication. It suggests that the relationship lacks the nurturing environment necessary for emotional growth. Seeking comfort in others or isolating yourself leaves the core of the partnership neglected. Rebuilding this safe space requires effort and openness, but it's essential for a thriving relationship. Planning a future should be an exciting, shared adventure, not a solitary endeavor. If your vision of the years ahead feels more like a solo mission than a partnership, it's an indication of disconnect. A shared future is fundamental to any marriage, providing direction and purpose. When your plans don't include your partner, it's a sign that the relationship is missing a vital element of unity. A future without a shared narrative is like a story with two divergent plots. It suggests a lack of alignment in values, dreams, or priorities. This division can create a barrier to intimacy, where each person pursues their path without regard for the other. When the journey ahead seems more like a solitary trek than a joint venture, it's time to reassess where your relationship is headed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dallas woman divorcing her husband after over secret $1M debt — but Ramsey Show hosts tell her to own her part
When you enter into a marriage, you expect your spouse to be faithful. But sometimes, a different type of infidelity — financial — can rear its ugly head. That's what happened to Cathy from Dallas, Texas, who recently called into The Ramsey Show seeking urgent financial advice. Cathy revealed to co-hosts Ken Coleman and Jade Warshaw that she suspects her to-be ex-husband has racked up close to $1 million in debt behind her back — and she's worried that she's on the hook for half of it. Cathy filed for divorce in late April, after learning about her husband's ongoing financial infidelity — however, after a 27-year marriage, she's trying to escape as unscathed as possible. Here is what Coleman and Warshaw had to say. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Money can be a huge driver of marital strife — especially when one spouse keeps secrets. A late 2021 survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 43% of people with combined finances in a relationship have committed an act of financial infidelity. For 39%, that meant hiding a purchase or bank statement from their partner. For 19%, it meant hiding cash. And for 16% of people, financial infidelity ultimately led to divorce. Cathy, meanwhile, blames her situation on the fact that she allowed her husband to handle the family finances for many years while she became a stay-at-home mom to their four children. But when she did some digging, she learned that her now-ex had been keeping many financial secrets. For one thing, he hadn't paid income taxes in three years, which amounts to about a $160,000 debt. Since their taxes are filed jointly, Cathy assumes she'll be liable for half that sum. The husband also owes $80,000 in credit card debt on cards Cathy didn't know exist (and there may be more). Plus, there's a $550,000 mortgage on Cathy's husband's office building that she signed. On top of everything else, in 2019, Cathy's husband borrowed $500,000 from Cathy after she received an inheritance, which she is counting towards the debt. He claimed he was spending the money on his business. But Cathy doesn't have a record of how that money was spent, and Coleman and Warshaw told her to assume that's money she won't ever get back. "I feel like an idiot," Cathy said while describing the situation. Warshaw and Coleman said they believe Cathy is going to be responsible for 50% of certain debts her name is on. However, it's unclear as to how much she'll actually owe or whether there is additional outstanding debt, as her ex isn't forthcoming with the information. However, thanks to the IRS's innocent spouse relief program, Cathy may not be liable for her spouse's tax debt if she didn't know about the errors — and if the $80,000 in credit card debt isn't in her name, she may be off the hook there, too. So all told, Coleman thinks Cathy is looking at owing at least $250,000 in debt — presumably from her half of the mortgage on her spouse's office building. Thankfully, Cathy and her spouse own a paid-off home worth about $2 million. So, there are some assets that can be used to pay off the debt. But Warshaw had to gently admonish Cathy for letting the situation get to this point. "It can't just be, 'he handles that, I handle this,'" Warshaw said. "You also have to own your part in it." Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now "This is not the end of the world," said Coleman, when describing Cathy's situation. In addition to being able to leverage an existing asset (her paid off house), Cathy just got a job as an appellate attorney and expects to make $130,000 this year. Between her salary and splitting the proceeds of selling the house, Coleman and Warshaw expect that she'll come out okay. "It sounds like there is going to be enough assets for you to clear your debt and still have a decent amount of money," Warshaw reassured Cathy. "You'll be OK long-term," Coleman said, echoing that sentiment. If you find yourself in a similar situation, this can be a reasonable first step, once you've taken stock of all your debts and assets more accurately. Coleman and Warshaw also reiterated their hope that Cathy learned a lesson from this experience. In her next relationship, she needs to keep everything above board and talk through all financial decisions, Warshaw insisted: 'And anything you have questions about, you're saying out loud. You have something to bring to the table, he has something to bring to the table. No one gets to just 'handle it.'' With any luck, Cathy will never end up in a situation where she sits back and doesn't keep tabs on her finances. This would mean getting acquainted with the five pillars of financial literacy, being involved in any financial planning, budgeting, contributing to an emergency fund, and planning for retirement, among other things. In a 2024 Fidelity survey, more than 25% of partners resent being left out of financial decisions. So be vocal and set the guardrails early on for what you expect of your partner, when it comes to financial decisions. Being equal partners on all things finance-related could help avoid not just a situation like the one Cathy got into, but marital conflict more broadly. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dallas woman divorcing her husband after over secret $1M debt — but Ramsey Show hosts tell her to own her part
When you enter into a marriage, you expect your spouse to be faithful. But sometimes, a different type of infidelity — financial — can rear its ugly head. That's what happened to Cathy from Dallas, Texas, who recently called into The Ramsey Show seeking urgent financial advice. Cathy revealed to co-hosts Ken Coleman and Jade Warshaw that she suspects her to-be ex-husband has racked up close to $1 million in debt behind her back — and she's worried that she's on the hook for half of it. Cathy filed for divorce in late April, after learning about her husband's ongoing financial infidelity — however, after a 27-year marriage, she's trying to escape as unscathed as possible. Here is what Coleman and Warshaw had to say. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Money can be a huge driver of marital strife — especially when one spouse keeps secrets. A late 2021 survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 43% of people with combined finances in a relationship have committed an act of financial infidelity. For 39%, that meant hiding a purchase or bank statement from their partner. For 19%, it meant hiding cash. And for 16% of people, financial infidelity ultimately led to divorce. Cathy, meanwhile, blames her situation on the fact that she allowed her husband to handle the family finances for many years while she became a stay-at-home mom to their four children. But when she did some digging, she learned that her now-ex had been keeping many financial secrets. For one thing, he hadn't paid income taxes in three years, which amounts to about a $160,000 debt. Since their taxes are filed jointly, Cathy assumes she'll be liable for half that sum. The husband also owes $80,000 in credit card debt on cards Cathy didn't know exist (and there may be more). Plus, there's a $550,000 mortgage on Cathy's husband's office building that she signed. On top of everything else, in 2019, Cathy's husband borrowed $500,000 from Cathy after she received an inheritance, which she is counting towards the debt. He claimed he was spending the money on his business. But Cathy doesn't have a record of how that money was spent, and Coleman and Warshaw told her to assume that's money she won't ever get back. "I feel like an idiot," Cathy said while describing the situation. Warshaw and Coleman said they believe Cathy is going to be responsible for 50% of certain debts her name is on. However, it's unclear as to how much she'll actually owe or whether there is additional outstanding debt, as her ex isn't forthcoming with the information. However, thanks to the IRS's innocent spouse relief program, Cathy may not be liable for her spouse's tax debt if she didn't know about the errors — and if the $80,000 in credit card debt isn't in her name, she may be off the hook there, too. So all told, Coleman thinks Cathy is looking at owing at least $250,000 in debt — presumably from her half of the mortgage on her spouse's office building. Thankfully, Cathy and her spouse own a paid-off home worth about $2 million. So, there are some assets that can be used to pay off the debt. But Warshaw had to gently admonish Cathy for letting the situation get to this point. "It can't just be, 'he handles that, I handle this,'" Warshaw said. "You also have to own your part in it." Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now "This is not the end of the world," said Coleman, when describing Cathy's situation. In addition to being able to leverage an existing asset (her paid off house), Cathy just got a job as an appellate attorney and expects to make $130,000 this year. Between her salary and splitting the proceeds of selling the house, Coleman and Warshaw expect that she'll come out okay. "It sounds like there is going to be enough assets for you to clear your debt and still have a decent amount of money," Warshaw reassured Cathy. "You'll be OK long-term," Coleman said, echoing that sentiment. If you find yourself in a similar situation, this can be a reasonable first step, once you've taken stock of all your debts and assets more accurately. Coleman and Warshaw also reiterated their hope that Cathy learned a lesson from this experience. In her next relationship, she needs to keep everything above board and talk through all financial decisions, Warshaw insisted: 'And anything you have questions about, you're saying out loud. You have something to bring to the table, he has something to bring to the table. No one gets to just 'handle it.'' With any luck, Cathy will never end up in a situation where she sits back and doesn't keep tabs on her finances. This would mean getting acquainted with the five pillars of financial literacy, being involved in any financial planning, budgeting, contributing to an emergency fund, and planning for retirement, among other things. In a 2024 Fidelity survey, more than 25% of partners resent being left out of financial decisions. So be vocal and set the guardrails early on for what you expect of your partner, when it comes to financial decisions. Being equal partners on all things finance-related could help avoid not just a situation like the one Cathy got into, but marital conflict more broadly. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Peace Of Mind Over Paychecks: The New Financial Literacy Gen Z Needs
As I helped my 17-year-old son navigate his tax return from a part-time job, I realized how much financial education has changed since my high school days—and how much has remained the same. While he is far more comfortable with digital banking apps than I ever was with a checkbook at his age, he still struggled to understand withholdings and deductions. As parents, we do our best to pass on financial wisdom, but the financial landscape has changed dramatically since this Gen Xer had a part-time job. Cryptocurrency, 'buy now, pay later' services and investment apps marketed directly to teens have created a financial world far more complicated than what I navigated at my son's age. 'Financial education should start early in the home with parents who have open dialogues with their children about money and are positive role models, helping to establish behaviors they want their children to adopt,' says Dr. Billy Hensley, CEO and president of the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), which has issued a series of papers about the importance of financial education in high school. 'However, because managing money happens over a life-long continuum, schools should reinforce it through a dedicated semester, or year-long course, with continued support in higher education and the workplace.' In my home state of Colorado, this recommendation is gaining legislative attention. A bipartisan bill currently under consideration by the General Assembly would make financial literacy a graduation requirement for all high school students. While Colorado has had financial literacy standards since 2021 covering topics including saving, investing, debt management and retirement planning, only about a quarter of the state's 178 school districts currently require a personal finance course for graduation. This equates to 13% of high school graduates who are guaranteed access to a high school personal finance course before earning their diploma. As both a higher education finance expert and a parent who is watching my son prepare to enter an increasingly complex economy, I've seen firsthand why financial education initiatives matter. The stakes are high: without solid financial knowledge, young adults face significant consequences that can follow them for decades—from crippling student debt to retirement insecurity. But what's particularly interesting about today's young adults is how they're redefining what financial success even means. New data from Intuit Education suggests Gen Z is forging a distinctly different relationship with money than previous generations—one focused less on traditional markers of wealth and more on overall wellbeing and life satisfaction. According to the Intuit study, Gen Z isn't abandoning financial education—it's quite the opposite. 'We know that students need to begin learning essential personal finance concepts earlier, and our latest Prosperity Index Study results show that 60% of Gen Z are eager for more financial education,' says Dave Zasada, Vice President of Education and Corporate Responsibility at Intuit. While U.S. high school students are interested in learning more about financial topics in school, many want it on their own terms. Today's young adults are taking education into their own hands, with 36% following financial influencers and using YouTube tutorials to learn as they go. They're creating a DIY approach to financial literacy that fits their digital-first lives. Just because these young adults want more financial education does not mean they are seeking a bigger bank account. In fact, according to Intuit, nearly two-thirds of young adults would rather have a better quality of life than more money in the bank, noting 64% of Gen Z prioritizes peace of mind over wealth. Despite their desire for financial knowledge, talking about money remains taboo for many young adults. The Intuit data shows Gen Z would rather discuss politics, parenting struggles, sex and even infertility than their debt, salaries or investment mistakes. They're part of the 50% of Americans who would rather talk about sex than speak about their own finances. This reluctance creates a significant barrier to financial literacy. When finances remain behind a veil of secrecy, young people miss opportunities to learn from others' experiences, mistakes and successes. The financial education gap is real and urgent. Gen Z currently has the lowest financial literacy rates among U.S. generations, with just 38% of financial literacy questions answered correctly in recent assessments. Without intervention, this gap threatens to widen. 'Financial education is vital to our overall economic well-being, and the focus is improving. But, there is still more work to be done, especially with equity and access,' says Dr. Beth Bean, senior vice president of research and policy at the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). 'By promoting financial literacy, we can empower underserved communities and promote full economic inclusion, which contributes to stronger economic mobility.' Fortunately, efforts are underway to address this challenge. Intuit has committed to helping 50 million students become financially literate by 2030 through the Intuit Education platform, which provides free financial literacy curriculum and interactive tools designed specifically for Gen Z and Gen Alpha students. In April, which is also known as Financial Literacy Month, the company launched its second annual "Hour of Finance Challenge," a nationwide competition encouraging middle and high school students to spend just one hour learning about financial concepts. 'As an organization that has been helping our customers become financially capable for 40 years, Intuit is leveraging that experience and setting a goal to help 50M students graduate financially literate, capable, and confident,' says Zasada. 'The overwhelming response to the Intuit Hour of Finance Challenge demonstrates how impactful providing students the ability to learn through interactive real-world scenarios in an engaging way can be.' The initiative began April 1 and runs through the end of the month, offering participating schools the opportunity to compete for prizes and recognition as state or national champions. Schools can track their progress on a national leaderboard throughout the month, adding a motivating competitive element to financial education. 'The Hour of Finance challenge has really super-charged what I've been teaching in the classroom this semester,' says Jeremy Bryson, business teacher at Laurel Highlands High School in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. 'I have been able to bring real-world financial concepts to life in a way that can often be hard to do for high schoolers. The flexible activities help them make connections between budgeting, saving, and setting meaningful financial goals, and they're gaining practical skills they'll carry with them long after they leave my classroom. In just an hour of time, I've been able to make financial education exciting and relevant.' As with most competitions, schools are evaluated based on both achievement (measured by students' financial wellbeing scores in the game) and engagement (participation rates). The competition allows students to practice real-world financial decisions in a low-stakes environment, building confidence that translates to better financial habits. The initiative is digital-first, interactive, involves gaming elements and focuses on practical application rather than abstract concepts—many of the components of learning valued by Gen Z. Financial education extends beyond just one month of the year and many states have taken similar action to that of Colorado. As of mid-2024, 16 states require a standalone personal finance course for high school graduation and over a quarter of states have enacted financial literacy requirements. This represents significant progress toward ensuring that young adults enter the workforce with at least basic financial knowledge. However, implementation varies widely. According to the nonpartisan Education Commission of the States, some states like Washington State, have allocated millions for financial education grants without establishing graduation requirements. Others, such as New York, are in the process of developing new requirements through forums and state agency planning. Meanwhile, the National Financial Educators Council has argued that unlike other core subjects that have had standardized frameworks, financial education still lacks consistent standards for program quality, rigor, teacher qualifications and testing. This inconsistency creates an uneven landscape where ZIP code often determines whether a student receives quality financial education. Organizations such as Next Gen Personal Finance are working toward "Mission 2030," which aims to guarantee all high school students take a personal finance course before high school graduation by the year 2030. Rather than imposing outdated definitions of success, we can meet Gen Z where they are—with their values-driven approach to money and their desire for financial knowledge that supports the lives they actually want to lead. By understanding that for today's young adults, prosperity isn't defined by the size of a paycheck but by building a life that feels grounded, flexible, and fulfilling, we can create financial education that truly empowers the next generation. As they forge new paths to prosperity, let's give these young adults the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed—on their own terms.
Bloomberg
13-02-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Don't Let Your Love Story End With Financial Infidelity
As we enter Valentine's Day weekend, financial infidelity isn't exactly a topic that exudes romance. But lovebirds who don't make the discussion a foundational piece of their relationship risk adding avoidable strain on their union. For couples unfamiliar with the term, financial infidelity is the act of lying to a partner about money habits or behaviors. According to a 2021 National Endowment for Financial Education poll, 43% of US adults admitted to committing at least one form of financial deception.
