Once college is over, the real world begins. Starting a career you may have for the rest of your life, moving out, and eventually buying your own house. But, do you even know how to do that? What about taxes? What about insurance? All of these important details are vital in everyday life. So then, why is there not a class in college teaching students these skills?
At the University, graduating students are required to take a course called Senior Seminar. There are certain branches of this course that focus on certain majors but in some of the Senior Seminar classes, financial themes are taught. Insurance, how to manage or balance a banking and checking account are subjects that are touched upon, but topics like buying a house or paying a mortgage are not addressed. Therefore, students may know the basic knowledge of these financial subjects, but not enough to feel confident about these things.
I believe that colleges should start looking into teaching a course on life after school. There could be several classes covering different topics, such as: the various insurances, how to buy a house, mortgage, taxes, a checking account, a banking account, credit cards, student loans, and other important financial subjects.
There are so many different types of insurances that it can be confusing. Life insurance, dental insurance, house insurance, health insurance, and car insurance are the basic types. However, there are so many others like unemployment insurance, causal ity insurance, travel insurance, and even pet insurance. I believe if there was a course on this topic, students would feel more comfortable transitioning from college to the real world. They would be able to know the differences between each type of insurance and know what they will need in the future and what they will not.
I don’t know anything about buying a house and I’m sure I’m not the only one. However, owning a house or renting an apartment are probably what most people plan on doing after college. Having a class teaching students what to look for when buying a house or renting an apartment and the steps to take, can help them make a good deal and prevent them from making a bad decision on the wrong purchase.
Taxes and mortgage both involve saving money. This course can give students tips on how to put money aside to afford these things. A checking and banking account are important for making big purchases and maintaining money. Students should know how to prevent their checks from bouncing. I believe that a course like this could help students develop these skills and know when to use them in different situations.
Using a credit card is easy enough, but most students may not know how to prevent credit card fraud. I don’t think students even realize the dangers of credit card fraud. Not only can your credit be ruined but your identity can be stolen. Students should be taught how to avoid this problem altogether.
Most students do not know what to expect after college. Many will be paying off student loans and will not know how to go about it. I believe that this course could show students how to pay off their loans without feeling overwhelmed. Those loans are just a little piece of what to expect for the future.
Paying bills and other finances are not taught in the classroom. Business courses may touch upon these subjects, but they never go in depth about topics like insurance. I think that students should be more knowledgeable about topics like this.
One day, we will have to manage these things on our own and will have no idea what to do because no one taught us. I am not familiar with any of these financial subjects.
When I have to tackle these challenges, I don’t want to make a mistake and lose money because I was never taught these skills. I want to walk out of school confident and ready to take on the real world. A course like this could be beneficial to me and other students like me. College is supposed to prepare you for your career, but what is supposed to prepare you for the real world?
