College and debt

So, most of you know that I'm a big fan of Dave Ramsey. It's safe to say that Matt and I have bought in to his message and drink the Kool-aid. And, quite honestly, it tastes so sweet. In the few years that we've been on the DR plan, we're moving closer and closer to what DR calls financial peace. In fact, we get to feel it every once in a while whenever emergencies arise simply by having the cash to keep Murphy in his place.

As much as I admire Dave Ramsey, I'm a bit disappointed in him. What? Me? That's right. Let me explain.

Dave offers youth his financial curriculum to help them learn money management tools that's not sponsored by a bank or credit card company. Isn't that crazy? That public schools allow companies like Visa to teach our kids how to handle money. And, we allow it. So, I was excited when I learned that DR has his own curriculum that comes from a consumer perspective, not some financial institution that benefits from teaching kids to borrow money.

Matt and I had the privilege of sitting in one the sessions at our church who are offering Financial Peace for the Next Generation. The video series is the same as Financial Peace University but with youth-oriented intro music and graphics. The workbook questions are also geared more for that age group. But, and that's a big but. I'm disappointed that the actual video content isn't geared to youth.

If you haven't watched any of the video lessons, there are a few things that these kids mentioned in the small group session following the clip, and I have to say that I feel their concerns are valid. Here's what the kids say:

What's with the audience of 'old' people?
This is the question that kicked off the small group session. And, to be honest, how are kids gonna relate to these lessons when the material is obviously aimed at an older audience?

It seems some of the content is geared more for older folks, what applies to me and what doesn't?
This question followed the first. I have to agree. Although most of the content is useful, the fact that you can tell DR isn't speaking to youth can inhibit the learning process. These are youth, they're not thinking about marriage and mortgage debt. It's good to know, but it's not geared to their specific concerns.

As much as I love DR, I think these concerns should be addressed. Especially if these kids are going to be reached before the credit sharks get to them. How can the curriculum be changed to more effectively reach youth? These are my suggestions:

Create a video series specifically targeting youth.
That includes Dave addressing an audience of kids and their specific concerns, which include:

• In depth discussion about student loans and alternatives to borrowing money.


• Less discussion about marriage and money, but addressing how money plays an important role in relationships.


• Why credit scores matter and don't.


• Teach the Drive Free, Retire Rich principle.

Not that this will happen, but I think it's important to reach youth at their level. Don't you?