Reflections on Financial Planning. Unit 2: Comptetency 1

     Like most things in life, there is a beginning, a middle and an end.  Good financial planning can help make sure that the end is a happy one for you.  There are lots of sayings about money: "Money makes the world go 'round", "Money can't buy happiness", and "Money doesn't grow on trees".  Making sense of these cliches will help you avoid some of the same pitfalls that I, and many more of your teachers have fallen into over the years.
     Believe it or not, money, not love makes the world go around. Unless you plan to run off and live in the mountains with the wolves and bears, you are going to need money.  How much money, differs from person to person, that's called "values" but in the end, we all need money.  I know, I know it's early in your life as Freshmen to be worrying about buying a house, retirement, and college for the kiddies, but on a smaller scale, the process works the same.  If you want the things that teens want as they grow older, you need to learn how to get them.  Whether it's a new pair of skinny jeans, the latest iWhatever, or even your first car, you need to know about financial planning.
     The first step in financial planning, is getting hold of some money. I understand that at this point in your life, about 65% of you income "come-in" from the folks. I know you have the occasional grass cutting job, or baby sitting gig but "Hey Dad, can I get a $20 off ya?" is the most common money making venture.  Whatever your methods, be smart. The oldsters used to have a saying, "Don't spend it all in one place", and that is very, very smart advice.  Especially if you don't know where your next $20 might be coming from!  So, have a goal and learn to meet that goal by putting a little bit aside for later.
     So, in the end, you don't NEED money to be happy, but money makes it a little easier to not be sad. So, don't waste it. Know what you want and how you're going to get it.  Take what money you do have and be smart about it, don't let it burn a hole in your pocket.  You will probably have basically the same spending habits as your parents unless you purposely try to change that.  Be industrious.  Work hard for what you want.  Don't let the quest for money rule your life but understand that it won't just fall into your lap.  Money doesn't grow on trees you know!
These are just things I think I think I know.

STEM Students, post a response or opinion telling me about your financial goals or plans and whether or not any of this is helpful.
    

I think I know about blogging.

Blogging...news for the 21st century. As an educator, I have a duty to expose the benefits of the blog to a new generation of learner.  Besides literacy and writing skills, the blog can interconnect students from all over the globe in common discussion about topics important to them.  News doesn't have to be made by adults. Blogs are places to spread good new and "pat yourself on the back" for a job well done and let others share in your victories.  So come join us.  Even if you've never blogged before, it's never too late to start.
This is what I think I think I know.