Greatvest Tools

Throughout school, students learn advanced mathematical and chemical equations, American history, art, music and English. But most Americans never learn how to properly manage money. Debt is an accepted part of most people's lives. Thirty percent of Americans have no long-term financial plan. Some have a tendency to spend money when and where they want with the mindset that will pay it back later. The widespread financial illiteracy this country faces is the biggest failure of the U.S. education system. A bill - SB 808 - was introduced Jan. 8 to the S.C. state legislature that would require universities to provide a financial planning course for all athletes. So let's expand this idea to all high school students, where all students would be required to have a personal finance course credit to graduate. Wando already offers personal finance classes, which students can choose to take. All students graduating from a S.C. public school must pass on economics class so they ...

Ready to finally tackle that debt? Here are some insider tips from an expert. And remember, no matter how bad you think it is, there is always hope. Every journey starts with the first step. Make A Battle Plan Start with looking at exactly how much you owe, says Accredited Financial Counselor Laura Walton. "A lot of times I talk with people who are feeling totally discouraged, but once we sit down and look at the numbers, it's not so bad." Write down all of your expenses and income. Then determine how much money you can set aside each month to pay off debt. If you can only make minimum payments, then that is your plan. If you have even $10 extra a month, put it toward your debt. "Written plans are generally more successful than plans that are just in your head," says Walton. "Plus, once you have it in writing, you don't have to constantly rewind the problem. As long as you stick to your plan, you know you're going to be okay." Fina...

On warm summer weekends, people are advertising yard and garage sales in neighborhoods across America. It can be hard to drive anywhere this time of year without seeing a sign posted on a telephone pole or hung up on the local community board. And there is good reason -- summer is a great time to clean out your home and possibly make a profit in the process. Decluttering can be stress relieving, and bringing in extra cash can help you reach upcoming financial goals (a vacation, perhaps?). Follow these steps to help you get started. Clear out the excess. This may be the toughest part of the process - identifying items to possibly sell. Try tackling one room at a time and sorting through all the clothing, kitchen gadgets, books and tchotchkes, asking yourself if you really need each piece or if you have used it in the past year. If the answer to either question is no, you've found a good candidate. Sort items into three categories: Trash - These are items in poor condition ...