I was a business major and focused in finance for both my undergraduate and graduate degree, yet I never had to take Personal Finance as part of my course requirements.  I always chose to take Personal Finance as part of my elective credits.  Does this seem right?

My experience working in the financial industry and within our organization educating people in personal finance is that those who need lessons in personal finance are not likely the ones who are going to seek it?  That’s why I’m a firm believer in putting these lessons in K-12 education requirements because then students have to be exposed to the valuable life lessons.

I am excited to join the ranks of the Portland State University School of Business faculty as an Adjunct Professor this coming spring term and teach FI 218 Personal Finance.  As it stands now Personal Finance is still an elective, but this is something PSU is considering changing in the future.

If Personal Finance became a required course who do you think should be required to take it?  Finance students, business students, everyone?

In the meantime, please spread the word about the Personal Finance units being offered at PSU this term.  My course is from 2-3:50pm on Tuesday and Thursdays.  Register now!