Hey, Education-Centric Spender, it's Tina T.

I made a comment and analogy the other day to bring attention to "drunk spending.”@ Mario Rodriquez

The deeper issue I was trying to highlight is that many people may not be fully aware of the consequences of their financial decisions in pursuing higher education, much like someone who makes impulsive choices under the influence of alcohol.

First?of all, I applaud you for wanting and valuing a traditional education path as a worthwhile investment. However, it's vital to consider the implications of recklessly taking out loans or borrowing money—influenced and encouraged by institutions, friends, or even family members.

I'm not here to lecture or pretend I haven't been where you are. Honestly, anyone reading this post has made some?really stupid?and foolish mistakes, financial and otherwise. We have paid the price—figuratively and literally.?

If those decisions were made before age 25, we could all blame our prefrontal cortex for not being fully developed. As my father always said, “if you have to blame someone or something, then blame your prefrontal cortex.”?

For those?who have?the financial means and deep pockets, that's great—go ahead and enjoy pursuing higher education without incurring debt. But let's not forget about those who don't have the same luxuries.

It's our collective responsibility to guide, mentor, and coach those young people or older people in our community who lack such resources to think things through before signing loans or agreements.

If you know someone considering?going to?school for a degree, please consider as many different factors as possible. Provide guidance and seek guidance from your community.?

We can all contribute to helping someone make more informed decisions/choices that lead to financial stability and success in their educational pursuits.

As you navigate your educational journey, consider the following areas to focus:

• Do you have a credit card??
• Do you have a bank account??
• What are the societal impacts of student loan debt on economic mobility??
• Have you listed the pros and cons of student loans and interest rates in the long term?
• Do you understand the mental health implications of financial stress and student loan debt??
• Do you possess the financial literacy needed to make informed decisions about student loans?
• Do you understand and have you researched student loan default rates and consequences for borrowers??
• How might student loan debt influence major life decisions, such as homeownership and starting a family?
• What strategies are you implementing to minimize education costs and manage student loans responsibly??
• Are you evaluating career opportunities and earning potential?in relation to?the educational investment you are about to make??
• Have you thought about alternative pathways to get your education such as online courses, vocational training, community college, adult education programs, apprentice programs, certifications etc?

These are just a few questions that come to my mind, and I hope they help spark some conversation within your community.?

Whether you take the traditional or non-traditional education route it’s not just about acquiring knowledge and skills; it's about fostering independence, disciple, conscientiousness, critical thinking, and discernment.?

By the time you reach your mid-twenties, I hope you will have a more solid grasp of financial decision-making. If not, the school of hard knocks usually brings about learning.

Let's collaborate to educate and support younger and older individuals in our community in making wise financial decisions by promoting financial awareness and financial responsibility.

What smart financial decision-making tips would you add to this conversation?