"السبب الرئيسي وراء معاناة الناس ماليًا هو أنهم قضوا سنوات في المدرسة دون أن يتعلموا شيئًا عن المال."

The essence of this quote revolves around the notion that traditional education systems are often failing to equip individuals with the crucial knowledge needed to manage finances effectively. Schools might do a great job teaching us algebra, history, and science, but when it comes to personal finance—understanding how to budget, save, invest, and make informed financial decisions—it’s mostly crickets.

Think about it: we spend years learning about ancient civilizations or dissecting frogs, yet many of us graduate without a clue about how to do our taxes or what a 401(k) is. This gap in practical knowledge leads to many people struggling financially despite having a good education. They simply weren't taught the basics of managing money.

Historically, this lack of financial education in schools has been a longstanding issue. The focus has traditionally been on academic subjects deemed essential for intellectual development, with personal finance rarely making it into the curriculum. Some argue that this is because money management was traditionally seen as a family responsibility, but as societal structures and economies have evolved, this assumption no longer holds true.

Let's illustrate this with a real-life example. Imagine Jane, a top student who excelled in all her classes, went off to college, and graduated with honors. She lands her first job with a decent salary. However, Jane has no idea how to manage her paycheck. She racks up credit card debt, doesn't save for emergencies, and has no retirement plan. A few years down the road, she faces a financial crisis when she unexpectedly loses her job. Despite her education, Jane's lack of financial literacy has left her unprepared and struggling.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to avoid Jane's fate? Start by educating yourself on personal finance. There are countless resources available—books, online courses, podcasts, and blogs. Key areas to focus on include budgeting, saving, investing, understanding credit, and planning for retirement. It might seem overwhelming at first, but take it step by step. Set a budget, track your expenses, and adjust as needed. Start an emergency fund and contribute to it regularly. Learn about different investment options and start small.

Now, picture this scenario: you’re at a coffee shop with your friend Mike, who’s always stressed about money. He complains about living paycheck to paycheck and never being able to save. You ask him about his budget, and he looks at you blankly—he doesn’t have one. You share with him some basic tips you’ve learned: track your spending for a month to see where your money goes, cut unnecessary expenses, and set savings goals. Mike seems skeptical but agrees to give it a try.

A few months later, you meet up with Mike again. He’s excited—he’s managed to save a small emergency fund and is no longer stressed about unexpected expenses. Mike's still got a way to go, but he’s on the right path. He’s learning to take control of his finances, something he never learned in school.

By sharing this wisdom and encouraging practical steps, you’re helping to bridge the gap that traditional education left wide open. It’s all about taking initiative, seeking knowledge, and applying it in your everyday life. Remember, it's never too late to start learning about money—it’s a skill that will benefit you for a lifetime.