Very Glad to have found this website/Forum

[cableguy]

I went many years not understanding the importance of paying attention to my finances. I blame it on schools teaching Americans almost absolutely nothing on the subject of personal finance. I have just reached 50 years old and now I'm trying to make up for lost time. I'm so glad that there are resources such as this with very generous people willing to share their experiences and knowledge for us folks who have been asleep at the wheel for far too many years. My name is John and I work at the USPS. Thank you in advance for any help. If I have questions I now know where to come. Cheers!

[Buckeyedog]

You are not alone John. I also agree about the schools and what they (don't) teach. I made my son sign up for a personal finance class at his HS and he absolutely loves it. He talks about it all the time. We both feel that this should be something that is mandatory.

[evilanne]

Welcome John! I don't recall anything in high school or college on personal finance. I started contributing as soon as they let me contribute after I started working for the government--probably because I didn't think Social Security would be around when I got old and didn't realize that you get a pension under FERS. I think I gathered some perspective on investments from discussions with family members. I think it is more important for family members to discuss money and personal finances with their children so they can grow up to be financially responsible young adults.

[Jankadank]

personal responsibility is a hell of a thing