How often did you wish your teenager kid were a little more careful with pocket money? Or your parents, who are about to begin their retired life? Or even yourself - maybe fewer of those costly college parties could have helped you pay off your student loan sooner?

Many, including me, believe it is no longer a question of if we need a money management course, but when. A basic knowledge in personal finance and investing is a must for everyone of us. (The only time you may not care about managing money is if your current wealth outlives you.)

But should we teach this course to our school kids? Or in college maybe, if it is possible to squeeze this in an already over-stuffed curriculum? Surely sooner than later, but how soon? And, who should do the teaching? Academia, or firms that specialize in finance?

Consumerism Commentary shares some interesting thoughts on these issues. I agree with him that corporations such as Citi sponsoring these events is a good thing. Businesses certainly have vested interests, but maybe their interest is our interest too. A money-savvy client can better utilize the enormous resources that such financial corporations have to offer. (I still remember the first time I looked up Vanguard’s list of mutual funds - it was scary.)