Story: Young People Taking On More Debt, 05/25/05
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june05/debt_5-25.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. How has credit card debt among 18-24 year olds changed in the last ten years?

2. Do you have to take basic finance courses to graduate from high school?

3. Are students finance savvy?

4. How do some students feel about their financial education?

5. Who is Alan Greenspan and what does he think should be done to educate young people about money?

6. How have changes in the economy impacted this generation differently than those of the past?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Pretend that you are in charge of designing a financial planning course for high school students. What topics do you think are most important? Why? How would you present the material?

2. Credit card companies often solicit college students to use their cards. Do you think students should be allowed to get a credit card? Why or why not?

3. Whose job is it to teach young people about good financial planning? Is it the family's responsibility, the school's or the credit card company or bank? Explain your answer.

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.