It doesn't surprise me, but apparently high school seniors have no clue about money. The story is here.
The frightening thing to me is this quote from the story:
Only 14.2 percent correctly said that stocks likely would offer the higher growth over 18 years of saving for a child's education...In this year's survey 44.8 percent thought a U.S. savings bond — one of the most conservative investments — would offer the highest growth.
Holy cow! Even I knew in high school that the stock market was a better rate of return than a savings bond. Granted, I didn't know a ton about finances then, and could still stand to learn more now (as an adult), but I have some semblance of a clue.
Hopefully college or the real world will open these students eyes without them incurring tons of debt. Can you imagine paying 18% interest for a cup of Starbucks? Forgive me for being cynical, but I plan to look for someone a little older to manage my money. :)
Last night, my wife and I saw
Billy Joel in
Phoenix. Neither of us had seen him live before, and man, it was an awesome show!
We were talking about how much his voice sounds like it does on his
CDs, what an amazing piano player he really is, and how sad it is that
so many artists today are just crappy musicians and singers. The
crap we get sold as "talent" is amazing.
As an example, how does someone like Ashlee Simpson get to make a
record? All I can think of is her Orange Bowl performance of a
few years ago and how she got booed big-time. It's sad that a no
talent hack like her can play the Orange Bowl for a halftime
show. I think the boos showed what people
really think.
And what's even worse is that if there are any artists that
are
as talented, it seems that they have zero staying power. And I
don't think it's entirely the artists fault, either. I think the
problem is partially the fans: we're such a sound bite, quick moving
society, that we always want the next, new thing.
Which artists that are new and big today that will be here in 20-30
years like a Billy Joel, and Elton John, the Rolling Stones? Are
there any? No one comes immediately to mind. Of course,
keep in mind that I'm just a guy that doesn't really listen to the
radio much. I have artists I like and those I don't don't really
care what's hot or new.
Man, I just miss good, fun music.