Why finance should be taught in schools: Lee and the IC

Feb 11, 2025

Cameron Holt, a 16-year-old Member of Youth Parliament, is on a mission to make financial education mandatory in UK schools. He discusses the gaping holes in current financial literacy education and how it leads to young people being unequipped for real-world money management. Cameron shares strategies to engage youth in financial concepts through practical learning. The discussion also touches on his petition aimed at reforming school curricula to include essential financial skills. Plus, insights from Lord Lee about market trends and investments.

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INSIGHT

Financial Confidence Gap

Young people lack confidence with money due to societal taboos.
Financial literacy is crucial, especially with the rise of online transactions and fraud.

ANECDOTE

John Lee's Financial Education

John Lee learned nothing about finance in school.
His father, a doctor, inspired his interest in investing by studying the Investors Chronicle.

INSIGHT

Unmet Demand for Financial Education

Cameron Holt's survey revealed that 64% of young people don't recall any financial education.
However, 96% expressed interest in learning, highlighting a significant unmet need.

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This month, Lord Lee and Alex are joined by Member of Youth Parliament, Cameron Holt. At just 16 years old, Cameron’s goal is to get the government to recognise it is failing children with financial literacy. He believes, that through incorporating it into the curriculum, children will increase their confidence in a post-education world, and be more wary of the dangers of online fraud and debt.

In the episode, the trio unpack the issues facing children and young people. From ways schools, parents and grandparents can increase young people’s interest in finances, to a petition Cameron has started which he hopes will make financial education statutory in secondary schools across the UK.

The podcast rounds up with an update from Lord Lee’s portfolio, including news on holdings Town Centre Securities (TOWN), Concurrent Technologies (CNC) and PZ Cussons (PZC), plus his take on how Donald Trump will affect the UK.

Click here to sign Cameron’s petition to make financial lessons statutory in schools.

If you have any questions you want to pose to Lord Lee and Alex, write to alex.newman@ft.com

Read Cameron’s article for the Investors’ Chronicle here

Timestamps

1:16 Cameron Holt

5:04 What needs to change with financial education

6:03 Lord Lee’s experience of learning about finance

9:59 Cameron’s study

12:55 NatWest shares

14:24 Do schools offer financial advice on university

16:14 How to bridge the gap in financial literacy among children

21:35 Cameron’s petition

24:51 Updates on Lord Lee’s portfolio

27:45 Town Centre Securities

29:42 Supermarket Income Reit

30:41 Concurrent Technologies

31:47 PZ Cussons

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