Classwork: The Invention Phase

Topoi

Definitions: 

Financial Literacy is the ability to make wise decisions with one’s money.

The author is the writer / creator of a piece of art, literature, or other ideas.

Comparison: A combination of Financial Literacy and Author could be a book on how to make smart decisions with money. Also, in terms of Financial Literacy, the Author could be the person making financial decisions. As the author, you get to “write your own story” about how you spend your money. The Author could also be the person who writes books about financial literacy.

Cause and Effect: A result of the relationship between Financial Literacy and Author could be a book or article on making smart decisions with money.  Based on the Author, their definition of Financial Literacy and opinions may vary from others.

Circumstance: One possible combination between “Financial Literacy” and “Author” includes website articles on being financially literate.  However, if it took place before the internet, another combination would be restricted to written articles and physical books.

Given the current knowledge on the topic, how can we assure that information on Financial Literacy is successfully spread to young adults in high school and college?

Stasis

Facts: Authors can write many books on being financially literate, which people can then buy and learn from.  However, if buying is not an option, authors can post articles online or even in newspapers on financial literacy. However, we do not know how many people will pay attention to the writings.

Meaning or nature of the issue: The meaning / nature of the issue is to attempt to make the world more financially literate.  By spreading meaningful information to the public, they can then make smart moves with their money.  However, this is not just limited to knowing how to spend money well.  Being financially literate can also apply to understanding the economy and how it works.

Seriousness of the Issue: This issue is moderately pressing.  Many people don’t have a good concept of money and the economy, and how they are affected by them.  It is crucial that everyone understands their financial situation.

Plan of Action: One main solution to this issue is mandating all high school systems to educate students on financial literacy.  This way, everyone will go into college or work with a solid background in finance.  Another way to solve the issue is to make information on financial literacy pop up more commonly in everyday life.  This can be in website ads, tv commercials, or even just people bringing it up more often.  However, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.  People may see that they have access to financial literature information, but they may not want to investigate it.  If the information was more appealing to the reader, more people would want to learn about it.