Did you learn about money in school? Many of us walked away from graduation knowing geometry formulas, historical dates, and how to write a five-paragraph essay – but not how to manage a paycheck, build credit, or plan for the future.

Money wasn’t part of most school curriculums. We picked it up along the way – through trial and error, awkward mistakes, or late-night Google searches once real life kicked in.

The experiences may differ, but the gaps are strikingly similar – and they’ve shaped how many of us learned to manage money as adults. What do you wish you’d learned in school?

Where do I even start?

“I want to take control of my finances and save money – where do I even begin?”

This question comes up a lot in community posts, online, or having coffee with a friend. Wanting to “take control” can feel like it requires a full financial overhaul, but most beginnings are much quieter than that.

For many people, the first step is simply paying attention. Looking at your bank account without judgment. Noticing what comes in, what goes out, and where things tend to feel tight. From there, saving doesn’t have to mean dramatic changes – it can start with choosing one small, realistic habit that fits your life right now.

Saving a little consistently often matters more than saving a lot perfectly. Momentum builds confidence, and confidence makes it easier to keep going.

Pay off debt or save?

“I have debt. Should I pay it off or save first?”

This is one of those questions that rarely has a single right answer – which is why it causes so much stress. People often feel like they’re making the wrong choice no matter what they do.

In reality, it’s usually less about choosing one forever and more about finding balance. Many people feel steadier when they have at least a small cushion set aside, even while paying down debt. Having something saved can help when life throws a surprise your way.

At the same time, high-interest debt can make it harder to move forward if it’s left unchecked. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress that feels sustainable. Sometimes that means saving a little while paying down a little, instead of waiting for the “perfect” order that never quite comes.

How do I become “good” with money?

“I’m completely broke at 39. How do I become good with money?”

Many people reach their late 30s or 40s feeling like they missed a class everyone else took.

Here’s the thing: being “good with money” isn’t about age, income, or having everything figured out. It’s about learning skills – and skills can be learned at any stage of life.

Starting later doesn’t mean starting behind. It means starting with real-world experience. Often, the most helpful place to begin is by focusing on stability rather than comparison. Understanding your current situation, setting one manageable goal, and giving yourself permission to learn without shame can make a bigger difference than trying to fix everything at once.

Progress doesn’t have a deadline.

You’re not behind – you’re learning

These lessons may not have come from a classroom, but they’re some of the most valuable ones you’ll ever learn.

Money skills aren’t something you either have or don’t have – they’re something you build over time. And learning as an adult doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means starting from lived experience.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need a place to start. One question is enough. One step is enough.

Still wondering about something you wish you’d learned in school? Let’s build the money habits that matter — together. Schedule a Video Banking session to receive tailored recommendations to help you move toward your financial goals with confidence.