The lack of financial sense among young people is becoming a serious problem. It is no longer just a small issue. It is slowly turning into a challenge for a whole generation. Imagine a young person in a small boat. The river is wide and fast. They have a strong oar and the energy to row. But they do not know which way the current flows. They do not know when to slow down or which path is safe. Money in a young person’s life is like that river. It is everywhere. But most do not know how to handle it. Their first paycheck, which could start a secure life, often becomes a step into confusion.
Bangladesh has a very young population. Schools, colleges, workplaces, and small businesses all depend on young people. They dream big. They take risks. They are curious and want to try new things. But dreams alone are not enough. Without financial knowledge, even the best plans can fail. Questions like how to spend the first salary, how much to save, and how to prepare for the future are confusing for many.
Today, spending has become easy for youth. Temptations are everywhere. Markets are colorful. Online shops promise instant delivery. Easy installment plans make buying things simple. Social media shows luxurious lifestyles every day. Friends travel, wear branded clothes, or use expensive gadgets. Even if income is low, youth feel pressure to keep up. Money stops being a tool for planning. It becomes a way to feel good immediately.
Many young people do not track their expenses. Few know how much they spent or on what. Saving seems unimportant. Some think, “I will save later.” Others say, “What difference will small savings make?” This habit slowly weakens their future.
Schools do not teach money management. Students learn many subjects and take hard exams. But balancing income and expenses is almost never taught. Understanding financial risk and planning for the future is also missing. Young people finish school but have no idea how to make financial decisions.
Family life plays a role too. In many homes, money is not discussed. Parents do not explain income or expenses to children. Kids do not learn how adults make decisions. Money becomes a private topic. Without family guidance, young people remain unprepared.
Consumerism adds more pressure. Today, showing wealth is seen as success. Youth compare themselves with others. Who has what, who is traveling, who is living well. Needs and wants get mixed up. Easy loans and credit cards make it worse. Young people often spend without thinking about future consequences. Debt grows, and stress follows.
Changing this situation will take time. But action must start now. Financial literacy should begin in schools. Lessons should not only be in books. Students should see real-life examples. They should learn to budget even small amounts, track spending, and make choices that do not harm the future. Everyday examples like grocery shopping or planning small trips can teach budgeting.
Families should also discuss money openly. Children should see how decisions are made. They should learn why certain expenses are necessary and why some are skipped. Talking about money at home helps kids understand responsibility early.
Media can help too. Social media and TV often show flashy lifestyles. They can also show people living responsibly. Stories about saving, planning, and smart spending give youth examples to follow. They show that a careful life can be happy and successful.
Mindset is very important. Money is not just for spending. It is a tool for security and freedom. Small savings today can give power for big choices tomorrow. Financial literacy is not being stingy. It is thinking before spending. It is knowing the consequences. It is planning for the future. When youth learn this, they feel more confident. They make better choices.
Poor financial habits affect more than individuals. Families face stress. Workplaces feel insecurity. Society feels the pressure too. But financially aware youth strengthen families and communities. They make the country stronger. Bangladesh can benefit a lot if its youth learn to manage money. Knowledge about money helps youth face life confidently. It turns dreams into reality. It builds a safe future.
Now is the time to act. Youth should earn money and also learn to manage it. Schools, families, and media all have roles to play. A small saving, careful spending, or smart decision today can make a huge difference tomorrow. Financial literacy gives control. It helps young people shape their life.
If youth grow up financially aware, the effects will spread. They will take risks wisely, avoid unnecessary debt, and make informed choices. They will help their families and strengthen the nation. Learning to handle money is not extra. It is necessary. It protects dreams. It ensures that ambition can turn into reality. Financial literacy is a skill for life, a tool for independence, and a path to confidence.
