Imagine a nation where millions of people are financially secure, empowered to make smart decisions, and actively growing their wealth. Sounds like a dream, right? But here’s the harsh reality: most of us were never taught how to manage money effectively. A groundbreaking survey by The Times reveals that a staggering nine out of ten people received little to no financial education in school. And this isn’t just a minor oversight—it’s a systemic failure that’s costing us dearly. Six out of ten respondents believe they’d be in a better financial position today if they’d had access to proper money lessons. That’s why The Times is launching its Smarter with Money campaign, a bold initiative to revolutionize financial education in Britain and transform us into a nation of savvy investors.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it fair that financial literacy has been treated as a luxury rather than a necessity? Our campaign demands change, starting with five ambitious goals. First, we’re calling for 15 hours of financial education per year for every secondary school pupil, including lessons on investing—a topic often shrouded in mystery for beginners. Second, we aim to create a million more investors by demystifying the stock market and making it accessible to all. Third, we’re demanding an end to unfair tax grabs on long-term savings and investments, such as the salary sacrifice cap on pensions, which penalizes those planning for the future. Fourth, we’re urging internet giants and regulators to crack down on financial disinformation, especially the harmful lies spread by influencers about wealth, trading, and risky cryptocurrencies. And finally, we want to encourage families to invest for children from birth, setting them up for a lifetime of financial success.
And this is the part most people miss: Financial education isn’t just about personal wealth—it’s about building a stronger economy. Chancellor Rachel Reeves supports our campaign, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy. She highlights how investing has long been seen as the domain of the wealthy, but it doesn’t have to be. By providing clearer information and starting financial literacy education in primary schools, we can break this cycle. Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt adds a sobering perspective: with national debt at its highest since World War II, teaching young people to save is not just a kindness—it’s a necessity.
Our campaign has already garnered support from heavyweights like Hargreaves Lansdown, three former chancellors, and the charity Money Ready. But we’re not stopping there. We’re asking you: Is financial education a privilege or a right? Should schools prioritize money lessons as much as math or science? And how can we ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has the tools to thrive financially? Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let’s build a financially fitter Britain together. Because when it comes to money, knowledge truly is power.
