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New bill would require Florida high schools teach financial skills

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Balancing a checkbook, building a savings or paying into a 401(k) are among the “financial know-hows” that some state legislatures believe need to be taught to students in public schools.

Senate Bill 393 would make acquiring financial skills a necessity for Florida’s high school students if they want to graduate.

The bill would require students to learn everything from how to fill out a loan application to how to maintain a good credit score and how to balance a budget.

The idea has garnered support from parents, who said it would help students acquire essential life skills that they might not get elsewhere.

“Had I known some of the things I know now, I probably could have saved myself a lot of trouble,” said Karseal Turner. “Classes that are going to educate our students on things they are going to encounter are surely important.”

If the bill passes, it would take effect July 1 and would affect students starting high school next year.