Odyssey newsletter: financial literacy . ROI . rankings

Volume 2 Issue 2

by Michael Wagner

Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education

When I was sitting down to compile the newsletter this week, I came across so many great stories. But the one that really caught my attention—and rightfully so, since I am a former banker and author of a personal finance book—was on the value of financial literacy. It is so important.

And then, as usual, there was an abundance of articles on the role college rankings play in higher education. Since I am not a supporter of college rankings, I like to keep our readers well informed on this topic.

Two topics that are near and dear to my heart, all in the same week. Enjoy the articles.

Discoveries

A valuable life skill: Financial literacy

One of the most important life skills to possess is the ability to manage one’s money, often referred to as financial literacy or personal finance. Unfortunately, it is one of the skills that is under-emphasized in our education system today. Beth Daley, Editor and General Manager of The Conversation, outlines five ways to have a discussion with children about money.

Kids and money: five ways to start the conversation

College ROI

With an emphasis on the increasing cost of college tuition and other associated costs of college attendance, there has been a focus on the return on investment (ROI). Simply put, is college worth it? Preston Cooper, a research fellow at Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, explores the recent release of data ranking all fifty states public education systems.

Here is where all 50 state university systems rank on ROI—and why

Bonus article from Preston Cooper for Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity:

Ranking the 50 state public university systems on prices & outcomes

The ever-changing world of college rankings

College rankings have always been a hot topic. Over the past few years, there have been countless stories about the problems caused by ranking systems and reports. Some problems have become so serious that schools have been excluded from participating, while other schools have voluntarily removed themselves from ranking systems for one reason or another. Ellen Hazelkorn, a joint managing partner of BH Associates and a joint editor for Policy Reviews in Higher Education, explains in a detailed article for University World News, the complex process of college rankings and where it is headed.

Pressure on rankings may lead to a more meaningful exercise

Bonus article from Georgetown University, McCourt School of Public Policy Center on Education and the Workforce:

Ranking 4,500 colleges by ROI (2022)

Tip of the Week

The power of knowledge

There is something to be said for the start of a new year.

It is an opportunity to select something that is part of a bigger goal. Something that you want to learn more about. Something that you can apply to your life that will benefit you greatly in many ways. One area that I would like to emphasize is financial literacy. I encourage you to research money management skills such as the power of budgeting, the concept of paying yourself first, or why diversity is so important in investing. Learn the ins and outs of the topic and then apply it to your life. Don’t wait for someone to bring the knowledge to you, seek it out yourself. Trust me, it will pay off.

Before you go...

A story that will be music to your ears

This week we share a story about an autistic musician who took the world by storm. CBS correspondent Steve Hartman reports the story for CBS Sunday Morning.

Isn’t it grand

Sometimes it feels magical when things just seem to fall in place. That’s how I felt this week. There are always great stories from week to week, but this week’s were the kind of stories I like to share the most with our readers. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did discovering them. And please take a moment to share this newsletter with your friends. We appreciate your help in growing our following.

Take care and have a great week.

Mr. Mike

Michael Wagner, MAED is a founder and the Knowledge Pilot for Launch Education. Mr. Mike has assisted hundreds of students around the world on their college pathways.