ชาวนอร์ดิกสอนเรื่องเงินยังไง ให้คนฉลาดเรื่องเงินมากที่สุดในโลก | NEW GEN INVESTOR EP.98

Only about one-third of adults worldwide, or roughly 33%, possess financial literacy, which is the necessary knowledge and understanding of financial matters. However, three countries—Denmark, Norway, and Sweden—stand out as leaders in this area. These Nordic nations have a high percentage of financially literate citizens, with Sweden boasting a staggering 71% of its population having a strong understanding of finance. This is in stark contrast to the global average, where 70% of adults may lack financial literacy. The concept of financial literacy is akin to learning a new language, especially when children are taught early. The sooner individuals become familiar with financial concepts, the more capable they become in managing their money and making informed decisions. This foundational learning from a young age is crucial for developing into financially savvy adults. To promote financial education, the website Practical Money Skills, sponsored by Visa, offers a wealth of resources for both children and adults. This online platform acts as a financial classroom, providing articles, lesson plans, apps, and engaging games. One key feature is the "Financial Calculators," which allows users to calculate various financial scenarios, such as saving for a goal, budgeting, managing credit and debt, and planning for education and retirement. For example, a calculator can help determine how much one needs to save weekly to reach a goal of one million baht within a specific timeframe, even with a modest starting capital. This tool empowers individuals to visualize and plan their financial future. Another significant feature of Practical Money Skills is the "Teach" section, designed to help individuals understand finances. This section covers topics like household management, income, savings, budgeting, loans, and insurance. For instance, under "Earning Money," the platform encourages users to identify their skills and interests to explore potential career paths and understand income generation. It also provides tips on spending wisely, emphasizing the importance of creating a checklist before making purchases and distinguishing between needs and wants. The third engaging feature is the "Games" section, which uses interactive activities to teach financial concepts. Games, such as a football-themed quiz, challenge players with financial questions, where correct answers lead to progress in the game, and incorrect answers result in setbacks. This gamified approach makes learning about finances enjoyable and practical for children. The success of Nordic countries in financial literacy is rooted in their educational systems and cultural values. In Sweden, financial education has a long history, dating back to the School Savings Movement in 1901, where children were taught basic financial concepts, saving, and managing debt. Denmark integrates finance as a mandatory subject for students in grades 7 to 9 and hosts "Global Money Week" to educate 13-15-year-olds on financial literacy. Norway’s National Bank has developed interactive learning materials and partnered with apps like "Lommeboka" (Jimmy’s Money) to help children manage allowances, set savings goals, and learn about interest, saving, and debt management through quizzes and lessons. Beyond formal education, cultural values play a significant role. In Sweden, two prominent cultural principles contribute to financial wisdom: "Lagom" and "Jante Lagen." "Lagom" translates to "just right" or "moderately comfortable," encouraging a balanced and moderate lifestyle, prioritizing needs over wants, and avoiding extravagance. This principle guides decisions such as buying a house that fits one's needs and ability to pay installments, rather than a house that is excessively large or luxurious. "Jante Lagen," or "financial humility," discourages showing off wealth. Swedes believe that financial matters are personal and not something to boast about. This culture promotes humility, preventing individuals from comparing themselves to others based on material possessions and reducing financial stress. It encourages focusing on financial stability and wise allocation of money, fostering long-term happiness and confidence. For individuals looking to improve their financial well-being, five immediate actions are recommended. First, develop skills to earn money, as having income is the foundation for saving and investing. Focus on skills that are in demand or at which one excels. Second, prioritize saving before spending. By setting aside a portion of income (e.g., 5-20%) immediately upon receiving it, individuals can cultivate a habit of saving and make more conscious spending decisions. Third, practice mindful spending by distinguishing between needs and wants. Cutting unnecessary expenses can significantly improve financial health. Fourth, invest your money. Saving alone is often insufficient to keep pace with inflation; investing allows money to grow and work for you. Finally, take good care of your financial health. A strong financial foundation enables individuals to take care of themselves and others, leading to financial independence and security in the future.