Home Schooling a Future Millionaire

by Cheryl Hall

The public school system in America is a dinosaur and the Ice Age is not far off. With all of the advances we've made in technology and as a society in the last 50 years, it's ludicrous to see our children being educated in the standardized system used 50 years ago. The influx of parents who are home schooling and the home schooling resources available now versus 10 years ago attest to the fact that parents are fed up.

Not only do the majority of public schools not work, but our children are getting less and less education. American children are getting further and further behind their Japanese and German counterparts; and in a time where the economy is global, how do our children remain competitive in the job market of tomorrow?

Besides the threat of violence at school, the lack of education going on there, the generally sliding test scores and the lack of alternatives; the economical drain on property tax payers to support this lumbering, antiquated system is phenomenal. Simply put, if all of us had the option of doing something else, most of us would. Private schools, magnet schools or home schooling alternatives are a reality.

For some of us though, there is currently no feasible alternative. Many of us simply cannot afford to shell out college-sized tuition starting in grade school. For many more who work outside the home, the time required to start home schooling is a commitment that we're not sure we can incorporate into our already packed schedules.

What is your child really learning at school currently that will translate into success and financial freedom and entrepreneurial skills later on in life? If we all sat down and looked through the graded papers our children bring home and asked, "How does this turn into dollars and cents later on?" the answer would be, "Most of it doesn't."

So what can you do right now, on the budget and with the time you have to improve the quality of your child's education?

Expand where you're at.

What is your child learning about money right now? Normally we learn early in grade school how to recognize money (what's a nickel, what's a dollar), we see math used in story problems where the concept is actually addition or subtraction; and that's our money education unless we receive additional education in college. For a subject that is so near and dear to our hearts, money is not prominent in most of our educations.

This is where a lack of education spells a future lack of funds. You want your child to become a millionaire later in life; or even just be financially independent, you will be responsible for showing them how to think and what to do with money. Setting aside one hour a week to discuss finances with your child would give them so much more of a head start than they have right now. Make it interesting, make it personal, teach them what you wish someone would have taken the time to teach you. Are you paying bills this week? Have your child sit down and watch what you're doing. Explain the method of accounting you use and what you're paying for and how much. Are you setting up a budget for the family? Give your child the opportunity to give input on the budget as well as see how it works.

If finances are a problem in your family, your child needs to understand money now more than ever. If you're facing creditors, bankruptcy or foreclosure, why keep your child in the dark regarding the circumstances? If you're investing for the future or for their college, why not explain what your goals are? Can you explain your own financial goals or why you've chosen a specific investment? Can you explain simple stock market terms, what is a certificate of deposit, what is a treasury bond? If not, maybe this is the first step in learning more about your finances - teaching your child. Don't be embarrassed to start at the beginning; just start.

What is your child learning about business right now? For most people's children, their business education is confined to: trying to explain what their parents do for work, going to work with them one day a year and then getting their first job at 16. They will learn more about business if they go to college with a business major, but what practical, real-world experience are they receiving? Can you realistically expect someone with that limited amount of business knowledge to start and run their own business? How did you learn about business if you own your own?

You had to jump in and do it.

Whether you own your own business or not, all of us can agree that an education in business is a great way to cover core concepts and grasp a general idea of a topic, but experience in business is priceless. Your child starting a paper route or a babysitting business will teach them on a personal level what coming to work with you once a year would never do.

Expand where you're at. The entrepreneurial spirit that you are growing is an education that your child will never forget. Rather than sit back and watch our children waste precious learning time in front of the television, as a family commit to one hour a week getting an education on money. Go to the library, get on the Internet, find material that excites and inspires you and your child will become excited and inspired about money.

Home schooling is a term that really means, "The buck stops here." If we choose a better quality of education for our children, we have to supplement at home. If we choose a successful mindset for our children, we have to show by example. If we want more for our children regarding money and business potential for our children than we have had, we have to provide them with more right out of the gate.

Right now there are more resources available for at-home education than ever before. We have more information at our fingertips than any generation before us. What is our excuse if we don't use it? Ultimately, what will give your child a leg up in a global economy and an ever-changing job market will be the confidence you instilled in them and an education than can be calculated into dollars and cents.

About the Author

Cheryl Hall (www.MillionaireKids101.com) has the keys for parents to help their children become financially successful. She has created 3 courses to help children learn how to think about money and start on the road to wealth and independence; Millionaire Kids 101, 201 and Millionaire Masters.

http://www.theofficialeducationsource.com

Quick Guide to Accounting Training

by Kate Leas

Are you considering an accounting education but confused by all the jargon? This is a quick guide to understanding the different specialties associated with accounting careers and the training you will need to be successful.

Business cannot function without people who monitor, evaluate, and synthesize productivity, financial, and resource data. Accounting, or accountancy, is the practice of collecting and measuring data in order to allocate resources. Most often accounting is specific to a business's finances. Auditing is a related field whereby records are reviewed and a conclusion reached; resulting in a recommendation for action; geared to ensure efficiency and to improve performance and ensure adherence to standards and principles. A simple example of the workplace relationship follows: An accountant would enter and keep track of payroll and company expenses. An auditor would review the records kept by the accountant to determine if money and time are being well spent.

When people think of auditors, the first thought is probably one of an IRS man in a suit with a stern expression coming to make sure you paid your taxes. While this type of auditor exists (not to be feared if you have been a good record keeper) auditors are usually individuals who are hired to evaluate the accuracy of accounts kept by a company. Their analyses help management determine effectiveness and efficiency.

Accounting professionals often deal with time to money ratios. In order to keep track of all these numbers, professionals must be well able to use computers; specifically spreadsheet applications (such as Microsoft Excel).

Accountants often specialize in one field. Jobs include bookkeeping, tax accounting, cost accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, time keeping and payroll.

* Accounts receivable refers to incoming payments.

* Accounts payable refers to debits and outgoing payments.

* Bookkeeping refers to recording transactions and calculations.

* Tax accounting in its simplest form refers to the specialty of preparing tax returns.

* Cost accounting refers to the specialty of accounting that deals with analyzing, tracking, and recording business costs. Cost may be measured not only in money, but in time.

* Time keeping and payroll clerks do just what it sounds like; they keep track of workers' time sheets and payroll.

Training for accounting careers varies. For many jobs a bachelor's degree in accounting is not necessary, though some education or experience is generally required. Accounting training programs often involve computer classes to familiarize students with the applications used in the workplace. Those in the accounting field must be comfortable using spreadsheets and other financial and accounting software (QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel) as well as word processing software such as Microsoft Word. Close attention to detail is essential, as is an aptitude for numbers and order. A high level of trustworthiness and discretion is also essential as much of the information processed is confidential. Office experience and communication skills are also essential in the workplace. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) must undergo a four-part, two-day exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and are required to complete a minimum of 150 college credit hours (this is 30 hours more than the usual needed to graduate with a bachelor's degree.) The exam is considered to be quite difficult, and many do not pass all four sections at one time. Partial credit is usually awarded as long as the candidate passes at least two sections.

As with any career, an interest in the subject matter is helpful. Someone who hates math should probably not consider an accounting career just as someone who hates English should steer clear of copywriting.

Remember, it never hurts to do a little research and ask questions about programs. School representatives are always happy to help prospective students find out more about their offerings. Accounting careers are diverse and abundant; why not change your future with an accounting education?

About the Author

Kate Leas is a freelance writer from Kansas City, Missouri. Her current topics include education and the Internet.

http://www.officialeducationsource.com

In pursuit of a telecommunications career? How to move ahead

by Elena Afloarei

Technological evolution, the driving force behind the growth of the telecommunications industry, continues to change the way we communicate. Entry level candidates seeking a fresh challenge, as well as experienced professionals seeking to advance their telecommunication career should familiarize themselves with the latest technologies in order to successfully thrive in this rapidly growing industry. Enhanced data transmission capabilities and faster communication services in the future will continue to reveal whole new worlds for the innovative and the tech savvy. The impetus is irrevocable. One must therefore, furiously build and sell their technical skills to compete effectively for the best telecommunication jobs available.

Telecommunication jobs are distributed in several employment sectors within the industry: wired and wireless telecom, resellers, satellite, cable and other telecom providers, for example. The increased use of wireless communication in the past decade has made wireless telecom carriers the largest employment sector in the industry, followed by wired telecom. Professionals are employed from all occupations. 17% are engaged in technical positions of computer software engineering, computer programming, network systems and data communications analysis. As significant growth in wireless, cable and satellite technology, high-speed voice, video, graphics and other data services mark the future of the industry, many new telecommunication job opportunities will avail themselves to aspiring engineers and computer professionals.

For those in pursuit of up to date technical skills, college education/certifications, online technical programs or ongoing professional development/information seminars are worthwhile options to consider. Telecommunication programs equip students with basic, as well as advanced technical knowledge and skills to help expand their career opportunities. While Bachelor of Science degree programs focus on the fundamentals of telecommunications, Master's degree programs allow students to specialize in specific areas of interest. Online programs and distance learning opportunities enable full time professionals to pursue continued training without compromising their present career commitments.

All in all, investing in continued technical education, while preparing for a future telecommunications career will surely reap long term benefits - it is going to take much coveted knowledge, background and skills in wireless technology, laser and fiber optic technology, telephony, data compression, programming and/or software design to impress the next generation of telecom employers.

About the Author

Elena Afloarei, webmaster of NeccWireless.us invites you to get informed on various telecommunications industry aspects by reading more articles on wireless and telecom topics.

http://www.theofficialeducationsource.com/