Will Personal Finance Courses In College Really Help Improve Student Debt?

Financial literacy is at an all-time law, said financial experts, and the only way to improve it is through financial education integrated in all levels of education -- including college where they consider it counts the most. Financial literacy and introducing concepts of money management and personal finance during tertiary educational levels increases the likelihood of understanding possible financial options during a time of true need.

According to Wall Street Journal, the United States financial literacy level is ranked only 14th in the 2015 Standard & Poor Ratings Group Global Study with only 57% of its population capable of understanding personal finance and financial terminologies associated with fiscal options. According to George Washington University School of Business Economics and Accountancy Chair Denit Trust, personal finance courses truly help fill the gap.

According to  Annamaria Lusardi of the Denit Trust, incompetence in financial terminologies and failing to identify signs as "we would driving down a road," is the same with financial decisions -- one is treading blindly and may likely find him or herself down a pothole or worse, down a cliff.

Those opposed to the idea of personal finance courses state that scepticism is an important idea against any type of finances. Students must understand conflicts of interest especially in part of possible financial educators in all levels of education. Those opposed also believe that government policies are also to be watched, and may need to be incorporated in any successful financial education subject.

Amazon Skipped During Taxation Of Small Businesses

Small to medium enterprise representatives were enrage after UK government data speculates to collect £1bn from hiking taxes for said enterprises this 2017. Property revaluations would be "revenue-neutral" according to Treasury officials, but a report from the Department of Communities and Local Government revealed the tax total would increase from £24bn to £25bn in 2017-2018.

Some of UK's well-known upscale brands could be affected by the changes. However, Treasury Secretary David Gauke said the businesses would barely see any change or fall in their business profits."

The Federation of Small Business said the rates system is become "unfair and outdated" as it was obvious many businesses faced "arbitrary surprised hikes" in their bills.  All businesses are preparing to see a huge rating backlash in their regular tax bills.

Meanwhile, Amazon UK would get a huge business rate cut due to pre-emptive measures such as moving their warehouses away from town centres. Other large business chains including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's would also get reductions for their business.

Other property revaluations could mean universities and other educational institutions may face a £300 to £500m value increase for the rest of the decade. However, the Treasury defends the hikes stating that the cuts in the high streets were fair because these areas had handled the stress in the last few years.

Planning To Buy A House? Average Home Prices Now At £200,000

England and Wales close off 2016 with another inflation of real estate prices -- signifying great news for homeowners. Data from observers suggest that homes in England and Wales have increased by 3.1 per cent in value by the end of 2016. From October to December alone, house prices have grown by 0.4 per cent pushing house prices by £1,139 to £297,678.

The Brexit vote during the EU referendum had helped push down prices in the area but real estate confidence had returned with the average house prices back at "record levels." The rise of 3.1 per cent in England and Wales in general is an effect analysts consider to help lower London's property prices as the "balance" shifts away from the British capital city.

However, first-time homebuyers still need to contend with over £200,000 in property expenses -- a lower contender compared to the £400,000 homebuyers may face in London property values. Data from Halifax indicates that last year, 28 per cent of first-time buyers opted for a 30 -35 mortgage term with most buyers beyond the age of 30 years.

Foxtons -- recently faced with investor coop-out -- warned that the estate industry's sales are slowing down. Reflected in their figures is a sharp drop in transactions for the second half of 2016 in their central London operations.