Why do we graduate students who can run a mile, graph a linear equation, or identify muscle groups—yet leave school without knowing how to budget, file taxes, or avoid crippling debt?In this eye-opening TEDx talk, Ed Banks takes on a systemic issue hiding in plain sight: the absence of mandatory financial literacy education in most school curricula across the United States and beyond. He challenges educators, policymakers, parents, and students alike to think again about what it truly means to prepare young people for life.Edward Banks begins by spotlighting the imbalance in what is traditionally deemed "essential education." While most school systems require courses in physical education, driver’s education, and health/sex education, there is rarely the same urgency placed on financial education. This omission, Ed argues, is not just an oversight—it’s a long-standing failure with profound consequences.With rising student debt, a lack of savings, and poor credit scores becoming the norm for young adults, Ed presents a compelling case for why financial literacy is not a luxury—it's a necessity. He shares alarming statistics, real-life stories, and systemic patterns that expose just how unequipped many students are to handle real-world financial decisions. From understanding interest rates and credit cards, to learning how to save, invest, and file taxes—these are life skills that most students graduate without ever learning.But Ed doesn't stop at diagnosing the problem. He also brings a solution.In the second half of his talk, he introduces G.I.S.T. —his nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the financial knowledge gap. G.I.S.T. provides access to practical, actionable information and workshops focused on personal finance, especially for underserved communities. Through relatable instruction and hands-on support, G.I.S.T. equips people of all ages with the tools they need to build a financially stable future.Ed's ultimate message is a powerful call to action: that every school system should mandate personal finance as a core component of education, on equal footing with math, science, and language. He calls on students to demand it, parents to advocate for it, and educators to implement it.Because financial literacy is more than a subject—it’s a foundation for freedom, empowerment, and long-term well-being.Aligned with the TEDx theme “Think Again,” this talk urges viewers to reconsider what our schools value, and what our young people actually need to thrive in an increasingly complex world. In this TEDx, Ed Banks questions why today's educational framework rarely require courses in financial literacy. Many states require courses like: physical education, health/sex education, and driver's education, while financial education is conspicuously absent. This absence has dire consequences. In the end he talks about about G.I.S.T. his nonprofit organization, which aims to fill this knowledge gap by providing basic info and practical strategies to assist those in need. He ultimately gives a call to action, which is that every school system should mandate courses in personal finance as a compulsory part of its curriculum. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx