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The Money Lessons Schools Skip—And How Noah Hawkins’ Practical Approach Prepares Teens for Real Life

Economic Insider Staff on October 15, 2025

By: Ethan M. Stone

Budgeting, saving, credit, investing—teens may not be learning these skills in classrooms. Here’s how Hawkins’ practical, step-by-step approach could help parents and educators fill the gap.

Financial literacy is a skill that can be best learned sooner rather than later. The earlier young people become familiar with important financial topics like investing, credit, and budgeting, the better prepared they might be once they enter the workforce and begin to take on financial responsibilities of their own.

Having teens start learning financial literacy in school could go a long way in preparing them for independence, but many schools currently do not teach personal finance or do so with outdated curricula that may not fully align with what students need to know today.

Fortunately, educators and authors like Noah Hawkins are helping to fill these gaps in knowledge. Hawkins’ new book, The Easy Peasy Guide to Money Skills for Teens, provides simple yet practical insights that aim to help develop smart money habits for teens. “Good money habits formed as a teen can last a lifetime,” Hawkins says. “And if teens understand the why, the how becomes much clearer.”

Why Teen Financial Literacy Matters

It’s easy to think that teen financial literacy may not be very important; they’ll likely figure it out sooner or later, after all. The thing is, despite not having a formal education in personal finance, many teenagers are faced with financial decisions that might have lasting consequences. Student loans, for instance, can hamper a teen’s finances for years, yet they may not always consider that fact before making such an important decision.

Teens today also face many unique challenges that their teachers or parents may not have encountered when they were teens themselves. As an example, Hawkins describes “the dopamine trap” in his book, detailing how social media and influencer shopping hauls might convince impressionable teenagers to chase instant gratification instead of saving up for long-term growth. Since parents didn’t grow up with these same challenges and temptations, they often may not know how to help their teens break those habits.

Providing Practical Solutions

It should come as little surprise that there are plenty of self-help books and personal finance guides geared toward developing money skills for teens. There’s a glaring flaw in many of these texts, however. While they do a fine job of explaining the “what” and “how” of money, they rarely address the “why.”

Providing a rationale for why certain processes work the way they do could help teens see that information as more than just another factoid. Rather, by understanding the mechanisms that drive financial topics, teens may make purposeful, informed decisions that stem from a place of familiarity and habit, rather than fleeting, rote memory.

The Easy Peasy Guide to Money Skills for Teens emphasizes this idea of developing a clear and meaningful rationale to support lasting financial education. In addition to this added layer of meaning, Hawkins designed his book to be broadly accessible, conveying practical information in fun, relatable ways that teens, parents, and educators alike could learn from.

Getting a Head-Start on Personal Finance

Now more than ever, teens are vulnerable to making costly money mistakes that could follow them into adulthood. Technology today is convenient, yes, but that convenience can quickly turn sour when it drains money without anyone noticing until the damage is done.

Hawkins’ The Easy Peasy Guide to Money Skills for Teens addresses these issues and more, helping teens and parents recognize how urgent learning financial literacy has become. In utilizing the expert-endorsed advice and science-backed strategies included in this book, educators, parents, and other mentor figures can provide teens with a lasting advantage at a time when purchases are only a few taps away.

With schools leaving teens unprepared and vulnerable, The Easy Peasy Guide to Money Skills for Teens has become a valuable resource that parents and educators may want to explore. It’s a practical survival guide for a generation facing financial pressures their parents likely never imagined.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not constitute professional financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any decisions regarding personal finances. Results may vary, and there is no guarantee of success or specific outcomes from following any financial strategies or practices discussed in this article.

How Technology is Shaking Up Traditional Industries

Economic Insider Staff 2 on October 15, 2025

Why Technology Matters for Traditional Sectors

Technology has become a central driver of change across industries once considered stable and resistant to disruption. Manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and retail are all experiencing shifts as digital tools, automation, and data analytics reshape how they operate. These changes are not limited to efficiency gains; they also influence customer expectations, workforce skills, and long‑term business models.

According to McKinsey & Company, frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced robotics are among the most influential forces shaping industries in 2025. These tools are no longer experimental; they are being integrated into everyday operations, creating both opportunities and challenges for businesses.

For traditional sectors, the question is not whether to adopt technology but how to do so in ways that align with their goals. The pace of change can feel overwhelming, but gradual adoption supported by clear strategies helps companies remain competitive while managing risks.

Manufacturing and Automation

Manufacturing has long been associated with physical labor and assembly lines. Today, automation and robotics are transforming production processes. Machines equipped with sensors and AI can perform repetitive tasks with precision, reducing errors and increasing output. This shift allows human workers to focus on more complex roles, such as quality control and system management.

The introduction of smart factories, where machines communicate through IoT networks, is another example of how technology is reshaping the sector. These factories can monitor performance in real time, predict maintenance needs, and adjust production schedules automatically. According to Orbiting Web, AI in manufacturing is one of the most impactful digital solutions, improving efficiency while lowering costs.

While automation raises concerns about job displacement, it also creates new opportunities. Workers are needed to design, program, and maintain advanced systems. Training and reskilling programs are helping employees transition into these roles, ensuring that the workforce adapts alongside technological progress.

Agriculture and Smart Farming

Agriculture, one of the oldest industries, is also being reshaped by technology. Farmers are adopting precision agriculture techniques that use sensors, drones, and satellite data to monitor soil health, crop growth, and weather conditions. These tools allow for more efficient use of water, fertilizer, and pesticides, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Blockchain technology is also being introduced to improve transparency in food supply chains. By recording transactions securely, blockchain helps track produce from farm to table, ensuring quality and safety. This is particularly important in global markets where consumers demand greater accountability.

The benefits of smart farming extend beyond efficiency. By using data to predict yields and manage resources, farmers can better withstand the challenges of climate change and fluctuating market conditions. This makes agriculture more resilient and sustainable in the long term.

Healthcare and Digital Transformation

Healthcare is another sector experiencing significant change through technology. Telemedicine, which allows patients to consult doctors remotely, has expanded access to care, particularly in rural areas. Wearable devices that track heart rate, sleep, and activity levels provide doctors with continuous data, improving diagnosis and treatment.

Artificial intelligence is being used to analyze medical images, detect diseases earlier, and recommend treatment plans. According to DigiCrusader, advanced machine learning is among the technologies expected to have a lasting impact on healthcare by improving accuracy and reducing costs.

While digital healthcare raises questions about data privacy and security, regulations and encryption technologies are being developed to protect patient information. The overall effect is a system that is more accessible, efficient, and capable of meeting the needs of diverse populations.

Retail and Consumer Expectations

Retail has been transformed by e‑commerce, but technology continues to reshape the sector in new ways. Online platforms use AI to recommend products based on browsing history, while augmented reality allows customers to visualize items in their homes before purchasing.

Traditional brick‑and‑mortar stores are also adopting digital tools. Self‑checkout systems, mobile payment options, and inventory management software improve convenience for both customers and retailers. These changes reflect a shift toward blending physical and digital experiences, often referred to as “omnichannel” retail.

For businesses, the challenge is to balance efficiency with customer satisfaction. Technology provides tools to personalize experiences and streamline operations, but human interaction remains important. Successful retailers are those that combine digital innovation with attentive service.

Energy and Sustainability

The energy sector is undergoing transformation as renewable technologies become more affordable and efficient. Solar, wind, and battery storage are being integrated into power grids, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Smart grids, which use digital technology to manage electricity distribution, improve efficiency and reliability.

Businesses are also adopting energy management systems that monitor consumption and identify ways to reduce waste. These systems not only lower costs but also support sustainability goals. According to McKinsey’s 2025 outlook, green technologies are among the most significant drivers of change across industries.

For traditional energy companies, the shift presents both risks and opportunities. Those that invest in renewables and digital infrastructure are better positioned to adapt, while those that resist may face declining demand for fossil fuels.

Workforce and Skills

As technology reshapes industries, the workforce must adapt. Jobs that require repetitive tasks are increasingly automated, while demand grows for roles in programming, data analysis, and system management. This shift highlights the importance of reskilling and lifelong learning.

Educational institutions and businesses are responding by offering training programs in digital skills. Online platforms provide flexible learning opportunities, allowing workers to adapt without leaving their jobs. Governments are also supporting workforce development through funding and policy initiatives.

For employees, the transition can feel uncertain, but it also opens opportunities for growth. By acquiring new skills, workers can move into roles that are less vulnerable to automation and more aligned with the future of work.

Outlook for Traditional Industries

Technology is reshaping traditional industries in ways that affect operations, workforce, and consumer expectations. While the pace of change can be challenging, it also creates opportunities for growth and innovation. Companies that adopt digital tools thoughtfully are better positioned to remain competitive and resilient.

The outlook is steady. Traditional industries are not disappearing; they are adapting. By integrating technology into their operations, they can continue to provide essential goods and services while meeting the demands of a changing world.

When Game Theory Meets the Boardroom: The Prisoner’s Dilemma in Business

Economic Insider Staff 2 on October 15, 2025

What the Prisoner’s Dilemma Means

The Prisoner’s Dilemma is one of the most widely discussed concepts in game theory. It describes a situation where two parties must decide whether to cooperate or act in their own self‑interest, with outcomes that depend on the choices of both. If both cooperate, they achieve a better collective result. If one defects while the other cooperates, the defector gains more while the cooperator loses. If both defect, both end up worse off than if they had cooperated.

The model was first developed in the 1950s by researchers at the RAND Corporation and has since been applied to economics, politics, and business strategy. According to Investopedia, the dilemma illustrates how rational decision‑making can lead to outcomes that are suboptimal for all parties involved.

In business, the Prisoner’s Dilemma often appears in competitive markets where companies must decide whether to collaborate, compete aggressively, or find a balance between the two. The model helps explain why firms sometimes engage in price wars, why alliances form, and why cooperation can be difficult even when it benefits everyone.

Competition and Price Wars

One of the clearest applications of the Prisoner’s Dilemma in business is in pricing strategies. When two companies compete in the same market, each faces the choice of maintaining prices or cutting them to gain market share. If both maintain prices, they preserve profitability. If one cuts prices while the other holds steady, the discounter gains customers at the expense of the other. If both cut prices, profits decline for both.

This dynamic often leads to price wars, where companies repeatedly undercut each other until margins are severely reduced. According to Accounting Insights, this behavior reflects the logic of the Prisoner’s Dilemma: even though cooperation would yield better results, fear of being undercut drives both players to defect.

For businesses, understanding this dynamic is important. Price wars can damage long‑term profitability and brand value. Companies that recognize the risks may instead focus on differentiation, customer loyalty, or innovation to avoid being trapped in a destructive cycle.

Cooperation and Strategic Alliances

While the Prisoner’s Dilemma highlights the risks of competition, it also explains the value of cooperation. In many industries, companies form alliances, partnerships, or joint ventures to achieve outcomes that would be difficult alone. Airlines, for example, often cooperate through code‑sharing agreements, allowing them to expand networks without duplicating routes.

The logic is straightforward: by cooperating, both parties can achieve stable and mutually beneficial outcomes. However, trust is essential. If one partner defects by breaking agreements or pursuing hidden advantages, the other suffers. This risk makes cooperation fragile, even when it is clearly beneficial.

Game theory suggests that repeated interactions can encourage cooperation. When companies expect to work together over time, the cost of defection increases, making trust more sustainable. This is why long‑term partnerships often succeed where short‑term agreements fail.

Regulation and Market Behavior

The Prisoner’s Dilemma also helps explain why regulation is sometimes necessary in competitive markets. Without oversight, companies may act in ways that harm both themselves and consumers. For example, in industries with environmental impacts, firms may be tempted to cut costs by ignoring sustainability. If all firms do this, the result is long‑term damage that affects everyone.

Regulation can change the payoff structure of the dilemma. By imposing penalties for harmful behavior or incentives for cooperation, governments can encourage companies to act in ways that benefit both business and society. According to Investopedia, this is one reason why antitrust laws, environmental regulations, and disclosure requirements exist.

For businesses, understanding the regulatory dimension of the Prisoner’s Dilemma is important for compliance and strategy. Companies that anticipate regulatory changes and adapt early may gain advantages over those that resist.

Trust and Reputation in Business Strategy

Trust plays a central role in overcoming the Prisoner’s Dilemma. In markets where companies interact repeatedly, reputation becomes a form of enforcement. A firm that defects may gain in the short term but risks losing trust, partnerships, and customer loyalty in the long term.

Reputation is particularly important in industries where cooperation is essential, such as supply chains or joint research projects. A company that consistently honors agreements builds credibility, making future cooperation easier. Conversely, a company that defects may find itself excluded from valuable opportunities.

This dynamic shows how intangible assets like trust and reputation can have tangible economic value. Businesses that recognize this often invest in transparency, ethical practices, and long‑term relationships as part of their strategy.

Lessons for the Boardroom

The Prisoner’s Dilemma provides a useful framework for decision‑making in the boardroom. It highlights the tension between short‑term gains and long‑term stability, between competition and cooperation. By recognizing these dynamics, executives can make more informed choices about pricing, partnerships, and strategy.

One lesson is that cooperation, while risky, can often yield better results than aggressive competition. Another is that trust and reputation are critical assets that influence outcomes over time. Finally, the model shows that regulation and external incentives can shape business behavior in ways that reduce destructive competition.

For business leaders, the Prisoner’s Dilemma is not just a theoretical concept. It is a practical tool for understanding the strategic challenges that arise when companies must decide whether to compete, cooperate, or balance both.

How Climate Change is Shaking Up Business Operations

Economic Insider Staff 2 on October 15, 2025

Climate Change as a Business Factor

Climate change is no longer viewed only as an environmental issue. It has become a direct factor in how companies plan, operate, and manage risks. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting resource availability are creating new challenges for industries across the globe. Businesses are finding that climate change affects not only their physical assets but also their supply chains, workforce, and long‑term financial stability.

The World Economic Forum has highlighted that climate‑related health conditions alone could cost companies billions in lost productivity, as workers face illnesses linked to heat stress, air pollution, and water scarcity. These costs are not abstract; they translate into reduced output, higher insurance premiums, and increased operational expenses.

For companies, the recognition that climate change is a business issue means that adaptation is no longer optional. It is becoming a core part of strategic planning, influencing decisions from investment to workforce management.

Supply Chains Under Pressure

One of the most visible ways climate change affects business operations is through supply chains. Extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and droughts disrupt transportation networks and delay shipments. Agricultural supply chains are particularly vulnerable, as changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures affect crop yields.

For example, prolonged droughts in parts of the United States and Asia have reduced agricultural output, leading to higher food prices and supply shortages. Manufacturing sectors dependent on raw materials, such as textiles and food processing, are directly impacted. According to Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the transition to a low‑carbon economy is already reshaping how supply chains are managed, with companies seeking more resilient and sustainable sourcing strategies.

Businesses are responding by diversifying suppliers, investing in local production, and adopting digital tools to monitor risks. These steps help reduce vulnerability to climate disruptions while also aligning with consumer expectations for sustainability.

Rising Operational Costs

Climate change also affects the cost of doing business. Energy expenses increase as companies adapt to hotter summers and colder winters, requiring more heating and cooling. Insurance premiums rise in areas prone to flooding, wildfires, or hurricanes. Infrastructure repairs and upgrades add further costs, as companies strengthen facilities to withstand extreme weather.

The World Economic Forum report notes that less than 5 percent of global climate adaptation funding is directed toward health protection, even though climate‑related illnesses are expected to have significant economic impacts. This gap highlights the financial risks businesses face if adaptation measures are delayed.

While these costs can be significant, they also encourage innovation. Companies are investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable building materials to reduce long‑term expenses. These investments not only lower costs but also improve resilience against future climate risks.

Workforce and Productivity

Climate change affects employees as much as it affects infrastructure. Rising temperatures and poor air quality can reduce productivity, particularly in industries that rely on outdoor labor. Heat stress, for example, is a growing concern in construction, agriculture, and logistics.

The World Economic Forum’s research shows that climate‑related health conditions could lead to billions in lost output due to worker illness and absenteeism. This creates challenges for employers who must balance productivity with employee safety. Companies are responding by adjusting work schedules, providing protective equipment, and investing in health programs.

At the same time, climate change is influencing workforce expectations. Younger employees often prefer to work for companies that demonstrate environmental responsibility. This means that climate adaptation is not only about protecting operations but also about attracting and retaining talent.

Regulatory and Policy Shifts

Governments are responding to climate change with new regulations and policies that directly affect businesses. Carbon pricing, emissions reporting, and stricter environmental standards are becoming more common. These policies create compliance costs but also open opportunities for companies that adapt early.

For example, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed rules requiring companies to disclose climate‑related risks in their financial reports. This move reflects growing recognition that climate change is a material financial risk. According to Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the transition to a low‑carbon economy will affect every sector, from food production to transportation.

Businesses that anticipate regulatory changes and integrate sustainability into their operations are better positioned to manage risks and capture new opportunities. Those that delay may face higher costs and reduced competitiveness.

Opportunities in Adaptation

While climate change presents risks, it also creates opportunities. Companies that invest in sustainable practices can reduce costs, improve resilience, and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Renewable energy, green building materials, and sustainable agriculture are sectors experiencing growth as demand for low‑carbon solutions increases.

According to Ecologi, businesses can take practical steps such as reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and supporting reforestation projects. These actions not only reduce environmental impact but also strengthen brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Adaptation also encourages innovation. From developing new technologies to redesigning products, businesses are finding ways to align profitability with sustainability. This shift demonstrates that climate change, while disruptive, can also drive progress in business practices.

Outlook for Business Operations

Climate change is reshaping business operations across industries. From supply chains and workforce management to regulatory compliance and financial planning, companies are adapting to a new reality where environmental risks are inseparable from economic ones.

The outlook is steady. While challenges remain, businesses that take proactive steps to adapt are more likely to remain competitive and resilient. Climate change is not only a test of environmental responsibility but also a measure of long‑term business strategy.

By recognizing climate change as both a risk and an opportunity, companies can position themselves to thrive in a changing world.

What First-Time Buyers Learn Working with Arjun Dhingra That Other Lenders Never Explain

Economic Insider Staff on October 15, 2025

By:  Ethan Rogers

Many first-time buyers are told to grab a pre-approval letter and hope for the best. On paper, it looks official. In reality, it’s about as useful as a VIP wristband to a club that’s already at capacity. The letter says “you might qualify,” but nothing about the process feels clear. Questions multiply:

  • Which number actually determines approval?
  • Why does one small change in credit or cash-to-close ripple so far?
  • What if the seller needs a faster close than the letter suggests?

Many lenders wave these off as “routine.” I slow the conversation down and address them immediately. Because if you wait until after a buyer falls in love with a home to get clarity, you’re already at a disadvantage.

That early transparency can change everything. Buyers stop guessing and start planning. Agents stop wondering and start positioning. Sellers stop worrying and start listening. The first lesson I emphasize is simple: good outcomes begin before the search.

Preparation: Turning Paper into Leverage

There’s a quiet but significant difference between a quick letter and a complete file. A quick letter guesses. A complete file verifies. Income, assets, employment, credit—all front-loaded and ready before the buyer ever steps into an open house.

Sellers don’t want promises; they want certainty. When an offer comes in with a file that’s been pre-underwritten, it reads less like a wish and more like a commitment. That’s leverage—and in the Bay Area, leverage can often win the house.

But the benefit isn’t just external. A full review shows buyers what they can comfortably afford, not just what the system says they can squeeze into. I’ve worked with countless clients who realized they didn’t need to “stretch” just to compete—they needed to position smarter. That kind of clarity builds confidence, and confidence is magnetic in negotiations.

Time: The Silent Price Riser

If I’ve shared this insight before, I’ve shared it many times—time is not neutral in real estate. Every day is a chance for rates to tick up, inventory to shift, or a competing offer to slide in. I walk buyers through real scenarios: how a one-week delay could cost thousands over the life of a loan, or how waiting on a single missing document might give a seller enough doubt to move on.

That’s why my process removes friction early. What many lenders shove to the middle of a file, I address at the start. Appraisal, title, and conditions move in rhythm instead of conflict. Buyers learn to think like project managers—organized, responsive, keeping momentum. That rhythm doesn’t just protect the deal—it helps protect their budget, their payment, and their sanity.

Plain Words > Mortgage Fog

Acronyms are the enemy. DTI, LTV, PMI—they can all sound like code. Too many buyers nod along without understanding, then feel blindsided later. My rule: if it can’t be explained simply, it’s not ready to be decided on.

Debt-to-income isn’t a ratio—it’s a picture of your monthly budget. Loan-to-value isn’t a formula—it’s how much skin you’ve got in the game. Rate vs. points? I run the math so clients can feel what that means for the next five years.

That clarity prevents the most common regret: agreeing to something without fully understanding it. I aim for my clients to be able to explain their mortgage plan to their parents, their friends, even their dog—because if you can teach it, you truly understand it.

The Human Side That Most Ignore

Here’s the truth: buying your first home is emotional. It’s exciting, but it’s also terrifying. Doubt and fear creep in. Many lenders don’t acknowledge it because it doesn’t fit neatly into their spreadsheets.

I do. I treat every file as a partnership, not a transaction. I’m available to answer calls, I field questions from agents and sellers, and I encourage buyers to define what “comfort” actually looks like for their lifestyle. Winning the house is one thing. Being able to live with the payment after you unpack is another. That’s where many lenders stop and where I choose to go further.

A Playbook That Lasts Beyond the Keys

The real win isn’t the closing—it’s the education that lasts after it. My clients don’t just walk away with a mortgage; they walk away knowing how to build a strong financial profile, evaluate tradeoffs, and ask the right questions for life’s next purchase or refinance.

I’ve had clients contact me years later, not because they’re lost, but because they want me to double-check what they already know to be true. That’s when I know the job was done right.

A mortgage doesn’t have to be a transaction. In the right hands, it can be a master class in confidence. That’s the lesson first-time buyers take with them—and it’s why the relationship often doesn’t end at closing.

 

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, mortgage, or investment advice. Results and outcomes discussed may vary based on individual circumstances, market conditions, and other factors. Readers should conduct their own research or consult with a qualified professional before making any financial or mortgage decisions.

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