Five things they didn’t teach you about money in school

14 October 2025
fivethingstheydidntteachyouaboutmoneyinschool

Ask any teenager what they are taught about money in school and the answer is almost always the same: ‘Nothing’. That’s a missed opportunity, because understanding saving and investing early is one of the most powerful ways to build wealth and open the doors to financial independence. In fact, a quick poll among young people showed that their top money question was simple but telling: ‘How can I become a millionaire?’

Fair question. Let’s dive in.

How can I become a millionaire?

‘I’ll never save that much!’ Is that you? Wrong. Becoming a millionaire is absolutely possible. You just need to start early, invest wisely and make a habit of it.

Ever heard of the 50-30-20 rule? All it means is that you spend 50% of your income on essentials (rent, food etc.); 30% on wants (things you want, but can do without), and save 20%. The 20% you sock away is what will make you rich – eventually.

Starting young gives you the risk appetite advantage. What that means is that when you’re young, you can take more risk. So, find out where you can get the best returns for your money and you’ll be surprised how compounded interest accelerates your savings.

Here’s a simple calculation based on a salary of AED 15,000:

Let’s save 20% of that following the 50-30-20 rule.
20% of 15,000 = 3,000
We’re going to save 3,000 every month for 25 years.
3,000 x 12 x 25 = 900,000
To this, add a conservative rate of return (or compounded interest rate) of 2% over 25 years and you’ve hit your million-dirham target already.

Remember, your income will increase over 25 years, so you will likely hit your target much earlier. Also, interest rates, or returns on investment depend on where you invest your money. You can earn much more than just 2% on capital guaranteed investment schemes, mutual funds and so on. Just speak to your bank advisor for more information.

Rule number 1. Follow the 50-30-20 faithfully. Start early.

The benefits of using a credit card responsibly

Credit cards are a great tool if used responsibly. They give you a whole 30 days of credit for free, and what’s more, they allow you to buy stuff on credit and pay back in easy instalments. So, you can enjoy today what you would have normally had to wait months for. What’s wrong with that? Nothing, but like so much else, it can go wrong if used irresponsibly.

Easy access to credit can tempt you to live beyond your means. If you fall into the trap of paying back only the minimum balance, the high interest rates on credit cards will sink you deeper into debt every month.

Rule number 2. Always clear your credit card bill every month.

Investing

Investing is a skill. Be it picking a great investment plan, investing in realty, stocks, shares, or trading. Investing is one of the most financially rewarding things you can learn how to do.

Managing money is a life skill. It must be learnt. And it’s never too late. Read about it, talk to experts, subscribe to newsletters. Wisen up.

A few things you can consider investing in: savings plans, real estate, mutual funds, capital-guaranteed funds, stocks and shares or even CFDs (look that up).

Knowledge is key, so learn everything you can before you venture into an investment.

Rule number 3. Invest your money wisely for better returns. Knowledge is key. Learn.

How to open and manage a bank account

A minor savings account, opened by guardian at a young age can teach pre-teens and early teens how to save early and give them the thrill of seeing their savings grow – slowly and steadily. That habit will likely always stay with them.

Opening a bank account is so much simpler these days. You can even open an instant account online without having to go to the bank at all. Learn about the current and savings accounts, deposits and banking packages. Consider a fixed deposit with auto deductions every month, or invest in a gold deposit which gives you the advantage of investing in gold without holding the physical asset. Learn more about interest rates and investment plans. Just plant your money and watch it grow.

This doesn’t mean you become a scrooge and don’t spend on fun. Just make sure you save some, and you’re good.

Rule number 4. Open a savings account. Refer to Rule 1.

There’s no such thing as easy money

Last, but not least, beware of get-rich quick schemes – they’re plenty of scammers out there. Regularly saving, investing and watching your money grow, helping your dreams materialise, is not just gratifying – it’s a safe, time-tested way to grow your wealth and gain financial independence early in life. Sure, you can get lucky with the lottery or an inheritance, but for the vast majority, saving and investing wisely really can’t go wrong.

Rule number 5. Be prepared to put in the work. There’s no such thing as easy money.

Good luck and may you be a millionaire sooner than you think you can.

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