I used to want to be a financial planner because I am passionate about helping those who really need help–or at least those who could really benefit from my advice. But the truth is that it’s difficult to make any money (much less to make a decent living) teaching poor people to manage their money. And that’s the problem. Though many nonprofits are doing some new things to help people and communities overcome poverty.

Recently, I found out about a local non-profit that helps the poor in my city. They really focus on integrating poor individuals into the rest of society–they teach proper grammar and etiquette, provide decent clothing for job interviews, and provide other basic training and necessities. They also coach people to think in terms of a career rather than a job–they make the individuals identify their dreams (a concept new to most of them). Say one of them, in their wildest dreams, would love to be a doctor. The nonprofit gets them a job in the cafeteria of a hospital and connects them with a mentor who is perhaps a nurse or technician in the field–someone who has also overcome poverty. Sometimes that individual is happy just having the decency of a uniform and is happy with their new “professional” job.

What a phenomenal article! I argree with you wholeheartedly. Everyone is not blessed with the same abilities to assume so is very short sighted. I agree with the Donald on this one. If you don’t have the skills to be an entreprenuer, you CAN be the best employee possible.

I have also had a decent amount of exposure to individuals facing huge hurdles. It is really tough. Not impossible but tough. I think it is our responsibility as individuals to help those less fortunate learn these skills.

Nicole

Like “Him,” I have a lot of experience working with kids as well as with people with a vast range of socioeconomic (and other types of) diversity, and I have had the opportunity to learn a lot from those (and other) experiences. Additionally, looking at statistics and research on these issues has added a new level of insight into the issue as well.

I have far too much to say on the issue to be able to fit it into a comment (I have a post in the words on a similar topic) so I will just say that I think you’ve done a great job explaining your views and that you’ve made an important point here. Great post.

What do you think would be the best way of educating such people? Personal financial counselors (who actually care)? Schools offering night classes?

Recently I saw an interview with Donald Trump, and even he was saying that not everyone has what it takes to be an entrepreneur, but that you can become the very best employee if you aren’t able to start a business on your own. Everyone can do something to make their situation better, and being focused on a goal is the right place to start (motivation), but ultimately, like you said, it’s all up the individual to actually follow through and act.