Financial literacy helps young and old alike: Your Say

Eighty percent of Americans ages 60-75 failed a retirement literacy test, according to an American College of Financial Services survey.

Facebook comments edited for clarity and grammar:

Economics was not a requirement in either high school or college for me. People in the past didn't need to know so much about retirement planning because they didn't live as long, and they often got pensions from responsible corporations.

—Donna Richardson

It is essential for people to educate themselves and to read books about retirement. That is how I learned to create the right plan for my situation. I learned how to save and invest money, and how to be protected.

—Gabi Mor

Many of my family members have lived into their late 80s and 90s, and I have used that as a guide as to where I want to be with my investments. Hopefully, there will not be any serious medical situations. I work just as hard at maintaining my health.

—Deana Maclean-Roberts

Letter edited for clarity and grammar:

Paste BN's article on retirement planning covered only part of the story ("What's your retirement IQ? For most, it's lousy").

High schools need to educate Americans so they become financially literate while young. This would help individual fiscal planning and responsibility early in life. Potential benefits include less debt and better personal finances, smarter spending, improved retirement savings, and less dependency on welfare programs and Social Security. This, in turn, could have a significant positive impact on our national debt as well as an overall improvement in our well-being.

Jack James; Vilas, N.C.