Today's financial world is highly complex as compared with that of a generation ago. Twenty-five years ago, knowing how to maintain a checking and savings account at a local financial institution was sufficient for many Americans. Today's consumers, however, must be able to differentiate among a wide range of products, services, and providers of financial products in order to manage their personal finances successfully. Certainly young adults have access to credit at a much earlier age than their parents did. Accordingly, they need a more comprehensive understanding of credit than was afforded to the previous generation--including the impact of compounding interest on debt balances and the implications of mismanaging credit accounts. In addition, as technological advances have contributed significantly to dramatic changes within the financial services market, consumers generally must be familiar with the role computers play in the conduct of every traditional financial transaction, from withdrawing funds to gaining access to credit. In addressing such concerns, educators need to focus directly on providing youth with a foundation for understanding personal financial management.