How I learned to read - and trade stocks - in prison

[james.hendrickson]

In case you haven't heard of this guy, he's worth checking out. Curtis "Wall Street" Carroll, is a Federal prisoner who founded a prison based program for financial life skills for incarcerated persons.

This is his TED talk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdiF1f_GfyM

Its a good case study on the impact of financial literacy on preventing crime.

Check it out if you get a chance.

[bjsint]

This is AWESOME.

European prison systems focus on rehabilitation whereas in the US we focus on punishment. Educating prisoners is proven to lower re-incarceration rates.

Self improvement is great in any from, but this story is particularly impressive.

[Gailete]

Awesome. I got lost in more of the talks for awhile. Very enouraging and a good kick in the pants for someone losing their motivation.

[TexasHusker]

I learned a lot about investing in corporate prison.

[Gailete]

I learned a lot about investing in corporate prison.

I learned a lot AT a prison. My three years working there and understand all employees at a jail are locked in just like inmates. Someone must open doors for us or we can't go anywhere to do our jobs.

One of the things I learned is a lot of dead beat dads are real whiners. Lest you jump on me about dead beat dads, one of my ex’s biggest reasons for divorcing me and grabbing the children was not because he thought I was a lousy mother, but because he wanted the support money I had to pay. I eventually took him back to court after firing my lawyer and he was so stupid he told the mediator that he didn't care where the boys stayed, he wanted custody of them. To translate: I don't care if the boys live with her 1000% of the time and she could move them Italy for all I care, just kept those checks coming! Obviously, he had no clue what the meaning of custody meant! Until I got it squashed, I paid my support and didn't end up having to be thrown in jail to force me into paying it.

The other thing I learned is that I really do not want to end up there for any reason with thin mattresses and flat pillows, no privacy when using the toilet, etc. I liked working there but was very glad to punch out every night and go home to my good bed and pillows.

[Smallsteps]

I must have cruised by this post a few times decided to view the video today. this man makes an excellent point and it does translate into many on the outside of prison as well.
I too believe this financial illiteracy is a big problem and one of the things keeping so many in money trouble. I have said before I have worked many jobs from retail to corporate and the difference of successful people and those one move away from total despair was mostly attitude and money management skills not size of the paycheck.