Common Core Money: Financial Literacy & Success Inspiration: An Introduction to Stocks, Trading Markets And Corporate Behavior by Clifford D. Wright

I like men and women of action. I like that when I recommend or suggest something, like a timeline or an opportunity, certain people rise to the occasion and end up even surprising me. These are bold people, living in competitive America. Clifford D. Wright is such a person. Mr. Wright emailed me at 4:35 a.m. Sunday morning. This is what he wrote:

Dear Mr. Gomez:

I viewed your book, “Common Core Money: Financial Literacy for Educators & Other Professionals” on Amazon. I have written a similar title: “An Introduction to Stocks, Trading Market and Corporate Behavior: The Educator’s Guide". I also have a background as an educator, teaching math, and have a commitment to providing a new generation a higher level of financial literacy.

Please consider reviewing my book. I have included a pdf attachment of the guide, as well as a link to the book on Amazon.

Thank you kindly,

Clifford Wright.

Now that's confidence! Clifford is the type of individual I'll be soon describing as part of a series on my newsletter for blog subscribers: "Bold in America: How to Create Financial Opportunities." I could've given Clifford the, I'm too busy to help you brush off. I'm just not that type of person. I actually bought his eBook to further support him, and even reviewed it. Then I invited him to be a guest on CCM blog. The man is seriously focused and committed. He produced the following guest blog post in less than one day! I had given him a week to work on it. Mind you, we had the Superbowl happening yesterday. I can definitely see Clifford going far. He has the perseverance and boldness required to make it in America. Clifford created a unique product for educators and their students, a survey book on stocks, trading markets, and corporate behavior, Teacher AND Student editions. I gave his teacher's edition, 5 stars. Read why at Amazon. I've placed a link to his book on my left sidebar for your convenience. I ask that you support this talented and hard working man by giving his books a serious consideration. Thanks everyone! Here's Clifford:

Lack of financial knowledge is not only an economic consideration, but also a social concern garnering greater attention from school administrators, governmental agencies and policymakers. This concern highlights the fact that widespread gaps in levels of financial literacy exist, and at risk are those who are least familiar with complex savings and investment vehicles, and with financial planning concepts and their long-term benefits.

Financial education is a fundamental building block for life, and the need for greater financial knowledge is underscored by the challenges stemming from current social and economic conditions. And while basic knowledge of personal finances has always been crucial to the attainment of goals such as the purchase of a home or saving for retirement – recent economic events have deepened the need to increase our knowledge of financial concepts as a safeguard against instability, and for maintaining overall financial well-being.

An important headline today is the state of the global economy. For example, when taking into account the magnitude of the 2008 “Global Financial Crisis’’ – what many scholars and economist consider the worst financial, economic and social crisis since the ‘Great Depression’. Or, the fact that what started as a debt crisis in Greece in late 2009 evolved into a broader economic and fiscal crisis through-out the entire Europe and the world – and where issues pertaining to Greece remain in the headlines today – it becomes clear that it is more important than ever to be knowledgeable about the consequences of our financial decisions, and to empower ourselves with greater financial knowledge.

To underscore this point, a key message that continually emerges in the news is that even in an era of record stock market growth, the processes that have shaped inequalities around the world continue to persist. Addressing these issues are crucial challenges, and continued analysis and discussion will provide useful input for dialogue and change. Nonetheless, the degree of choice requires the knowledge to evaluate the options, and the ability to identify those that best suit individual needs and circumstances.

As educators, let us deepen this discourse by looking beyond basic economic indicators, and underscore the value propositions for financial literacy. Underpinned by our sound experience and expertise, we can deliver effective financial literacy programs which will help educators impart knowledge, and will empower our youth with the skills that are necessary to successfully manage their personal finances, and make better-informed decisions that will contribute to a sound lifestyle during working years and through-out retirement.

As a course of action, school administrators and educators who design, implement and assess directives at improving social progress will find this book valuable in the classroom. In addition, academics whose insights are pertinent to the broader debate on development, and who share the belief that it is important to empower individuals will also benefit from this guide.