To the extent the program provides a means of access to mainstream financial services (as intended), it is likely to be extremely beneficial. The article does not provide sufficient information for readers to form an opinion as to whether the more detailed elements described are necessarily the best way to implement the program. One alternative mentioned by the author is to establish the accounts later rather than necessarily at birth. Likewise, there is insufficient information to allow an appraisal of other elements of practicality such as the exact amount of each account. In general, however, any means of assisting children born into poverty by increasing their access to mainstream financial services would seem to be a beneficial and worthwhile goal.
Personal Fiscal Practices and Management after Completing BUS 1000
My personal fiscal practices and management have changed recently, partly...
For one thing, I realize how wasteful relatively small unnecessary purchases are because of the way they add up. Since that realization, I have stopped buying bottled water and soda by the serving and I have also stopped buying coffee. The savings corresponding to those choices amount to as much as $1,000 or more every year and are completely unnecessary because coffee, soda, and bottled water can all be purchased much more economically wholesale and carried to class and work. More generally, I have committed never to fall into the trap of relying on credit. Instead, I purchase only what I can afford or what I can save up for to pay in cash for all consumer goods and services.
Reference
The Economist "A FAB Idea: Should Every Child Receive a Bank Account at Birth?"
(March 4, 2010).
