The average personal debt for Americans is an alarming $38,000. Currently, personal financial literacy courses are not required to be taught, nor offered in public high schools in the Los Angeles area. Results from a 2018 National Financial Capability Study by the FINRA Foundation revealed that “only 17% of respondents age 18 to 34 demonstrated basic financial literacy” on a financial concepts test, with women performing below men. Additionally, the U. S. Department of Education reports that 3.8 million women possess literacy skills below a “basic” on literacy tests, and found that women feel more anxious about their finances than men. Schools are clearing failing in preparing students, especially girls, with this critical life skill. Surveys have shown that over half of all adults report that they wish they were taught more life skills in high school, with the top being financial skills. Major consequences of schools not teaching this important life skill are evident in a 2018 report from the American Psychological Association which states 81% of young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 report “money as a source of significant stress.” The more girls are financially literate, the greater the chance it is that they will be self-sufficient. If not, they will undeniably have to reach out to a financial advisor. However, financial advisors do not serve women as well as men because they do not recognize women’s unique financial challenges such as living longer, wage inequality, and increased chances of becoming a caregiver. Seventy three percent of women report being unhappy with the financial services industry. This all goes to show how important it is to educate high school girls about financial literacy which will, in turn, good mental health.