Few would argue that we're a nation in dire need of greater fiscal education. If there's anything American's good at, it's debt. We're not taught how to practically manage money in school, and most of us tend to simply repeat the same bad money habits that our parents passed along to us. The net effect of this lack of financial literacy is devastating to the black community, which makes it more difficult to build a financial cushion for hard times, plan for retirement and amass wealth.
Of those with credit cards, 84 percent of African American households carried credit card debt compared with 54 percent of white households. The average credit card debt per household with credit card debt is a staggering $16,007. The statistics I just quoted are a couple of years old, so it's fair to assume things have only gotten worse given our current economic state. Who will address these issues and tackle educating our youth? Actress Kim Kardashian. She is quite familiar with the plight of young African Americans, particularly men (zing!), and hopes to spread the message of financial literacy to the masses with her new, Kim K. Prepaid MasterCard [1]:
Kim Kardashian already lends her name to a host of products and can now add credit cards to that list, thanks to her latest business venture.
The reality star -- who has endorsed diet pills, sunless tanner, perfume, clothing and jewelry in the past -- has teamed up with MasterCard to create the Kardashian Prepaid MasterCard, which aims to help parents track their child's spending habits, the New York Post reports.
The Kardashian Prepaid MasterCards are being marketed as helping parents keep their kids safe by allowing them to monitor their teens' spending through their cellphones.
I'm not totally against the idea of secured credit/debit cards, although such cards often charge exorbitant fees for basic transactions, and sometimes have a negligible positive effect on your credit rating at best. In my opinion, it's probably better to just give a 13-year-old cash instead of exposing them to the magical world of faux credit before they even start high school. That said, I understand the coolness factor of whipping out a credit card, and most of these cards come with a limit so kids are learning some level of responsibility.
After all, there's nothing less cool than having your Kardashian Prepaid MasterCard declined.
Related:
+The Cancellation of 'Undercovers' Speaks to Black Actor Hurdles
+Black Unemployment Drops Slightly, Still Remains High
Sure, this is just another pointless product endorsement by a "celebrity" who likely knows little about fiscal discipline, but there are far worse ways to teach your kid about the value of a dollar. My children aren't of age yet, but when they are, I plan to make them an integral part of household financial decisions, ensuring that they follow our family budget and understand the value of money. A Kardashian Prepaid MasterCard will not be in my teaching plan.
[1] I know, I know. That segue was just terrible.Question:
-Would you use the Kardashian Prepaid MasterCard to help teach your kids about personal finance?
Jay Anderson is a freelance writer from Washington, DC, whose work has been featured in the Washington Post and on NPR. When he's not busy talking smack here, he runs the award-winning blog AverageBro.com. Follow him via Twitter @AverageBro.


Comments: (2)
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By: jeromequigley on 11/10/2010 3:46PM
Jay: As I agree that Kim K is nothing more than a Symbol/Figure head for the Card, is she any worse than Russel Simmons and his Pre-Paid card?? No, both just making a buck! All though I know from reading various info that RS was actually involved in his card deal. But You actually answered and showed the Right Plan. You said that you intend(as I so agree w/you and am doing the same) to show/involve your kids in the house hold budget knowledge and decisions!! First,Bravo!!! That is what a good parent should be doing, few seem to get that!! I did not have a lot of things growing up. A Dad, A mom that was home (always working 1 of her 2-3 jobs), my own clothes(wore my 3yr old brothers hand me downs till I was 16 and got a job). But instead of being like so many I see and read about I saw the errors and decided not to repeat them and to do better! I did all I could to get married 1 time(v.s. my moms record of 4)I met my wife at 32 and got married when to her at 36. I had my son at 39(that was the big one cause I could never live w/not being in my childs life 24-7 after what I went through)and now have the family I always wanted! Was it easy, NO!! but it was worth it. And I plan like yourself on making sure my son is way more prepared for the real world and finances than I was. I don't think my mom ever even shown me how to fill out a check much less take any time to open up an account for me and teach me what was coming being on my own! And I suffered for it! It's simple, even if you did not get that teaching from your parents than educate yourself on how to be better 1st(this is the age of information so no excuse not to learn any thing you want) then take the time and effort to teach your kids EARLY those things you learned. Prepare them for the world BETTER THAN YOUR PARENTS did you!! Sadly so many just want to blame every one else for their problems and wait for some magic spell to fix it all. Sorry not such thing, it is nothing but hard work and consistantly plugging away(even at subjects you hate)at your goal! Not so impressed with the way your article started but very impressed how you ended it with such a simple and straight forward honest solution...Teach them!!!
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By: Ryan Mack on 11/11/2010 1:47PM
This is one of the most expensive pre paid debit cards on the market. Since when was it ever fiscal responsibility to spend money to use your own money?!
http://optimum-capital.com/2010/11/open-letter-to-the-kardashians-stop-using-your-fame-to-promote-financial-predators/
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