I've been interested in investing almost as long as I've enjoyed sports. I think the progression went the comics section, then sports and finally the financial page. Maybe because I'm a numbers person or maybe because my uncle always did his own investing and once won some stock picking contest held by the local newspaper (his main job had nothing to do with the financial field).

If someone isn't interested in financial stuff I don't think it is too wise to force feed them. Answer questions and once in a while if you see something not smart make a gentle comment and then leave it alone. I know from experience that kids will often quickly go the opposite direction if they feel pressured to do something.

I see too many parents (I've never been a parent) who try to do too many things for their kids, even those working full time in their 20s.

Personally I think if a kid has 6 figures in an account when they are young, the vast majority will blow through that. I was always fiercely independent and my goals at a (too) young age was to get through college in 4 years and get my own job so I didn't have to rely on others. Fortunately I did that and until my father recently passed away, the only money I ever received post college was a small inheritance when my one grandmother passed away in my 40s.

On the other hand one of my uncle's long time friends does everything for his kids and I don't really see them being particularly responsible or grateful. He has purchased all of them homes and in some cases still pay the utilities. I think he is trying to help them out but I think a bit too much.

And people are just different. I've never had a budget but always had an idea of when I was spending too much and would cut back. I know others who just spend anything that is in the bank account. Kind of like some people can work in commission based fields where income can vary greatly and others can't.

I do think it is bad that financial info is rarely taught in school. I want to say the only time I can recall having anything to do with finances would have been in college.