why ‘educate yourself’ is everywhere

“Educate yourself.” Yeah, as if that’s not the most overused advice out there. It’s like every time someone decides to drop financial wisdom, they’re morally obligated to sprinkle in a ‘learn this’ or ‘understand that.’ Do we really need another parroted line telling us to pick up books and articles trying to unravel whatever financial gobbledygook someone’s trying to sell? We’ve got brains, thanks, and while we’re at it, maybe a bit of common sense too.

It’s not that learning isn’t important, it’s that hammering on the same worn-out phrase as if it holds some magical key to riches is, quite frankly, tiresome and lazy. Imagine this scenario, you’re drowning in a sea of confusing jargon and what’s the liferaft? More reading. A novel idea, really. But also annoying. Why teach yourself when half the stuff out there is either outdated or so whitewashed it’s just pure noise? Find me a book that isn’t just repeating century-old investment strategies dressed up in a new cover and color me interested. But don’t hold your breath.

They say financial literacy is the best ROI. Sure, a return on investment for book sales maybe. How about some straight talk for once, without the financial Rosetta Stone of hidden fees or predicting market crashes always being lurking in a corner? I’m not saying you shouldn’t educate yourself, just don’t assume saying it means anything profound. I’m done.