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is EMPOWERMENT!

KNOWLEDGE IS EMPOWERMENT

The Don’t Die Young Initiative is absolutely certain that youth who are often overlooked and counted out can accomplish amazing things in their lives. But it’s crucial that every young person believes this truth and makes sure to invest in themselves with Knowledge. 

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Below are topics that Don’t Die Young is encouraging young people to learn more about to increase their Power through Knowledge.

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POWER OF EDUCATION

Education is arguably the most significant focus that supports our ability to achieve our goals. 

 

Don’t Die Young encourages youth to be diligent in pursuing their education and to be determined  in overcoming the shortcomings of traditional educational environments. 

The importance of an education goes beyond the letter grades teachers assign to evaluate your classroom success.  Education is arguably the most significant focus that supports our ability to achieve the American Dream – however you define the American Dream for yourself.  Unfortunately, too many school systems are struggling with challenges that compromise the access that young people have to a quality education. However, for young people exposed to a less than ideal educational system, Don’t Die Young encourages you to be diligent in pursuing your education and bringing your creative energy to the surface to overcome the shortcomings of traditional educational environments.  

Defining Education

Don’t Die Young takes a broad view of education. This means that we view education formally in terms of classroom learning as well as informally through other opportunities – books, mentors, volunteering, etc.  Education simply means studying in order to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of a variety of subjects to be applied to daily life - formal and informal education are both needed.

5 Reasons Why Education is Important?

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1. Provides Stability: Education provides stability in life, and it’s something that no one can ever take away from you. By continuing to gain knowledge, you increase your chances for better career opportunities and open up new doors for yourself.

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2. Provides Financial Security: Education can also support financial security. A good education tends to lead to a higher paying job, as well as provide you with the skills needed to get there.  A good education also helps you to stay marketable as a viable employment candidate as you consider your career options. 

 

3. Your Life’s Purpose:  Your contributions to your family, community and the world will to some degree rely on how committed you are to investing in yourself. Investing in ourselves by consuming knowledge will create a level of preparedness that best ensures we are ready for opportunities that come our way. As we mentioned in the Your Purpose section of this website, pursuing your life’s purpose is a journey of discovery. Along this journey you have to expect opportunities to come your way that will bring you closer to fulfilling your purpose – get ready for a great experience when your knowledge connects with opportunities.   

 

4. Make Your Dreams Come True:  If you can dream it, you can achieve it. An education is the most powerful tool you can possibly have, and with it, you can make all of your dreams come true. 

 

5. Confidence:  Being self-confident is a major part of being successful in life. And what better way to gain that confidence than with an education? Your level of education is often considered a way to prove your knowledge, and it can give you the confidence to express your opinions and speak your mind - BECOME AN EXPERT!

 

Source: https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/10-reasons-why-is-education-important/

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HOW YOUR CREDIT WORKS

Getting off to a good start in building your credit history when you are young is HUGE!

 

To make sure you have options as you pursue your life's purpose, Don't Die Young encourages youth to plan for success by establishing and managing a good credit history.  

When youth get to an age where they can begin applying for credit, there is often a sense of independence and that they are able to make important life decisions for themselves. Credit, more specifically Good Credit, is an important resource that you will need throughout your entire life. So Don’t Die Young would like to provide the following information to educate youth about credit, while also encouraging you to take your time and be thoughtful about how you use credit. 

 

Credit is an agreement you have with a lender to obtain goods or services that you pay for at a later date under agreed upon terms. For example, if you get a loan, the lender will give you the money and you will have to repay that loan over time along with interest and possibly other fees.

 

Credit can also refer to your credit history, which lenders typically consider when determining whether to offer you a loan, credit card or similar product. To improve your chances of getting approved for credit at a favorable rate, it's essential to have a good credit history.

Why Is Credit Important?

For most consumers, building a solid credit history is an important step in establishing their financial security. Not only is credit important to borrowing at favorable rates, but it can also help you get into an apartment, lower your auto insurance rates, avoid a deposit on a utility agreement, and more.

 

As you manage your credit wisely, you build overall financial health that can help you achieve your goals. A good credit score will also save you money on loans you take out, again leaving more money available to help you get on strong financial footing.

What is a Credit Report?

A credit report contains a history of your dealings with credit. You have three credit reports, one from each of the three national credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

 

Your credit report lists all of the accounts you've opened and closed in the recent past, along with how you've managed each. For example, if you've missed a payment or had an account sent to collections, it will show up on your credit report.

 

Your credit report also lists other records, including bankruptcies, foreclosures, repossessions, and other information that shows potential red flags to lenders. At the same time, on-time payments and longstanding responsible credit use will also be reflected in your report.

 

What Is a Credit Score?

Your credit score is a numerical representation of the information that can be found on your credit report. It provides you and others with a snapshot of your overall credit health.

 

While there are many different types of credit scores, the most widely used scoring model is the FICO® Score, which has a range of 300 to 850. In general, the higher your credit score, the more responsible you've been with credit.

 

What Is a Good Credit Score?

A good credit score can open a lot of opportunities when it comes to getting credit. Here’s a list of what’s considered a good credit score using the FICO® Score model:

 

Exceptional: 800 to 850

Very good: 740: to 799

Good: 670 to 739

Fair: 580 to 669

Poor: 300 to 579

 

Source: https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-does-credit-work/

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JOIN THE COALITION

Sign up here to join the Don't Die Young Coalition!  As a member of the coalition, we will keep you connected with news, webinars, programs and all things uplifting and inspirational. 

Welcome to the Coalition!

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