How I learned to read - and trade stocks - in prison | Curtis "Wall Street" Carroll | TEDxSanQuentin

Summary

The speaker recounts his troubled youth in Oakland, California, where crime and poverty were the norm. Initially illiterate, he found himself drawn into a life of crime, only to be arrested for robbery and murder at 17. His turning point came in prison, where he learned about stocks and financial literacy, leading him to educate himself and others about managing money. He emphasizes the importance of financial education, not just for inmates but for society at large, to prevent recidivism and promote a stable, productive life.

Takeaways

• 😅 The speaker humorously recounts his early life of crime, illustrating the desperate measures he took due to poverty.
• 🏠 Growing up in Oakland, California, he experienced a harsh reality marked by addiction, homelessness, and limited access to basic needs.
• 💰 He was influenced by a belief that money is paramount, leading him into a life of crime as he saw no other viable path due to his illiteracy.
• 📚 A pivotal moment occurred when he was introduced to the concept of stocks in prison, sparking a glimmer of hope for a different future.
• 🔑 Learning to read in prison was a transformative and challenging experience that unlocked new opportunities and a sense of self-worth.
• 🤝 He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy as a tool for personal transformation and a means to break the cycle of crime and poverty.
• 👨‍🏫 After teaching financial management to others, he realized the broader societal need for financial education, especially among those re-entering society from prison.
• 📊 Shocking statistics are highlighted, such as the high percentage of Americans with low savings and professional athletes going bankrupt, underscoring the prevalence of financial illiteracy.
• 🌐 He founded the FEEL program to educate on emotional and financial decision-making, aiming to equip individuals with life skills for financial stability.
• 💡 The speaker passionately advocates for financial literacy as a lifestyle, not just a skill, and calls for a societal shift in how we view and manage money.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first crime and what was the outcome?

The speaker's first crime was burglarizing an arcade game in a bowling alley. The outcome was getting caught by a security guard after the weight of the stolen quarters in his book bag pulled him down from a fence.

How did the speaker's family situation influence his early life decisions?

The speaker grew up in an environment where his mother and immediate family members were addicted to crack cocaine. This led to a life of poverty, living in shelters, and often relying on soup kitchens for food, which influenced his decision to engage in criminal activities.

What was the turning point that led the speaker to start learning about finance?

The turning point was when the speaker accidentally picked up the business section of a newspaper in prison and an old man asked him about stocks, which sparked his curiosity and led him to learn more about finance.

Why did the speaker decide to learn how to read in prison?

The speaker decided to learn how to read in prison because he realized the importance of literacy for understanding finance and stocks, which he saw as a potential way out of his criminal lifestyle.

What is the significance of the speaker's realization about financial literacy in society?

The speaker realized that financial literacy is crucial for everyone, not just professionals. He understood that managing money is a lifestyle choice that can prevent people from falling into criminal activities due to financial desperation.

What program did the speaker co-found to address financial illiteracy?

The speaker co-founded a program called Financial Empowerment Emotional Literacy, or FEEL, which aims to teach people how to separate emotional decisions from financial ones and follow four timeless rules of personal finance.

How does the speaker define financial literacy?

The speaker defines financial literacy not as a skill, but as a lifestyle. It involves proper saving, controlling the cost of living, borrowing money effectively, and diversifying finances so that money works for the individual.

What are the four timeless rules of personal finance mentioned by the speaker?

The four timeless rules of personal finance mentioned by the speaker are: proper saving, controlling the cost of living, borrowing money effectively, and diversifying finances.

Why is financial illiteracy considered a disease by the speaker?

Financial illiteracy is considered a disease by the speaker because it has crippled minorities and the lower class for generations, affecting their access to justice, social status, living conditions, transportation, and food.

How does the speaker's experience with crime and literacy relate to the broader issue of public safety?

The speaker's experience highlights the connection between financial illiteracy and crime. He suggests that financial illiteracy is a bigger danger to public safety than many other issues because it leads to a cycle of poverty and criminal behavior.

What is the speaker's message regarding the importance of financial education for incarcerated individuals?

The speaker's message is that financial education is essential for incarcerated individuals before they re-enter society. Without these life skills, full rehabilitation is not possible, and they are more likely to return to criminal behavior.