You're not alone. I tried denial for a while. I thought things couldn't be as bad as the media portrayed them. Perhaps they're not. But our country is in a financial struggle. Despite facing this reality, I maintain a ridiculous degree of optimism. I have the firm, possibly naive, belief that our country can pull through it and possibly come out on the other side more grateful, more giving, and hopefully far more responsible than before.

I know - a happy little attitude change won't fix our problems. But a whole lot of economic understanding couldn't hurt. I think the next generation is a great place to start, and student travel a wonderful way to do it.

There are lots of ways to increase understanding about the economy and finances.  All kinds of experts have come forward these days with grand plans about what to do with our money, how to ride out the storm, and even how to make the most of it.  But perhaps the first step for the next generation, is to understand our economy's foundation.  There are several great attractions in our country to start the conversation.  These three places are sure to both raise questions and provide some answers about our country's commerce.  And - just maybe - raising questions among our youth, will gives us all a headstart toward solutions. 

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

This first attraction provides a nuts and bolts view behind the making of actual US currency. Believe me, the jokes will fly when students find themselves in the midst of millions of dollars. I told you these attractions will raise questions, and you're sure to hear this one: If it's this easy to make, why don't they just make more?

They'll probably be joking - but only half-heartedly. Fortunately, this tour is filled with economic trivia that will begin to put things in perspective. It's fascinating on one hand - to watch the millions printed onto large blank rolls of paper and to see them engraved using the same basic tools used over 125 years ago. They are called the graver, the burnisher, and the hand-held glass in case you need the info for trivial pursuit before you can take the tour.

As the tour explains why the Bureau can't simply print more money and dole it out evenly, you'll learn more interesting trivia about the process. For instance, the average one-dollar bill only remains in circulation about 21 months. Which explains why it takes over 18 tons of ink every day to replace worn bills.

It's hardly a lesson in proper investment, or exactly how much a CEO should be paid, but it sets the stage so to speak for a greater understanding of US commerce. And understanding is a great place to start.

New York City is just a brief jaunt from the nation's capital and provides two more attractions to raise awareness in regards to the economy.

Federal Reserve

You probably know, the Federal Reserve is the central banking system for the US economy. There are twelve branches, and one very pivotal one exists in New York City. This is a great place to go if you're looking for a better tangible understanding of the more theoretical concepts of commerce. The tour explains the role of the Federal Reserve and the central banking functions performed by this particular branch. This should actually answer more questions than it raises.

One portion that should spark a lot of interest is the vault where visitors can witness the largest accumulation of gold in the world. Is our economy still based on this precious commodity? This tour should help you understand the complex answer to that common question. It will help anyway.

Wall Street

Finally, consider a walking tour of the great financial district itself. You may think you'll be hard pressed to find any optimism in this corner of the nation, but remember - these people didn't get here by giving up easily. America is still a great nation with more potential than not. We're in a terrible financial crisis, but we have the power and the spirit to pull through. Lower Manhattan, where the financial district is located, was the site for the nation's first capital. Wall Street and the surrounding neighborhoods literally buzz with modern capitalism and the American dream and yet are anchored by historic skyscrapers and 19th century architecture that remind you how far we've come.

Wall Street has become synonomous with all influential financial interests, largely because of the sheer number of influential stock exchanges there. This is a great place for educational tours with a focus on the economy. Investments and shareholding are foundational to our economic structure, and it's never too early to take an interest in their purpose and how they work.

For further optimistic bolstering, step a few blocks over to the north end of Bowling Green and take a close-up view of the famous bronze sculpture, the Charging Bull. A bull represents a prolonged period of financial prosperity in Wall Street terms. But get this - the sculpture appeared in front of the New York Stock exchange two years after the highly disappointing 1987 stock market. It wasn't commissioned by the city, and was originally impounded for that reason. The public wouldn't have it though, and Parks and Recreation eventually obeyed the voice of the people and installed it in nearby Bowling Green. The sculptor used flyers to explain his purpose. The bull was a symbol of the strength, power, and hope of the American people.

Looks like I'm not the first to face an economic crisis with hope. I just didn't have as much bronze.

These financial centers don't have quick answers for our current economy. But they do represent the economy and are therefore a great place to begin educating our youth on American commerce. Who knows but what one of them has the spirit within them of that sculptor and the power to find our solutions. That is what educational tours are all about.