Meet Grace Hardy: Young Accountant on a Mission to Make Money Smarts Mandatory
Grace Hardy, just 21, is already a buzzing name in the online finance world. Running her own bookkeeping venture and amassing a loyal following for easy‑to‑understand tax tips, she’s stepped up to call on every UK political party to roll out a serious school curriculum on financial literacy.
Why She’s Got a Point
In a TikTok clip shot after a recent party‑leader showdown, Grace shot straight at the government: “If you’re going to mandate national service, why not require good financial education instead?”
She’s not stopping at social media. On Thursday, 27 June (UN World Micro/Small/Medium‑Enterprise Day), Grace launches her new Unconventional podcast. The show will bring in business and finance leaders to give the next generation the tools they need to start a business, become their own boss, or finally master their own money.
Corporate Support
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) – a body that represents over 50 000 UK finance pros, including Grace – is backing the podcast. AAT’s licensed members already support 840 000 SMEs with top‑notch accounting and tax help.
“We’re proud of members like Grace pushing hard for these essential policies,” said AAT Director of Policy Adam Harper.
Is Education a Bunch of Nonsense? Nope.
In May 2024, Parliament took a serious look at financial education. They called it “vital” for teens aged 16‑18, who are juggling the transition to work, taxes, student loans, and life on their own for the first time.
But neither Labour nor the Conservatives have nailed down a concrete plan for practical money‑smarts in their 2024 platforms. Grace keeps the conversation burning: “Financial education should be compulsory in every school. Right now, only state schools have it, but academies and private schools make up a whopping 90% of the sector.”
She points out that the current adult literacy rate is only about half, a figure that doesn’t inspire confidence. “If we want a brighter future and better financial stability, schools must teach this from the get‑go,” she says.
Personal Touch
“Did anyone teach you the basics of money?” Grace asks, looking for a reaction. She admits, “I didn’t.” Her mission? Change that. By making financial education mandatory, she hopes every child—whether private, state, or academy—gets the skills to thrive in an adult world that’s every bit as complicated as it is rewarding.
AAT calls for young business owners national service exemption
National Service Reintroduction? Young Entrepreneurs Paying the Price
So, what’s the scoop? Harper is all‑in on lifting the baton for National Service—if it ever comes back. But here’s the kicker: the Association for the Advancement of Technology (AAT) is ready to champion exemptions for the go‑getters in our economy—entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners—especially if they’re threatened with a stiff blow to their bankroll.
AAT’s Stand‑by Plan
Picture this: you’re a budding business owner, hustling to build your empire. Suddenly, National Service calls you up for an exam. You’d be like, “What’s the point of this if you’re going to shut down my access to essential business lending?” AAT wants to make sure the young founders aren’t left with empty pockets but armed with a bright future.
The Real‑World Numbers
The mightier “lifeblood” of our economy isn’t a myth. Official surveys say that 74% of SMEs lean on external finance. Here’s a quick rundown of what they’re using:
- Bank overdrafts: 24%
- Hire purchases: 22%
- Bank or building society loans: 11%
- Credit card debt: 25% – and that’s the scary part. It’s basically like borrowing from the danger zone.
These small guys are doing the heavy lifting for communities, high streets, and the whole country. But if the policy top‑drawer goes a step too far, they’re on the worst‑case hit list.
Why the Buzz on Financial Liter‑acy?
Harper’s point: Many of these entrepreneurs are stuck in a loop of shaky finance decisions because of poor financial knowledge. That 25% funneling cash into credit card debt is a classic fail‑case that shows the double bug: lack of capital and lack of financial wisdom. When you’re chasing a startup dream, you’d think the system would lend a hand, not a kick‑back.
In short, the young business starters are already pulling the community together. It’s up to policy makers to provide the right radar—better financial education and easier capital access—and not slap a “no” on their ambition.
