Everybody understands that being able to read and write is NOT optional.

And yet, many people dismiss the importance of numerical literacy.

“I’m just not good with numbers!” they will say. Or, “I was never any good at math.”

Listen. You probably do not need algebra, trigonometry, or calculus to be successful.

But you do need to have a basic, friendly, working relationship with arithmetic. Basic skill in fractions, percentages, and other simple arithmetic calculations is essential.

You need to know you are getting the best price when you buy; how to balance your checkbook with its statement; how to determine how much your utility costs have risen in the last year.

And, if you ever intend to be an entrepreneur, you must learn to understand a simple profit and loss statement.

If you do not have these skills yet…get them!