MONEY EDUCATION RESOURCES

What Is Financial Literacy?

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing.
 
When you are financially literate, you have the essential foundation for a smart relationship with money. This can help start a lifelong journey of learning about the financial aspects of your life. The earlier you start to become financially literate, the better off you'll be because education is the key to a successful financial future.
 
Why Students Should Learn About Money
Understanding money is crucial for students as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Financial literacy equips them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their finances, helping them avoid common pitfalls like debt and poor spending habits. By learning about money early on, students can build a strong foundation for their financial future, ensuring they are prepared to handle life’s financial challenges and opportunities.
Areas of Finance Students Should Learn About
  • Budgeting: Budgeting is the cornerstone of financial management. It helps students track their income and expenses, ensuring they live within their means. Learning to budget teaches discipline and prioritization, which are essential skills for financial stability and achieving long-term goals.
  • Saving and Investing: Understanding the importance of saving and investing is vital for building wealth over time. Students should learn about different savings accounts, investment options, and the power of compound interest. This knowledge helps them grow their money and prepare for future needs, such as education, buying a home, or retirement.
  • Credit and Debt Management: Knowing how to manage credit and debt is crucial for maintaining a healthy financial life. Students should learn about credit scores, how to build and maintain good credit, and the risks associated with debt. This knowledge helps them make informed decisions about borrowing and avoid falling into debt traps.
  • Taxes: Understanding taxes is essential for financial planning. Students should learn about different types of taxes, how to file tax returns, and the importance of tax planning. This knowledge ensures they comply with tax laws and take advantage of any tax benefits available to them.
  • Insurance: Learning about insurance helps students protect themselves and their assets. They should understand different types of insurance, such as health, auto, and life insurance, and how to choose the right coverage. This knowledge provides financial security and peace of mind in case of unexpected events.

By gaining knowledge in these areas, students can make informed financial decisions, avoid common financial mistakes, and build a secure financial future. Financial literacy is not just about managing money; it’s about empowering students to achieve their life goals and live financially independent lives.
 
 
 

GREAT FINANCIAL EDUCATION RESOURCES



 
Screenshot 2024 08 12 at 12 30 22 financial literacy resource library

FINANCIAL LITERACY RESOURCES LIBRARY

The American Public Education Foundation has made financial literacy one of its core focuses over the next decade. With the Financial Literacy Resources Library, our foundation is putting a spotlight on financial education in the classroom.

Our goal is to help ensure our next generation is prepared to handle their finances smartly, avoid debt, better understand our economy, and learn to make good decisions about their life and money.
Learn More
Screenshot 2024 08 12 at 12 44 20 jump tart

JUMPSTART

The Jump$tart Clearinghouse is the nation’s premier searchable database of curated financial education resources from hundreds of reputable providers. The Clearinghouse lists only those resources that meet our listing criteria and align with the National Standards for Personal Financial Education. Resources listed in the Clearinghouse must be educational or informational only, and may not be used to sell or promote financial products and services.
Learn More
Screenshot 2024 08 12 at 13 42 19 about the st. louis fed's economic education program

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK ST LOUIS

About the St. Louis Fed's Economic Education Program

Resources by educators, for educators.

The Economic Education team at the St. Louis Fed uses its vast experience in the classroom and the latest research in education to provide educators of all grades with high-quality economics and personal finance teaching resources, an online learning platform, trainings, and other professional development opportunities!
Learn More
Screenshot 2024 08 14 at 14 02 16 futuresmart℠ financial literacy   everfi

EVERFI

The cost is $0 for teachers.

95% of teachers report improved student engagement. Bring our FutureSmart℠ lessons to your classroom.

  • FutureSmart helps your students

  • understand their financial personalities
  • discover the importance of budgeting
  • learn how to save and manage day-to-day expenses
  • explore different careers in finance
Learn More
Screenshot 2024 08 14 at 14 12 07 afsa education foundation   home

AFSAEF - MONEYSKILL

The AFSA Education Foundation developed MoneySKILL in 2002 as one of the first personal finance courses available online. MoneySKILL has evolved with the times and currently provides educators of all kinds (including parents) with a resource to create high quality, custom, web-based personal finance courses. The curriculum is geared toward middle school, high school, and college students and focuses on a broad range of money management fundamentals.
Learn More
Screenshot 2024 08 16 at 13 09 14 freddie mac creditsmart® essentials freddie mac creditsmart

CREDIT SMART

About CreditSmart

 
Credit Smart is a suite of online educational resources designed to help people build and grow financial confidence during any stage of their financial journey.
Freddie Mac developed Credit Smart to further its mission of providing greater access to housing. It was created in collaboration with historically black colleges and universities, housing professionals and Hispanic and Asian nonprofit organizations.
Learn More
Screenshot 2024 08 16 at 13 19 55 personal finance life skills khan academy

KHAN ACADMEY

Created by experts, Khan Academy’s library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more. It’s all free for learners and teachers.
With Khan Academy, teachers can identify gaps in their students’ understanding, tailor instruction, and meet the needs of every student.
Learn More
Screenshot 16 8 2024 132719 personalfinance.byu.edu

BYU PERSONAL FINANCE

These lessons are designed to help you do the following: Understand the purpose of wealth, and apply the counsel of the scriptures and Church leaders regarding wealth. Set personal goals that will help you progress toward financial and spiritual self-reliance. Identify your past and current financial situation, and learn basic tools to help you solve current financial problems and prepare for the future. Learn key areas of financial responsibility and the need for constant vigilance in financial matters.
Learn More
Screenshot 2024 08 16 at 14 03 41 financial planning for young adults coursera

IU FINANCIAL PLANNING

Financial Planning for Young Adults (FPYA), developed in partnership with the CFP Board, is designed to provide an introduction to basic financial planning concepts for young adults. The FPYA course is organized across eight separate modules within a 4-week window. Topics covered include financial goal setting, saving and investing, budgeting, financial risk, borrowing and credit.
Learn More

GREAT BOOKS TO READ FOR PERSONAL FINANCE

Learn More