National Financial Literacy month is recognized each year in April to raise public awareness of the importance of financial literacy and maintaining smart money management habits. Financial literacy is the ability to make informed decisions about your finances. This means having knowledge about financial tools, and knowing how to find help when you need it. Can’t make a webinar: Consider taking one of these actions to help improve your financial literacy: Check out a book about personal finance Check your credit score Good investment tips for College students Learn about student loan repayment Make a budget Open a savings account Teach your kids about money by involving them in a financial decision (like choosing items at the grocery shopping)
Recommended websites AnnualCreditReport.com Did you know you can access your annual credit report for free? Access it through AnnualCreditReport.com to check for errors and set up fraud alerts if needed. You are entitled to one credit report free from each of the three credit reporting agencies once a year. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) This US government agency exists to help ensure that financial companies treat consumers fairly. Access the site to learn about many topics related to finance, including what to consider when you get a loan, paying for college, and what your rights are with debt collectors. You can also submit complaints through the site, and browse public complaints about companies. MyMoney.gov Includes a wide range of tools and resources including (but not limited to) on-line calculators, budget worksheets, planning checklists, games for kids, help with making financial decisions around life events, lesson plans, tip sheets, and research. Nerdwallet Nerdwallet reviews credit cards, banking services, mortgages, insurance and investment products based on a number of factors, including interest rates, fees, and options for students. The site also provides comparison tools and information on financial basics, like how to build your credit and how to start saving. Practical money skills The Practical Money Skills program strives to link consumers, educators, banks and governments to the tools and resources they need, helping individuals and communities develop their money management skills. This site has games and tools to help you increase your everyday money skills. Recommended books 100% Financial Literacy Success Topics including personal banking, financial aid, budgeting, credit cards, and taxes. A Critically Compassionate Approach to Financial Literacy Differentiating between notions of financial worth and personal self-worth, the authors present a description of financial literacy tenets founded in principles of self-awareness and cooperative community that are rooted in principles of compassion. Financial Literacy This book offers helpful information and practical advice to help students to make better financial choices. Intersections of Financial Literacy, Citizenship, and Spirituality: Examining a Forbidden Frontier of Social Education This book examines how revisiting notions of spirituality may redefine patterns of social relationships and financial choices.