National Financial Literacy Month is celebrated in April, which is a great opportunity for us to check and promote our financial situation and skills. If you consider yourself illiterate in terms of finances then you are not alone! It does not matter if you have just started earning or have been earning for a long time, every day is a chance to reflect upon your spendings and improve your finances.
History of Financial Literacy Month
Every year Financial Literacy Month is celebrated in April. The Financial Literacy Month is not only a celebration but is a challenge. This is your opportunity to review your finances and gradually improve them. The Financial Literacy Month was first recognized in the U.S.A in April 2004. This was done to highlight the importance of being financially literate and to make people learn about the ways and techniques that can help them in becoming financially smart. The Financial Literacy Month originated from the Youth Literacy Day, which came into existence through the National Endowment for Financial Education(NEFE). The NEFE was an activity that was a part of the High School Financial Program. In 2003, The United States Congress showed great support for Financial Literacy Month after the Senate Resolution and House Resolution requested President George.W.Bush to declare April as the month of Financial Literacy Month.Later on, The United States House of Representatives passed a bill that supported the goals of Financial Literacy Month. The bill also asked the President to order the implementation of this month to the Federal Government, schools, localities, and non-profit organizations. It is said that the foundation of a bright future is to develop a budget and increase your financial knowledge.
Financial Literacy Month timeline
The Jump$tart Coalition starts promoting April as the Financial Literacy for Youth Month, this term is changed to Financial Literacy Month.
The United States Congress shows support for a Financial Literacy month and requests the President to declare April as Financial Literacy for Youth Month.
The Senate Resolution 316 is passed which declares April as the Financial Literacy Month.
The bill supporting the goals of Financial Literacy month is passed by the United States House of Representatives, the bill called for President Bush to announce Financial Literacy Month publicly.
Financial Literacy Month FAQs
What are the three components of financial literacy?
There are six components of financial literacy, which include earning, spending, saving and investing, borrowing, and protecting.
What does financial literacy mean?
By financial literacy we mean the ability to effectively use financial skills, it includes personal financial management, investing, and budgeting.
What are the variables of financial literacy?
The main variables of financial literacy are gender, age, occupation, marital status, education level of an individual, and income.
How to Observe Financial Literacy Month
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Take a pledge to change
The first way to observe Financial Literacy Month is by reviewing your attitude towards your finances. Think about if you can commit to change the way you make a financial decision. Take a pledge to change your decisions that will benefit you more in the future.
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Urge the government to make financial education mandatory
We should request the government to make personal finance education mandatory in schools and colleges. This will make the younger generation more educated about smartly handling their finances.
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Raise awareness about Financial Literacy Month
Due to the pandemic, our finances are being affected which makes Financial Literacy Month more important. We should continue to raise awareness about choosing intelligent ways to handle our finances.
5 Great Facts About Financial Literacy Month
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Financial literacy is lacking
In the U.S., one out of every five students lack basic skills of financial literacy.
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Men are more financially literate than women
29% of working women showed basic skills of financial literacy, whereas 47% of men demonstrated basic financial literacy skills.
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Loans are not understood properly
54% of the student loan holders didn't know about their future monthly payments before taking out their loans.
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Few are financially educated
According to a national survey, 20% of adults have participated in financial education.
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Personal finance skills are important
According to a report by LT Trust, women save 68 cents against every dollar that men save for retirement.
Why We Observe Financial Literacy Month
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Personal finance education gives us financial freedom
Financial Literacy Month has played an integral role in giving people financial freedom and has helped them in taking control of their lives.
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It helps us to keep up with the changing world
Being literate about our finances assists us to keep up with the changing financial condition of the world.
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It helps citizens to become responsible
Financial Literacy Month helps us to use smart ways of making and spending money. It makes people act as responsible citizens.
Financial Literacy Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
