As spring blooms, April brings with it Financial Literacy Month—a time to reflect on the money lessons that shaped us and consider how we can pass that wisdom on.
Many of us remember learning about money through real-life moments: counting coins in a piggy bank or watching a parent pay bills at the kitchen table. Those small lessons stay with us—and they’re exactly where financial education begins.
Today, fewer than 1 in 5 adults under 25 are saving for retirement. But research shows that starting young makes a big difference. Teens who learn how to budget, save, and invest early are more confident making money decisions later on.
At Bleakley, we believe these lessons start at home. If you’re looking for ways to start the conversation with kids or grandkids, check out our article on Financial Literacy for Your Offspring: A 10-Step Guide. It’s filled with ideas to spark meaningful, age-appropriate discussions around money.
Financial Literacy Is Gaining Momentum
Across the country, financial education is gaining real traction. More than half of U.S. states now require high school students to take a personal finance course to graduate—a number that has grown steadily in recent years. Surveys show that nearly 90% of U.S. adults believe these classes should be mandatory, highlighting just how important the topic has become.
At the university level, schools are finding new ways to bring financial education to younger students. Some are offering for-credit personal finance courses to high schoolers through remote learning programs, while others host interactive workshops to make complex money topics easier to grasp. Gamified learning—using games, challenges, and trivia to teach—is also helping to make financial literacy more approachable for teenagers and young adults.
The message is clear: financial education is no longer seen as optional. It’s being recognized as a life skill—right alongside reading, writing, and math. If you’re looking for additional ways to strengthen your own financial foundation, our article Ten Steps to a Financial Education offers a straightforward path to building greater financial confidence at any age.
Why Family Conversations Matter
While schools are doing more than ever, family remains one of the most powerful influences on a child’s financial habits. Everyday activities—like discussing how a budget is set, showing how bills are paid, or involving kids in saving for a family goal—create teachable moments that leave a lasting impact.
Starting these conversations doesn’t require a formal sit-down. It can be as simple as explaining why you chose one grocery item over another or showing a teenager how credit card interest works. Sharing personal experiences—both successes and missteps—can help demystify finances and show that learning about money is a journey, not a one-time lesson.
Financial Literacy Month is the perfect reminder to bring these discussions into everyday life. When young people see money management in action, they’re more likely to build smart habits that stick with them well into adulthood. And by opening the door to honest conversations now, we can help the next generation feel more confident navigating the financial decisions that lie ahead.
- Article published 4/28/25
Disclosures:
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. The information in this article has been sourced from Studentreview.hks.harvard.edu and knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu.
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