Financial Literacy Month is Here!

Financial Literacy Month is Here!

By Steven Orlowski, CFP, CNPR

April is Financial Literacy Month, a time dedicated to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and tools they need to make smart, informed financial decisions. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to sharpen your skills, this month is the perfect opportunity to take control of your money and plan for a more secure future.

Why Financial Literacy Matters

Financial literacy isn’t just about balancing a checkbook or creating a budget—though those are great starting points. It’s about understanding how money works: how to earn it, manage it, invest it, protect it, and ultimately use it to build the life you want. With inflation, student loan debt, rising housing costs, and economic uncertainty all becoming everyday realities, being financially literate is more important than ever.

Poor financial literacy can lead to overspending, unmanageable debt, missed investment opportunities, and delayed retirement. On the flip side, people who understand the basics of personal finance are more likely to save consistently, invest wisely, avoid unnecessary debt, and feel confident about their financial future.

What You Can Do This Month

Here are some simple yet powerful steps you can take during Financial Literacy Month to improve your financial health:

1. Check Your Credit Report
   You’re entitled to a free credit report every year from each of the three major bureaus. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to view your report and dispute any inaccuracies.

2. Set Financial Goals
   Define short-term and long-term financial goals, such as saving for a vacation, paying off a credit card, or planning for retirement. Clear goals give your financial habits a purpose.

3. Create or Revisit Your Budget
   Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to track income and expenses. Identifying where your money is going can reveal surprising opportunities to cut back and save more.

4. Start or Grow Your Emergency Fund
   Aim for at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Even if you start small, consistent contributions can build a solid safety net over time.

5. Learn About Investing
   You don’t need to be a Wall Street pro to start investing. Learn the basics of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s.

6. Talk to a Financial Professional
   A Certified Financial Planner™ or financial advisor can help tailor a strategy that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and risk tolerance.

Resources to Get You Started

• National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) – www.nefe.org

• Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy – www.jumpstart.org

• MyMoney.gov – A U.S. government website offering comprehensive financial information for all life stages

• Local Libraries, Community Centers, and Banks – Many offer free workshops and seminars during April

Make Financial Literacy a Lifelong Habit

Financial Literacy Month isn’t just about 30 days of learning—it’s about building habits that last a lifetime. No matter your age or income level, it’s never too late to educate yourself and take control of your financial destiny.

Let April be your starting point. Open a book, attend a workshop, set a new goal, or have that long-overdue conversation with a financial advisor. Your future self will thank you.

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Want help getting started on your financial journey? Reach out to a financial professional today and make Financial Literacy Month count!