Young people are falling through the cracks 💔

Did you know? A young person is not guaranteed to get critical financial education, at any point in their lives.

  • It is the technically complex, emotionally heavy and better-avoided topic that no one wants to (or can!) take responsibility for.

This equals = 👇

Psychological distress 🔻

Money is consistently the top source of stress for Americans, with 72% reporting feeling stressed about money at least some of the time (survey by the American Psychological Association)

Lowered emergency resilience 🔻

According to Bankrate, about one-third of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $1,000 emergency, highlighting how many people are unprepared for unexpected financial shocks.

Financial Insecurity 🔻

According to FINRA Investor Education Foundation, Americans with lower financial literacy are significantly more likely to experience financial hardship, including difficulty covering expenses, higher debt levels, and greater reliance on borrowing or assistance.

Increased debt & debt stress 🔻

According to the American Psychological Association, 65% of adults say money is a significant source of stress, with debt (including credit card debt) being one of the most common causes.

Critical financial failures 🔻

In the U.S., mismanaging debt is a major cause of financial hardship. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that 66.5% of personal bankruptcies are linked to medical issues, often combined with lost income and mounting debt. At the same time, data shows that around 25% of people considering bankruptcy cite credit card debt and rising interest as key factors, highlighting how quickly unmanaged debt can spiral.

Financial Exclusion 🔻

In the U.S., access to basic financial services isn’t guaranteed. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), about 4.5% of households are unbanked, meaning they don’t have a checking or savings account, while around 14% are underbanked, relying on alternative (often expensive) financial services. This highlights how many people still face barriers to essential money tools.

Reduced wealth potential 🔻

In the U.S., lower financial literacy can have a major long-term impact on wealth. According to the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, Americans with higher financial knowledge are significantly more likely to invest and build wealth, while those with lower literacy are more likely to carry high-cost debt and miss out on long-term investment growth, leaving them more financially vulnerable later in life.

Delayed retirement 🔻

In the U.S., many people are concerned about their financial future. According to the Federal Reserve, nearly one-quarter of adults report having no retirement savings at all, highlighting how unprepared many are for retirement.

Compounded Vulnerabilities 🔻

In the U.S., low financial literacy disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including low-income households and some minority communities—worsening inequality over time. According to the Federal Reserve, women typically have significantly less retirement savings than men, contributing to greater financial insecurity later in life.

Research from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation also shows that lower financial knowledge is linked to higher debt and reduced wealth-building, reinforcing long-term economic inequality.

So... who is responsible?

It takes a village ❤️

  • At School

    The most formative place & period in a young person's life, this is the time to introduce formal concepts and prepare for the road ahead.

  • Parents & Grandparents

    At home, a young person soaks up emotions, habits and perspectives! Family is where foundational money mindsets are shaped.

  • Tertiary Education Providers

    After school, real life begins. Having support to navigate essential money moves and avoid dangerous decisions in these early years sets a powerful tone for their future.

  • Employers & Community Leaders

    Work is the centre of a young person's financial life. An employer has the perfect positioning to be able to meaningfully support an employee in their financial journey.

  • Financial Product & Services Providers

    As a provider of products & services, you have frontline access and ultimate power to guide the behaviours of a young person. With power comes great responsibility.

Together, no one slips through.

Shaping a financially empowered young person is long road and a shared responsibility. Everyone that can, must. Together, we create a generation of financially empowered young people.

Stability, Safety & Independence 💚

A study from the OECD found that financial literacy correlates with higher levels of financial independence. Young people with financial education are 40% more likely to have a personal savings account by age 25 and rely less on external financial assistance.

Confidence & Wellbeing 💚

In the U.S., financial literacy is strongly linked to confidence and wellbeing. According to the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, only 34% of Americans can correctly answer basic financial questions—yet those who can are far more likely to feel confident managing their money, plan for the future, and experience lower financial stress.

Wealth & Opportunity 💚

Increased wealth begins with increased earnings... Financially literate individuals are more likely to earn 16%* more over their lifetime (Annamaria Lusardi, Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center).

This continues with with financially educated teens make better investment decisions, increasing savings by 18% by their 30s* (NBER).

From here, knowledge of compound interest helps build 28% more wealth by age 40* (Urban Institute).

*Relative to those without financial literacy education

Reduced Debt risk 💚

Young adults with financial education are 21% less likely to carry credit card debt (FINRA), 20% less likely to be late on bill payments, and had 20% higher emergency savings.

Teens who receive financial education are also more likely to have better credit scores later in life. For instance, a study in the U.S. showed that participants who received financial literacy training had credit scores 29 points higher on average than those who didn’t .

Reduced Social Inequality 💚

Teaching financial skills narrows income gaps by 20%, especially benefiting underserved communities and improving economic equality.

Financial literacy helps close economic gaps, as those with financial education are more likely to manage debt and avoid costly financial mistakes. This is particularly impactful in lower-income communities, where financial education can break cycles of debt and poverty​(Moneyzine)​(HigherMe).

Improved Economic Stability 💚

Nations with more financially educated populations have 50% fewer financial crises (OECD).

Increased Entrepreneurial Success 💚

Entrepreneurs with financial education are 40% more likely to sustain their business (Kauffman Foundation).

Better Community Health 💚

When young people understand money, they are more equipped to contribute to society. Financially literate individuals are 50% more likely to participate in community development and charitable giving, strengthening social bonds​(HigherMe).

✨ Find your education ✨

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