Financial Literacy Scores In The U.S Are Declining
Financial literacy and empowerment stands as a core value of Sherman Wealth. We have long been strong advocates of improving financial education in our country and within the school system to educate our youth on financial concepts throughout their development. Understanding personal finance and feeling confident enough to make your own financial decisions is crucial in the society we live in and a predecessor to financial success.
Despite thought leaders efforts to improve financial literacy in our country, it has still steadily decreased over the last 12 years. A FINRA Foundation National Financial Capability Study found that of 30,000 U.S. adults surveyed, the average respondent of the study only answered 2.6/5 financial literacy questions correctly, down from 3 of 5 questions in 2009. These findings are quite alarming and pose a warning that financial education and literacy needs to improve.
In the world we live in today, with constant change and unprecedented events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to know the full scope of your finances, from the location of your various accounts, to your risk tolerance and asset allocation, your planning opportunities and tax consequences, your workplace benefits and more. Many individuals who lack financial knowledge are missing out on prudent opportunities in their young careers and life that could lead to long-term financial success.
If you are feeling discouraged about your financial knowledge and confidence, now is a great time to think about working with a financial advisor such as Sherman Wealth, that will not only help you create a customized financial plan, but teach you everything you need to know in the process. If you have a child or grandchild in high school or college and want them to learn more personal financial tools before they embark in the real world, email us at info@shermanwealth.com to learn more about what financial literacy courses and tools we provide. For more financial literacy content, check out our Q&A blog. To sign up for a complimentary introductory call, click here.