Financial Literacy
FINANCIAL LITERACY
In today’s world, where financial security is becoming increasingly important, being financially literate is an essential skill one must possess. A solid financial foundation can help those live within their means, reducing the likelihood of incurring debt, developing credit histories, and achieving long-term financial goals. The benefits of financial literacy are not limited to just individuals; it can also improve an entire community’s economic and financial wellbeing.
Unfortunately, despite these numerous benefits, financial literacy rates remain relatively low among high schools throughout the country. A 2018 FINRA survey found that only 34% of Americans could answer five basic financial literacy questions correctly, indicating a significant gap in financial literacy. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize teaching financial literacy at all levels, from within our school systems and other informal settings such as the dinner table with those around us. Financial Literacy is a topic that must be widely accessible to everyone. The economy will strengthen as a result and pave the way to a brighter and sustainable future.
Did you know?
Budgeting
Needs
50%
Allocate 50% of your income
to cover essential needs.
Wants
30%
Allocate 30% of your income
to spend on non-essential wants.
Savings
20%
Allocate 20% of your income
to savings for emergencies.
Credit
Revolving Credit is a type of credit that allows you to borrow up to a fixed amount. This line of credit is most commonly used with credit cards.
Installment Credit is a type of credit that is paid over a fixed period of time with a set number of payments. Personal loans, car loans, and mortgages fall under installments.
Secured Credit is a type of credit that is backed by collateral, usually a property or a vehicle. A home equity line is a common example of a secured credit line.
Investing
Stock represents ownership shares in publicly traded companies. By purchasing stock, investors become partial owners of the company and have the potential to earn returns through capital appreciation (increase in stock price) and dividends (portion of company profits distributed to shareholders).
Bonds are debt instruments issued by governments, municipalities, or corporations. When you buy bonds, you’re essentially lending money to the issuer in exchange for regular interest payments and the return of the principal amount when the bond matures.
Mutual Funds are a type of investment that pools money from various investors and uses it to invest in a diverse portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other securities. Professional fund managers make investment decisions on behalf of investors, allowing them to access a greater selection of investments.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are comparable to mutual funds, however, they trade like individual equities on stock markets. ETFs track a certain index, sector, commodity, or asset class and allow investors to diversify and trade throughout the day.
Risk Management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is financial literacy?
Financial Literacy is the ability to understand money management related skills such as investing, budgeting, personal finances, and the overall topic of money.
Can a budget really help me?
Yes, having a budget can assist you achieve whatever financial goals you have set if you are strategic enough in managing your finances. A budget is a great way of getting out of financial holes as well as building up an emergency fund or savings.
Is credit a bad thing?
Far from it. Credit is a great financial tool that can open up many doors for your financial future. It can assist you in getting equity into a property, purchasing a work vehicle and much more. However, if you misuse credit, then it can be detrimental towards anything you are trying to build. You must be disciplined when dealing with any form of credit, and only use what you can afford to pay.
Is investing hard to learn?
Like anything in life, you’re going to need to put some time into educating yourself on the topic. Never go into investments blindly. Understand what you are buying into. If you want to be successful with investing, you are going to want to be hands on with all investments - even if someone is making the trades for you.
More Topics:
Introduction to Business
Business is a vast and dynamic field that spans a multitude of activities, including production, distribution, marketing, and sales. It is a pervasive force in
Product Pricing
Pricing has a direct impact on a company’s profitability, competitiveness, and overall market presence. Product pricing goes beyond just setting a monetary value on an
How To Start Building Credit
Although credit building is a slow process, it is a necessary one. Credit can be used to assist in major purchases such as buying your
Financial Literacy
In today’s world, where financial security is becoming increasingly important, being financially literate is an essential skill one must possess. When individuals have a good
Brand Identity
The purpose of building a brand around your idea is to create an identity that consumers can recognize and connect with. A strong brand identity
Banking
Basic banking operations can include anything from depositing paychecks and paying bills to more complex transactions such as securing loans. Banks also offer a range