Financial literacy encompasses knowledge of a range of financial skills, including budgeting, investing, and debt management, necessary to make wise financial decisions. It includes not just knowledge of these topics but also the ability to apply them.
Why is it so important?
A number of trends are making financial literacy critical, particularly for college students.
1) Consumers are responsible for a greater number of financial decisions. This is exemplified by the shift from company pensions, in which companies managed a retirement fund, to the 401k, where employees are responsible for managing their retirement portfolio.
2) Financial services are becoming more numerous and more complex. The number of options available to consumers in banking, credit, debt, investing, etc. can be overwhelming and lead to confusion.
3) Financial literacy is crucial for building long-term wealth and avoiding financial emergencies. Most Americans are saddled with debt and unprepared for emergency expenses. Financial literacy can help to avoid these circumstances. It’s especially important for college students as they navigate the complexities of student debt, which has reached astronomical levels in the US.
This handbook will walk you through some of the major topics in personal finance that college students will need to be familiar with as they work toward achieving financial independence and building long-term wealth.
For the cost of only several dollars, this guide will set you up to save thousands of dollars in the future.
overview of what's included
Credit & Debt
Learn the basics of building your credit score and managing debt
