Money Smarts Start Here: Building Financial Literacy

At The Actuarial Foundation, we believe that financial literacy isn’t optional, it’s a necessity. When students understand concepts like saving, budgeting, and managing risk, they’re better prepared to make informed decisions that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Recent data reinforces just how critical this education is. A 2025 national study by the SPARK Institute and Corporate Insight found that while financial knowledge improves with age, many young people, including recent high school graduates and early-career adults, still lack basic understanding of key financial topics like employer-sponsored retirement plans and saving strategies. The research also showed that financial literacy gaps are closely tied to household income and parental education, underscoring the importance of providing equitable access to financial education for all students.

This gap in financial knowledge can have long-term consequences. Students who lack exposure to financial concepts in school may enter adulthood feeling unprepared to manage money, save for the future, or navigate financial challenges with confidence.

That’s why we’re proud to offer free, classroom-ready programs like Building Your Future and Expect the Unexpected. These resources are designed to help educators teach real-world money skills in ways that are engaging, relevant, and easy to implement.

Together, we can ensure more students graduate not just with academic knowledge, but with the financial tools they need to thrive.

Sources:

SPARK Institute & Corporate Insight. (December 15, 2025). “SPARK Institute Releases New National Study on Financial and Retirement Literacy Among Young Americans.”