April is recognized as National Financial Capability Month to highlight the value of financial education in improving the financial well-being of all Americans. Students in postsecondary programs are faced with many financial decisions, usually for the first time. For millions of students paying for their education, these decisions can often be complex and involve taking on debt.
The Financial Literacy and Education Committee (FLEC) released a checklist containing resources for students, program leaders, educators, and financial aid professionals. This checklist can help prepare students for future financial decision-making as they pursue higher education and manage finances.
The factsheet contains resources from many federal agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Department of Education, Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and more.
This information can be helpful to institutions that currently have financial wellness programs or are considering how to start one. We strongly encourage you to consider how you can use and share this information to help students and their families cope with the challenges of financial decision-making. Building financial capability is an important strategy for both college completion and lifelong financial well-being.