April is National Financial Literacy Month, established in 2003 to teach Americans the importance of creating and maintaining healthy financial habits. During this month, individuals are encouraged to explore budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management topics.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, combined with a review of research and consultation with leading experts, found that financial well-being includes the following four elements:
1. Having control over day-to-day and month-to-month finances.
2. Having the capacity to absorb a financial shock.
3. Being on track to meet your financial goals.
4. Having the financial freedom to make choices that allow you to enjoy life.
Financial well-being assists with feelings of financial security and financial freedom of choice, both in the present and future.
For the past three years, Utah State University Extension has received the Best of State Award for Personal Finance Education for providing award-winning financial programs. Through these classes and other resources, USU Extension’s personal finance education program can provide Utahns with the skills to navigate the finance world confidently.
Consider participating in the following activities to help improve your financial wellness this month:
• Instagram Book Club: Every Monday, join the discussion about “Die with Zero” by Bill Perkins on the @utahmoneymatters Instagram account. This thought-provoking book challenges conventional money notions and encourages readers to maximize life’s experiences, invest in memories, and embrace the present.
• Free Webinars: Every Tuesday and Thursday at noon, hear about financial topics like investing, budgeting in tight times, fraud protection, and teaching kids about money. Register here.
• The Beginner’s Guide to Investing: During a live webinar on April 30 at noon, learn about free tools to research investments and guide you through the basics of opening and funding an investment account step-by-step. Participation incentives are provided through collaboration with The Utah Department of Workforce Services, A Bolder Way Forward-Finance Spoke, The Utah Financial Empowerment Coalition, and the Utah State Office of the Treasurer. Register here.
• 2025 Finance Calendar: Every week on the @utahmoneymatters Instagram account, there will be financial tasks to help improve financial wellness. Download the free finance calendar, which is also available in Spanish.
• Finance.usu.edu: Visit the finance website and learn about the online home buyer education course, the online PowerPay Money Master Course, and the Power Pay debt reduction tool.
Whether you’re looking to build better budgeting habits, learn about investing, or improve your overall financial well-being, there are resources to help. USU Extension is committed to providing award-winning personal finance education to empower individuals and families with the skills to succeed. Small steps today can lead to lasting financial confidence and security!