Financial education is crucial to make us all money smart! Lack of financial literacy is a recipe for bad money decisions, lack of savings and credit pitfalls. Working to improve your financial literacy skills and paying off debt with a debt management program can lead to a stress-free financial life.
To make more informed decisions with your money, improve your financial literacy.
What is Financial Literacy?
If you are financially literate, you have a proper understanding of how money works and how to handle personal financial matters. This includes the knowledge of interest rates, investments, risks, budgeting, etc. Being financially literate is the basis to achieve financial goals like debt relief, saving for retirement, or preparing for life events.
How to Improve Your Financial Literacy
Becoming financially literate does not end on one fine day. It is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning. However, there are fundamental steps you need to stick with. Here are some tips!
I. Track Your Money – Maintain a Budget
This one is the simplest and the most basic requirement. Our credit counseling advice is to always budget. Starting a budget entails knowing how, when and where your money is coming in and going out every month. As a result, you can make changes that will free up some of your income and help you reach your goals.
2. Learn from Experts and from Examples
The internet has numerous resources to help you become financially literate. You can even consider enrolling yourself in one of the free online courses or make use of a reputable financial counseling service to get advice. Additionally, you can even watch videos on financial topics to understand concepts such as investment.
3. Fine Print is Crucial
A part of being financially literate is the awareness you have about your money. Everything from choosing a credit card to obtaining a loan has conditions and restrictions. Therefore, make sure you have read and understood the fine print before signing anything. You can learn a lot and make smarter decisions when you understand the terms and conditions.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
