I'm not sure whether it was intentional or merely a coincidence that several years ago Congress proclaimed April to be Financial Literacy Month. April is also the month when millions of Americans grimly write a check to the IRS and resolve to do a better job managing their money; and when millions of others squander their tax refund without realizing why receiving overly large refunds year after year isn't sound financial management.
In recognition of 2013's Financial Literacy Month, the National Foundation of Credit Counselingjust released the results of its seventh annual Consumer Financial Literacy Survey, which tracks Americans' attitudes and behaviors related to personal finance. According to NFCC spokesperson Gail Cunningham, the 2013 survey reveals both good and bad news.
"On a positive note, by certain measures a large percentage of Americans do feel they're getting a better handle on controlling their finances," she said. "On the downside, however, many people give themselves poor grades on their knowledge of personal finance, and worry that they're not saving enough for a rainy day -- or for retirement."
- Some 40 percent of U.S. adults have a budget and closely track their spending. In other words, 60 percent don't use a budget.
- Only 32 percent of those polled spend less on living expenses now than they did last year -- a steady decline since 2009's 59 percent level. At the same time, 27 percent said they now spend more than they did a year ago.
- About 71 percent pay all bills on time and have no debts in collection -- a 7 percent improvement from 2012. Similarly, the percentage of adults who do not pay all bills on time has decreased, from 33 percent in 2012 to 26 percent in 2013.
- Some 37 percent carry credit card debt from month to month -- a 7 percent decrease since the question was first asked in 2009.
- Insufficient savings tops the list of financial worries, with 43 percent most worried that they don't have enough stashed for emergencies, and almost that many (38 percent) worried they'll retire with inadequate savings. In fact, a whopping 31 percent say they currently save nothing for retirement.
- Other top financial worries include fear of losing their job (18 percent), and not being able to afford to buy health insurance (19 percent), pay credit card debt (13 percent) or repay student debt (8 percent).
- When asked where they learned the most about personal finance, the largest number (33 percent) said from their parents or at home; yet nearly four in five adults (78 percent) agree that they could benefit from advice and answers to everyday financial questions from a professional.
To me, perhaps the most telling statistic is that 40 percent of adults give themselves only a grade of C, D or F on their knowledge of personal finance. Should we be worried because that many people with a poor-to-middling understanding of money management are likely to be the major influence on their children's financial habits? I think so.
"Fortunately, many financial education tools are available for people of all ages," noted Cunningham. "The challenge is making people aware of them and encouraging them to seek help when they need it."
- MyMoney.gov, the government's website dedicated to teaching Americans the basics about financial education. It includes helpful budgeting worksheets and a clearinghouse of information aimed at youths, parents and caregivers, military families, retirees and more.
- The FDIC's MoneySmart program of financial education workshops, both instructor-led and self-paced.
- The NFCC, which features budgeting and financial education tools as well as information on how to get free or low-cost help from trained, certified credit counselors.
- Practical Money Skills for Life, a free personal financial management program run by my employer, Visa Inc., that includes saving and budgeting tips, personal finance classroom curriculum for teachers at all grade levels, and fast-paced, interactive video games like Financial Football that engage students while teaching them money-management skills.
Don't let another April pass without taking steps to improve your financial literacy -- and that of your kids.
This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a legal, tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation.
To participate in a free, online Financial Literacy and Education Summit on April 17, 2013, go to Practical Money Skills for Life.