April Is Financial Literacy Month: Treasury and SEC Highlight Resources for Americans
The U.S. Treasury Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission are marking Financial Literacy Month in April 2026 with a range of initiatives, events, and resources designed to help Americans make informed financial decisions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that financial literacy is the foundation of the American dream, while the SEC is highlighting tools on Investor.gov to encourage financial independence. The Financial Literacy and Education Commission is also seeking public input on new initiatives, including 'Trump Accounts' for youth investing.
April 2026 marks Financial Literacy Month in the United States, and federal agencies are mobilizing to provide Americans with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve financial security and independence. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the start of Financial Literacy Month, emphasizing that understanding how to make informed financial decisions is crucial for every American family and for the nation's long-term success. The Treasury Department is directing individuals to MyMoney.gov, a centralized hub offering guidance and educational tools from various federal agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Investor Education and Assistance is highlighting financial planning resources on Investor.gov throughout April, encouraging Americans to start investing early, live within their means, and maintain emergency funds. SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins stressed the role of investing in achieving financial independence, particularly as America approaches its 250th anniversary. The Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC), chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury, is also seeking public input on national priority areas for financial literacy, including the implementation of 'Trump Accounts' - tax-advantaged investment accounts for U.S. Citizens under age 18 set to launch in July 2026. These accounts are designed to give every American child a stake in the economy and provide real-world investing experience. At the state level, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state is moving forward with a mandatory personal finance course for high school students, covering topics such as banking, saving, budgeting, credit, investing, and retirement savings. The course will be required for graduation beginning with the class of 2030-31. Financial experts are encouraging individuals to use Financial Literacy Month as an opportunity to review their budgets, assess their savings, and set clear financial goals for the year ahead.
