Financial Literacy Month: Only 38 Percent of Gen Z Understand Their Own Money

Nearly half of U.S. adults grade themselves a C in financial literacy, and only 38 percent of Gen Z say they understand their own money, according to a certified financial planner interviewed by KFVS12 for National Financial Literacy Month.

April is officially designated as Financial Literacy Month by the U.S. Senate. This year, the Financial Literacy and Education Commission is updating the U.S. National Strategy for Financial Literacy, with a public comment period that closed on April 6.

The FDIC hosted a national event on April 22 called "Money Smart Moves: Banker Led Strategies for Financial Education and Well Being," focused on how financial institutions can use Money Smart resources to improve financial knowledge in their communities.

Certified financial planners say emergency savings and estate planning are the most common blind spots for individuals. Many people focus on investing without addressing foundational financial planning, which can quickly erode a nest egg if income is disrupted.

The White House issued a Presidential Message on April 7 encouraging citizens to take control of their financial future and highlighting the "Trump Accounts" initiative, which provides $1,000 to every child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, placed into a long-term savings account.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the accounts are designed to give American children real-world investing experience and build financial literacy from an early age. The program is set to launch in July 2026.

Organizations like Virtuity Financial Partners are expanding their reach by opening Financial Literacy Hubs and partnering with schools and community organizations to deliver financial education directly to people who need it most.