Treasury Department Puts Youth Financial Education at Center of 2026 National Literacy Strategy

The U.S. Treasury Department and the Financial Literacy and Education Commission released the 2026 update to the National Strategy for Financial Literacy on October 2, 2026. The strategy places youth financial capability at the top of its priority list, arguing that building financial skills in childhood produces better long-term outcomes.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent chaired the commission that developed the strategy. The document outlines four priority areas: youth financial capability, saving and investing, digital financial literacy, and scam and fraud education.

The youth financial capability section calls for integrating financial education into school curricula starting in elementary school. Research cited in the strategy shows that children who receive financial education before age 12 are more likely to save regularly and avoid high-interest debt as adults.

The saving and investing section highlights tax-advantaged investment accounts for children under 18 as a tool for families to build wealth together. The strategy encourages parents to open accounts early and contribute regularly, even in small amounts.

Digital financial literacy has become a growing concern as more Americans use apps, digital wallets, and online platforms to manage money. The strategy calls for public education campaigns to help consumers understand the risks and protections associated with digital financial products.

The fraud education section notes that Americans lost more than $10 billion to financial scams in 2025. The strategy calls for coordinated federal efforts to warn consumers about common fraud schemes, including investment fraud, romance scams, and identity theft.

The FDIC's Money Smart program and the OCC's Safe Money program are among the federal resources aligned with the new strategy. Both programs offer free financial education materials for schools and community organizations.