Spring into Financial Literacy

A beautiful Black family teaching their child about saving.

Many people tend to garden in the springtime, nurturing new growth, ridding their gardens of weeds that hinder progress and more as we prepare for future harvests. The same can be said for preparing for a thriving financial future, as April is Financial Literacy Month! It's a great time to cultivate better habits in regard to our financial wellness.

Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche delivered the keynote speech during Virginia Credit Union's "Financial Success for Women Summit."

For many, the topic of money can be daunting and trigger our anxieties. However, financial literacy isn't about qualifying to work in the financial industry; it's about understanding fundamental principles that empower us to make informed decisions about our money, preparing for sound financial futures, and reducing stress connected to financial issues.

In today's complicated economic environment, basic knowledge of financial literacy is a necessity to navigate the current climate. Without a solid understanding of budgeting, saving, money management, retirement, investing and debt management, individuals can easily fall prey to financial pitfalls that could have the potential to change the trajectory of their futures.

Sowing seeds of financial literacy fundamentals can start at any age! Financial literacy education can be rewarding for the entire family and can begin at any age.

Financial Literacy Month serves as a reminder to take control of our financial goals. The following steps can be taken to improve your financial wellness:

• Creating a budget

• Setting financial goals

• Taking advantage of community financial literacy programs

• Reviewing and understanding your credit report

• Learning about investing

• It's also a good time to review your beneficiaries on all financial accounts

Your financial literacy deserves all of the care and attention you'd put towards cultivating seeds in your garden. It takes time, care, and attention in order for it to grow. Taking control of your financial wellness in the month of April will position you to plant the seeds for a more secure and prosperous future.