Drummond Financial Solutions

(330) 877-2923

Lifestyle Read Time: 3 min

The Financial Literacy Crisis

Imagine driving a car without a basic understanding of the rules of the road or even how to operate it. Scary thought.

Here’s another scary circumstance – one that is all too real. Many Americans are making financial decisions with minimal financial knowledge of investing, budgeting, and credit. The TIAA Institute conducted a survey on U.S. financial literacy, asking 28 basic questions about retirement saving, debt management, budgeting, and other financial matters. The average respondent answered only about half of the questions correctly.1

Another study, conducted by Pew Research, found that one in four Americans say that they won’t be able to pay their bills on time this month.2

It has been said that knowledge is power, and if that’s true, then too many Americans lack the power to control their financial futures. Financial success rarely happens by accident; it is typically the outcome of a journey that starts with education.

One of the obstacles to greater financial literacy is the so-called “Lake Wobegon effect.” In other words, we all consider ourselves above average, and based on that belief, it only follows that our financial understanding is above average. Unfortunately, this assumption has a flaw: it may discourage us from learning as much as we need in order to continue adapting to an ever-changing financial landscape.

The more informed we are, the more informed our financial decisions may become. Fortunately, we can consult a wide range of resources in pursuit of greater financial knowledge.

If you are committed to increasing your financial literacy, think about turning to financial professionals with your questions or visit a U.S. Treasury-sponsored website, mymoney.gov, which was created for that very purpose.3

1.TIAAInstitute.org, 2020
2. PewResearch,org, 2020
3. MyMoney.gov, 2021

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Perception vs. Reality

Perception vs. Reality

There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.

What Is a Roth 401(k)?

What Is a Roth 401(k)?

Roth 401(k) plans combine features of traditional 401(k) plans with those of a Roth IRA.

Insuring Your Business With a Buy/Sell Agreement

Insuring Your Business With a Buy/Sell Agreement

It may help your business be better prepared in the event of the death of a principal or key employee.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

AI Tools Changing Retiree Entrepreneurship

The impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can have on retirees with a consulting or small business venture.

Choosing a Retirement Plan that Fits Your Business

To choose a plan, it’s important to ask yourself four key questions.

Three Key Questions to Answer Before Taking Social Security

When to start? Should I continue to work? How can I maximize my benefit?

View all articles

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest?

This calculator will help determine whether you should invest funds or pay down debt.

Potential Income from an IRA

Estimate your monthly and annual income from various IRA types.

View all calculators

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

Protecting Those Who Matter Most

The importance of life insurance, how it works, and how much coverage you need.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

View all presentations

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

The Power of Compound Interest

Learn how to harness the power of compound interest for your investments.

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

View all videos