Financial Literacy

What is financial literacy?

According to the Investor Education Fund, financial literacy is best defined as: the set of skills and knowledge that allow you to understand the financial principals needed to make informed decisions and which financial products impact fiscal well-being.

Click here to learn more about how to manage your money.

Financial illiteracy influences individuals of all ages.

Adults aren’t the only individuals being negatively impacted by low financial literacy rates. According to a 2004 CNN report “Survey: Seniors Flunking Finance,” U.S. high school seniors were only able to answer half of the questions on personal finance and economics correctly.

What resources are available to aid me in learning more about financial literacy?

Key Bank has an online Financial Wellness Center, which provides helpful tips on Managing Debt, Buying A Home and Everyday Spending.

Click here to learn more about the Key Bank’s Financial Wellness Center.

Also, Cleveland Housing Partners offers a series of training sessions to aid in establishing financial independence. These classes, sponsored by Key Bank, feature topics pertinent to financial literacy including seminars about: credit, money management, banking, savings and investing.

Click here to learn more about Cleveland Housing Partners.

The promotion of financial literacy isn’t just a local initiative.

Since 2003, April has been designated by Congress as “Financial Literacy Month.” In April of 2005, the House of Representatives passed a bill promoting goals of Financial Literacy Month.

Understanding the terminology

Financial literacy is complex and many individuals have difficulties understanding terms associated with the finance industry. According to Key Bank’s financial literacy initiatives, it is important that individuals familiarize themselves with the following terms:

• Bankruptcy – A court procedure that may release a person from repaying their debts. A bankruptcy stays on a person’s credit report for ten years
• Charge-off – The balance a lender no longer expects to be paid and writes off as bad debt. It stays on the credit report.
• Credit Risk – A determination that predicts how likely a person will payback his or her use of credit. Those who pay on time and as agreed are considered less risky than those who don’t.
• Default – The failure to make payments when they due.
• Inquiry – An item that shows a request for a copy of the credit report to review.
• Revolving Debt – An account the lets the borrower request monies without re-applying each time. Credit cards are an example of revolving debt.

Interested in learning more?

Unable to find answers to other questions revolving around financial literacy? Telephone our office at 216.776.6180 or send an email to contactus@literacycooperative.org for additional information and resources.