Make Personal Finance Education Mandatory in Every High School

Only 1 in 2 adults in the United States say they know a fair amount about personal finances. The lack of financial literacy often leads people to take on high-interest debt, resulting in poor credit scores and limited financial opportunities. It also contributes to low savings rates and leaves many unprepared for emergencies.

• 43% of American adults who use credit cards carry “revolving debt” (i.e. don’t pay the full balance).

• Over 47% of Americans say they do not know the APR (annual percentage rate) on their credit card.

• About 54% of U.S. adults say they know a “great deal” or “fair amount” about personal finances; 33% say they know some, and 13% say they know little or nothing.

• More than 40% of college students are not considered to have adequate financial literacy skills.

As of October 2025, only 30 states have made financial literacy education mandatory. That means that many students can still finish high school without ever learning how to manage a bank account, avoid debt, or build credit — skills that shape lifelong stability and opportunity. We call on legislators to make Personal finance education mandatory in every high school.

Current Progress

The initiative has been started.

Initiative Started