What is Financial Literacy?
"We envision a Pennsylvania where citizens are informed consumers and individuals; and where small businesses and organizations contribute to the economic vitality of their communities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development."
Increasing Financial Literacy
Financial literacy can have a huge impact on your life -- but talking about money can be confusing and intimidating. The University Libraries offers many resources and programs that help you learn financial literacy skills and how to best apply them, as well as programs that can take your skills even further.
Penn State Resources
- Financial Literacy GuideAn overview of the top resources available in the University Libraries collection for financial literacy.
- Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills CenterOffers online resources, including self-study modules, and virtual programming on financial literacy topics.
Government and Non-Profit Resources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)The CFPB regulates the offering and provision of consumer financial products or services under the federal consumer financial laws and educates and empowers consumers to make better informed financial decisions. Their site has many educational resources and ways to get help if you are in financial trouble or feel that a financial services provider has done something wrong.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Government resources for reporting and preventing fraud and identity theft, as well as consumer alerts, credit reports, and other consumer information.
- Smart about MoneyA free, online financial education course from the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE).
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)FINRA oversees and regulates financial service providers in investing. They have several consumer tools and educational resources for those who invest or are considering investing. Use their Broker Check before investing with a broker.
Past Financial Literacy Programs
- Save and Invest PA (Spring 2021)Students will learn to pursue financial goals through an introduction to the basics of saving and investing. Methods of basic investing options are covered including key topics like dollar cost averaging and the “investing snowball”. Learn how to start making your money work for you.
- Financial Fridays Book Club (Fall 2021)Read and explore The 30 Day Money Cleanse with reflection prompts, money exercises, extra resources, and interactive discussion posts.