Introduction

Financial literacy is the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage one’s financial resources effectively for lifetime financial security. The aim of this course is to equip youth, the workforce, and families with the introductory financial skills needed for success in today’s economy.

This comprehensive financial education programme provides individuals with the financial knowledge necessary to create household budgets, initiate savings plans, manage debt, and make strategic investment decisions for their retirement or their children’s education. Having these basic financial planning skills can help individuals and families to meet their short-term obligations and to maximise their longer-term financial well-being.

The Financial Literacy course meets seven of the eight elements noted by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Financial Education for a successful financial education programme.

The course was reviewed by leading financial education specialists and the Society of Financial Service Professionals (www.financialpro.org). The course is being piloted and evaluated by the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board of Pittsburgh, PA.

ALISON in partnership with the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (www.trwib.org) developed this financial education program with funding provided by the Heinz Endowments, also of Pittsburgh (www.heinz.org).