Financial Literacy: What Does the Next Generation Want to Know About Money?

What Do You Wish You Knew About Money When You Were a Kid?

During Financial Literacy Month in April, we reached out to the next generation and asked them, “What do you want to know about money?”

And the responses we’ve heard—from students, parents, and even some of our own team here at Nuvision—have been eye-opening.

Some wish they'd known how to avoid debt. Others wish they’d learned how credit scores work, or how to save money on a very limited budget. The one common thread? They all agree financial education isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

So, in honor of Financial Literacy Month, we went all in on our mission: to give the next generation the tools they need to thrive financially—and in life.

Here’s What We’re Doing:

For Nuvision, this isn’t a once-a-year initiative. It’s something we’ve been committed to and building over time.

At Costa Mesa High School, our How Money Works program is now in its eighth straight month, and we’ve also presented the program to students at Lakewood High School. Both programs were met with great interest and enthusiasm from students. These aren’t boring lectures. They’re honest, practical conversations—where we sit down with teens and talk real money.

• How to create a budget that actually works.
• Why your credit score matters.
• What debt really costs you.
• And why starting small with savings can lead to big wins later.

We’re honest with them, and provide the guidance they need to help them build a strong financial foundation for the future. We meet them where they are—and we’re seeing the impact firsthand. Students are asking smarter questions. They’re rethinking the way they handle money. Some are even going home and teaching their families what they’ve learned.

Why It Matters

Let’s look at why these kind of programs are essential not only for students, but for everyone:

• According to the National Financial Educators Council, in 2023, Americans lost an average of $1,506 each because they didn’t understand basic financial concepts.
• Only 27 states currently require a personal finance class to graduate high school (Next Gen Personal Finance).
• And according to the Federal Reserve, 37% of people say they wouldn’t be able to cover a $400 emergency without borrowing or selling something.

That’s not a small problem. It’s a warning sign that a lot of  people aren’t getting the financial skills they need.

At Nuvision, we believe financial literacy is about more than learning how to use a spreadsheet. It’s about building confidence. Independence. The kind of stability that allows someone to say yes to the future they want, without fear holding them back.

That’s why we created our Financial Literacy Month Challenge, featuring short, relatable videos where we answered real questions from real kids.

These are the questions that matter. And we’re proud to help provide the answers.

Want to See More?

Visit our Financial Literacy Month page at nuvisionfederal.com/financialliteracy. You’ll find videos, community highlights, and more about what Nuvision is doing to help kids and families get ahead.