April is Financial Literacy Month. The month is dedicated to promoting the importance of financial literacy and sharing how to start and maintain good financial habits. Don’t let the month arrive and pass without taking time to participate. Read on to discover ways you can make the most of Financial Literacy month.
Learn more about personal finance and credit
Even seasoned experts set aside time to learn. Financial Literacy Month is an excellent opportunity to pursue continuing education, whether it’s enrolling in an online financial course or attending a conference or event. Simply reading the newspaper or online articles can rejuvenate your mind and lead you to fresh thoughts and ideas.
We’ll make it easy and get you started with these quick blog posts:
- Student Loan Debt Stats Every Financial Coach Should Know [Infographic]
- Listen Now: Learn About Improving a Credit Score for Better Employment Opportunities
- 4 Free Online Learning Resources Every Career Coach Should Know
Have a suggestion for a great financial literacy book or blog post? Share it in the comments below!
Take political action
There is almost always something happening at the local, state or federal level in world of legislation related to personal finance, credit or consumer protection. Educate yourself on the issues you care about most and advocate for what you support. Pen letters to your representatives and other political leaders that outline the actions you feel they should take and why. Discuss the issues with your friends and industry peers. Find like-minded peers and coordinate your political efforts as a group, or join an already existing political-action group.
In addition, you can share your ideas (and any research, information or reputable news articles supporting them) on social media. It’s okay to be passionate online about the issues you care about.
You can start small. For instance, you can subscribe to email newsletters from a political-action group or candidate who shares your values.
Participate in the online financial education community
Connect with other financial helpers from across the country and see the work they are doing at the local, state and national level. Take time to learn about a new organization or nonprofit that you find interesting. Find or host a meetup group of financial helpers in your local area.
Chat with other financial helpers on Twitter (find Financial Literacy Month participants and enthusiasts at #FinancialLiteracyMonth) or the online community of your choice.
You will discover new acquaintances, new knowledge and new inspiration.
Get organized in the office
Financial Literacy Month is in April, so it is an excellent time for some spring cleaning! Organize your desk, your laptop files, your calendar and anything else that is starting to get a little untidy. All of that clear space will help you focus and leave room for new opportunities.
Not sure where to start? Here are some quick steps for cleaning your office:
- Clean the clutter
- Archive important documents or files (archive important emails to clean your inbox, too)
- Organize folders, binders and books
- On your computer, clean the desktop and put files in more appropriate places
- Find a resting place for items commonly left out
- Clear out sticky notes
In addition, you could extend this spring cleaning to your home.
Get inspired at work and at home
Some may find inspirational quotes and motivational writing cheesy or nauseating, but positive thinking has power. It helps people stay motivated, maintain schedules and reach goals.
Set goals for the month of April, and write a week-by-week plan of how you will reach your Financial Literacy Month goals.
This mug is usually seen front-and-center during NACCC team meetings.
Do what you love! pic.twitter.com/vIJiXocFuK
— National Assoc. of Certified Credit Counselors (@NACCC_Office) December 6, 2018
Above all, inspiration reminds you why you do what you do.
Work a little harder on that financial goal
Chances are you already work hard on your financial goals. During Financial Literacy Month, try to save a little more, pay off a little more debt or spend a few more hours learning that new skill. Whatever your goals are, give them a little extra push this April. For instance, if you usually save $100 a month, try to increase it to $200 this month. If you are trying to learn a new skill, dedicate more learning time to it.
Volunteer
Find an opportunity to share your experience and expertise with the community. Your volunteering can be related to financial literacy or something else you are passionate about. What’s important is getting out there and helping others. Volunteering will give you time for self-reflection and new experiences, and reconnect you with the local community.
If you can’t find a volunteer opportunity, create your own! Host a financial literacy workshop at your local library or pursue your own idea.
Share financial literacy with someone new
Sure, you always chat personal finance when out with your industry peers and coworkers. Bring that passion to someone new! Talk finance with friends and family and show them all of the great information and resources Financial Literacy Month makes available to everyone.
How are you celebrating Financial Literacy Month? Let us know in the comments below.
