April is National Financial Literacy Month, a time to highlight the importance of financial education. However, as Alfred Edmond Jr., an SVP/Editor-at-large, emphasizes, “Financial Literacy Month [should be] every day.”
If you’ve yet to commit to your own financial education, now is the perfect time to make it a daily part of your information diet. Edmond suggests getting “doses of financial advice via the radio and on the Internet” by following money experts like Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche and Tara “Madam Money” Jackson on their websites and social media platforms.
Incorporate Weekly Financial Learning
In addition to daily financial advice, Edmond recommends incorporating weekly financial learning into your routine. “Watch television shows about money, investing, and business,” he says, suggesting starting with his podcast “Your Money, Your Life” and “The Better Wallet,” hosted by Marc Russell.
These weekly activities can help you stay informed and engaged with various financial topics, laying the foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of money management.
Commit to Monthly Financial Reading
Moving beyond daily and weekly habits, Edmond encourages readers to commit to monthly financial reading. “Read at least one book about money management, budgeting, investing, saving for retirement, or another financial topic that aligns with your goals and fills gaps in your knowledge,” he advises.
Edmond highlights two excellent book options to start with: “Squeeze the Most Out of Your Money” by financial educator Patricia Stallworth and “dfree: Breaking Free From Financial Slavery” by Dr. DeForest B. Soaries. These resources can challenge readers to pursue their financial freedom and deepen their understanding of money-related topics.
Attend Quarterly Financial Workshops
To further enhance your financial literacy, Edmond suggests making time to attend financial seminars or workshops on a quarterly basis. “Check with churches, banks, colleges, and community organizations in your area which likely offer financial literacy programs,” he says, highlighting the NFCC’s Sharpen Your Financial Focus program as a great resource to start with.
These quarterly workshops provide an opportunity to learn from experts, ask questions, and engage with a community of individuals committed to improving their financial well-being.
Ultimately, Edmond emphasizes that increasing your money IQ should be a year-round commitment, not just a focus during Financial Literacy Month.
By incorporating these expert-recommended habits into your routine, you can steadily build your financial knowledge and take control of your financial future.
