Digital Education Tools for Financial Literacy

Financial literacy rates are surprisingly low across income levels in the US. For example, the country ranks 14th in terms of financial literacy, with millennials showing particularly low levels of financial acumen. This is hardly surprising given families’ discomfort with discussing financial matters and the exclusion of financial concepts from standard curriculums. However, it means many individuals will be ill-prepared to manage their finances or any inheritance they may receive. This will become increasingly problematic as the intergeneration wealth transfer gains pace.

Research shows that both clients and advisors are concerned about this lack of financial literacy. A survey conducted by HSBC found that that less than half of parents are confident that their children can grow their wealth. Among the adult population, women and millennials frequently report lower levels of financial confidence. Thus, it makes sense that 78% of American financial advisors surveyed by InvestmentNews identified financial literacy as a concern. Without a minimal familiarity with financial basics, advisors need to allocate more time explaining wealth management strategies and under-informed clients may become frustrated by their inability to direct or collaborate in those strategies. For these reasons, digital financial education tools offer benefits to both wealth management firms and their clients.