Financial literacy — i.e., the ability to understand financial concepts and effectively use various related skills and tools — is important in today’s economic landscape.
It helps individuals navigate life’s financial challenges, earn an income and plan for the future. It can also empower and uplift communities and contribute to narrowing the wealth gap.
However, it is necessary to point out that financial literacy is more than just about money or balancing a chequebook. It is also about helping people create realistic goals and then supporting them on their respective journeys.
Here are some of the ways financial education is directly related to achieving one’s personal and professional ambitions.
1. Helps Make Your Dreams a Reality
Whether it is saving up to buy a car or home, pursuing higher education or even starting a business of your own, being financially literate can put you on the path to reaching your targets.
Essentially, when people are well-versed in matters like budgeting, investing and debt management, and understand how to save and spend wisely, they are better able to make decisions that align with their ambitions.
Best of all, it has been found that those with solid financial know-how are more likely to avoid risky, high-interest, short-term loans that may not serve their interests.
2. Aids Career Development
Financial literacy can also play a crucial role in improving an individual’s performance at work and consequently, their career prospects.
According to research, financially savvy workers are better positioned to understand compensation packages and various other financial concepts. This not only helps with salary and benefit negotiations but also affords them the skills to manage tax impacts.
Additionally, sound knowledge can help people appreciate the unique financial aspects of their chosen industry, enhance professional growth, boost one’s value to their employers and importantly, open doors to more and better opportunities.
3. Empowers Entrepreneurship
Incidentally, financial literacy is critical for those who are considering owning and running their own business.
Granted, the gig economy and industries like direct selling have low bars of entry and welcome everyone, regardless of educational background and/or work experience.
Nevertheless, it is a fact that entrepreneurs are often required to develop business plans, understand financial reports, manage cash flow and make decisions aimed at driving their businesses forward. As such, being financially literate can serve as an important tool for anyone seeking financial sustainability.
4. Helps Effect Societal Change
Personal and professional ambitions aside, financially literate individuals can also play a part in bettering their communities and society at large.
It is a fact that more than 30% or 3.5 billion of the global population lack an understanding of basic financial concepts and as a result, are steeped in debt. Hence, improved financial literacy allows individuals to indirectly contribute to better economic growth and overall societal stability.
What is more, a better handle on your finances can help you recognise ethical investment opportunities and ways and means to aid and support social causes that matter.
5. Improves Mental Well-Being
While not a goal per se, almost everyone dreams of living happy and healthy lives, and that is precisely why being financially literate is so important.
Granted, many things can affect one’s mental state, from family and work troubles to even global events. However, it is a fact that money and related woes are among the biggest triggers of depression and anxiety.
Thus, knowing how to manage personal finances, navigate debt and plan for retirement can improve your confidence and make you feel more in control of your life.
Take Charge with FinGreen
Despite it being true that financial literacy is crucial for attaining one’s aspirations, challenges persist, most notably in regard to a lack of access to quality financial education and resources for various disenfranchised segments of society.
The good news, though, is that dynamic programmes like FinGreen have been expertly designed to address the current problem by combining financial education, comprehensive training and advocacy.
Indeed, whether someone is just beginning their financial journey or seeking to enhance existing knowledge and skills, FinGreen — which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Addis Ababa Action Agenda — is focussed on aiding individuals at every stage of their personal and professional journeys, transforming their lives and guiding them towards success.
