NAIFA members are often at the forefront of efforts to improve Americans' financial literacy. From educating their clients to volunteering in local schools and their communities to promoting April as National Financial Literacy Month, NAIFA members are giving Americans intelligent insights into money matters. This even extends to their political advocacy.

High School Education

NAIFA chapters have leveraged their political grassroots influence to encourage state laws adding personal finance courses to high school graduation requirements. Students are required to have basic proficiencies in math, English, science, and other subjects. Doesn’t it make sense that they should graduate with some understanding of financial matters? Not only does this provide them a base of knowledge as they face the prospects of making their own personal finance decisions, but it also could build enthusiasm and encourage some to pursue insurance and financial services as a career.

In 2023, Alabama, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Oregon, West Virginia, and Wisconsin passed measures to require public high school students to take a one-credit course in financial literacy before graduating. To date, 25 states have passed similar measures.

Getting Congress Involved

NAIFA is a strong advocate for the Congressional Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus co-chaired by Reps. Young Kim (R-CA) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH), both of whom are members of the House Financial Services Committee. NAIFA thanked the lawmakers for reviving the caucus in early 2023, and NAIFA grassroots advocates have consistently urged their lawmakers to participate. The bipartisan group of legislators is committed to empowering Americans with the tools needed to build wealth and achieve financial stability.

Later this month, April 18, Reps. Beatty and Kim will speak at a financial literacy resource fair in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the event is to educate congressional staff and interns as well as members of the public. NAIFA is participating and will have a table at the resource fair.