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Every April, Financial Literacy Month serves as an important reminder of something we champion every day at WealthWave: financial education isn’t optional—it’s essential. It’s the foundation for a more secure future. Yet, even as more teens gain access to financial literacy courses, the outcomes show us that there is still a long way to go before we can claim true progress.
The cracks in the system are becoming increasingly clear. A new national survey conducted by Junior Achievement and MissionSquare Retirement highlights some alarming trends. Participation in financial literacy classes rose significantly, jumping from 31% to 45% in just one year. That’s a promising start, but here’s where the problem lies: 80% of teens still don’t understand the basics of FICO scores. Nearly half of them think an 18% interest rate is manageable, showing a misunderstanding of how debt can spiral out of control. Even more concerning, over 4 in 10 teens admit they feel terrified about their financial future, fearing they won’t have enough money to support themselves or their families.
This fear? It’s very real, and it reflects the financial uncertainty so many people experience today. But it doesn’t have to stay this way. Financial literacy isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about empowerment. It’s about equipping individuals with the confidence and tools to manage money wisely, avoid pitfalls, and achieve their goals.
“The ultimate goal isn’t just to teach people what money is—it’s to change how they think and feel about money forever.”
— Tom Mathews
At WealthWave, we don’t just celebrate the growing interest in financial literacy; we take it one step further. We work to close the gap between learning and understanding, between knowing and doing. Because knowledge alone isn’t enough—it needs to translate into action. Our mission is to help people of all ages and backgrounds feel empowered to take control of their financial futures and live a life of confidence, not fear. Financial education is the key, and we remain committed to making it accessible, impactful, and life-changing. Together, we can build a world where financial fear is replaced with financial freedom.
Many schools now offer financial literacy classes, but most are still missing something crucial—real-world relevance. Sure, students might memorize terms like "compound interest" or "diversification," but are they walking away with the skills and confidence to invest, budget responsibly, or plan for long-term goals? Unfortunately, the numbers tell a different story.
• 68% of teens still believe retirement planning is something to figure out "later."
• Only 13% invest when they get money—just 13%!
• 36% are saving for the future, leaving a majority unprepared for financial stability.
Why is this happening? Because students need more than basic lessons—they need practical tools and strategies they can apply immediately and continue building on over time.
"You can’t solve a lifelong problem with a one-time class."
— Bill Mitchell
That’s why we take a different approach. Instead of teaching students how to balance a checkbook, we teach them how to build real, sustainable wealth. Our focus is on helping them develop the confidence and skills to make smart financial decisions that will serve them for life. It’s not just about understanding concepts—it’s about creating habits that lead to lasting success.
At WealthWave, we use TheMoneyBooks platform to deliver what schools often fail to provide—real, practical financial education that empowers people of all ages to take control of their financial futures. In a world filled with misinformation and complexity about money, we cut through the noise to teach people how money really works.
We don’t just stop at education—we provide actionable tools and strategies that help individuals avoid the seven money traps that can derail their financial goals. Our approach simplifies critical concepts like credit, debt, investing, and the power of compound interest. We break these topics down into clear, relatable lessons that are not only easy to understand but also memorable and actionable. Our goal is not just to inform but to ensure these concepts are truly owned by those we teach.
We believe financial literacy should be more than just a collection of facts. It should be a life-changing force that gives people the confidence to make informed decisions. By arming them with knowledge, we empower them to protect themselves from financial pitfalls, avoid being misled, and eliminate fear when it comes to managing their money.
At WealthWave, we’re not just teaching concepts—we’re transforming lives with clarity and purpose. Because when people truly know how money works, they gain freedom. They stop being targets for scams or poor financial advice and start living with confidence in their financial future.
“If financial literacy doesn’t lead to action, it’s just noise.”
— Tom Mathews
Junior Achievement is doing important work by shining a light on this crucial issue, and we’re proud to collaborate with organizations that care deeply about preparing the next generation for the challenges ahead. Financial literacy is more than just an important skill—it’s the foundation for a stable, successful future. But at WealthWave, we believe in going beyond the basics.
Financial education shouldn't stop at surface-level knowledge or one-time lessons. It should be a lifelong journey that stays relevant and actionable at every stage of life. It’s about equipping individuals and families with the tools they need to make informed decisions, whether they’re just starting out, building wealth, or planning for retirement. And it should be delivered by leaders with real-world experience who understand what works—not simply what’s written in a textbook.
That’s what sets WealthWave apart. We don’t provide financial education just to check a box or meet a requirement. We do it because we’re driven by a mission to make a lasting difference. We’re here to change the world, one financially literate family at a time, empowering people to take control of their financial futures and create legacies of success for generations to come.
If you’re reading this, you're either part of the mission—or you’re ready to be. We’re here to do more than just talk about money; we’re here to change the way people think about it, forever.
Let’s stop the cycle of financial uncertainty and break the habits that hold families back. Let’s raise the bar on what financial education really means. It’s not just about numbers or budgets—it’s about empowering people with the tools and knowledge to make decisions that secure their future. Let’s teach families how to win with money—not just for today, but for generations to come. Imagine a world where financial security is passed down like a legacy, not fear or debt.
"We’re not in the money business. We’re in the confidence business."
— Bill Mitchell
This is about more than dollars and cents. It’s about giving people the freedom to dream big, to live boldly, and to know they’re in control of their financial future. It’s time to join a movement that’s changing lives with every conversation, every strategy, and every step forward.
Reach out to a WealthWave leader today and discover how we’re taking financial literacy from a concept to a cause—turning fear into freedom, and uncertainty into action. Together, we’re transforming lives, one family at a time. Let’s make an impact that lasts.
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