Navigating the real world comes with financial decisions at every turn, yet many young people may leave high school with a semi-complete grasp on how to budget, borrow, save, or invest — skills that can directly impact their daily lives and long-term ambitions. 

Young adults can benefit from early exposure to financial literacy. However, one study found that only 27% of high school students could score above 70% on a basic financial literacy test, highlighting the need for more robust education programs for students.¹

The good news is that students are taking financial education into their own hands, and there is a growing ecosystem of school-based, nonprofit, and digital programs to meet demand.²

Schools step up to the challenge

School-based financial literacy programs are somewhat new, compared to years past where money was barely brought up. In fact, more than two thirds (61%) of Americans said they never learned about personal finance in school, and just over half (52%) said money wasn't discussed at home.

Many states now require personal finance education in schools, with 35 mandating a personal finance course as a graduation requirement.³ This indicates a significant shift from the mere 16 that required them in 2022.⁴

State-level courses are designed to equip students with essential money management skills before they enter adulthood. These include budgeting, banking, credit scores, and investing — and many schools now deliver lessons through hands-on simulations, classroom debates, and budgeting software that mirrors real financial tools.⁵

Read more: Generation Money: Gen Z’s snapshot

Programs expand financial education beyond the classroom

As school programs make strides, nonprofit organizations offer additional support and resources for students. Programs such as Junior Achievement, Moneythink, and the FDIC’s Money Smart for Young People provide financial education through engaging curricula, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences that reinforce what students may learn in class — or even teach them what their school program hasn’t covered yet.

• Junior Achievement (JA) Financial Literacy offers a teacher-led, semester-long course focused on core money management skills.⁶
• The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)'s Money Smart for Young People program offers free educational resources designed to help students of all ages develop a strong financial foundation.⁷
• The FoolProof Foundation helps teens develop critical thinking skills around financial decisions, teaching them how to consider advertising and financial offers before making commitments.⁸

These programs are helping young people understand how money works in the real world, reaching students in classrooms, after-school programs, and even through their smartphones. Many apps offer polished educational videos and tools that help teens save and spend wisely. Some can even help them invest in stocks. Several apps also come with debit cards for checking accounts.⁹

Taking financial literacy into their own hands

Even with more courses and programs available, many teens are taking the initiative to learn on their own.¹⁰ Indeed, 36% of people according to one Empower survey say financial education is the surest path to success, and a third (30%) say good financial advice is crucial.

Social media has become an unlikely hub for financial education, with creators breaking down complex topics like credit scores, investing, and taxes into digestible, engaging content. Nearly 80% of teens and young adults now receive financial advice from social media.¹¹

The right advice can help give young investors the start they need. Some teens are even starting investment portfolios before they graduate, researching stocks and learning about long-term financial growth. These young investors often use beginner-friendly platforms or mock trading apps to hone their skills.¹²

The accessibility of financial information online can be a huge advantage, but it’s important to remember that the source matters. Some may oversimplify concepts or, worse yet, be outright misleading. That’s why it’s critical to cross-check sources and learn from credible financial educators — not just influencers — before making major money decisions.

Young money

Students should have a strong handle on a few basic financial concepts before they graduate high school. These early lessons can help make everyday finances smoother and long-term goals more reachable. Personal finance courses vary by state, but the following topics are among the most valuable for young adults to understand:

• Budgeting basics: Knowing how to track income and expenses, plan ahead for needs and wants, and adjust spending when life changes. 
• Credit and debt: Understanding what a credit score is, how interest accumulates on debt, and how to use credit cards without falling into long-term financial obligations.
• Saving and investing: Learning the difference between short-term saving and long-term investing, as well as why starting early (even with small amounts), and how it could generate compound interest.
• Taxes and paychecks: Reading a pay stub, understanding gross versus net income, and learning the basics of tax filing.
  Insurance and risk: Knowing why insurance exists, what it covers, and how it can help with paying for some unexpected costs.
• Online safety: Learning to spot scams, create strong passwords, and use digital payment platforms securely.

These aren’t just classroom lessons — they’re also life skills. A strong start in high school can set the stage for financial confidence in every season of life.

Read more: Gen Z and money: Five tips for building your net worth

Money lessons that last a lifetime

The movement toward financial literacy doesn’t look to be a passing trend — it appears to be a shift that’s reshaping how an entire generation views money, choices, and independence. When young people learn the basics of money management early, they may be more likely to build strong credit, avoid unnecessary debt, and make smarter financial decisions as adults. These habits can compound in value, just as interest can.

With schools, nonprofits, and self-driven learning all playing a role, financial education is becoming more accessible than ever. And as more young people take charge of their financial futures, they’re proving that financial literacy isn’t just about dollars — it’s also about sense.