40 Financial Literacy Statistics You Should Know 

Financial literacy turns a potentially stressful topic (money) into knowledge that empowers your everyday decisions. It’s about understanding how seemingly small choices (like saving or spending) shape your financial future. 

There’s no understating the importance of financial literacy. And yet many people still lack access to basic financial education. Across the US, access to financial literacy programs varies by geography, shaped by differences in school requirements and learning opportunities. And that leaves a disparity between those who understand how money works and those who don’t. 

Are you curious about the state of financial literacy in the United States and how it affects financial outcomes? If so, you’re in the right place. These are the key financial literacy stats, trends, and insights in the US. 

Key Points

• Financial literacy statistics don’t just measure how well people understand money. The numbers show the importance of financial education outcomes. 
• There’s a widespread lack of financial literacy in the US, but the gap is more noticeable among certain age groups and locations. 
• Access to quality financial education can help people avoid costly choices like taking on too much debt or overspending. It also contributes to building a financially stable life. 
• Understanding the data is the first step to promoting widespread financial stability, starting with curriculum building and early interventions. 

Financial Literacy Statistics at a Glance 

As a baseline, financial literacy stats measure how resilient a person or group is financially. Those with greater financial literacy tend to make more informed money choices. 

It also matters beyond individual households. Financially literate communities are often more resilient, with lower poverty levels and stronger economies. They may also be less dependent on social nets. 

For educators and other decision-makers, understanding financial literacy statistics provides valuable context. The data helps clarify the challenges individuals (and communities) face. It also highlights discrepancies in financial education and how gaps affect future outcomes. 

As an educational leader, you can use that data as a starting point to: 

• Bridge gaps in financial education 
• Improve access to quality financial resources 
• Bring about more widespread financial security 

And you can use it to empower community members of all ages to make smarter, real-world financial decisions. 

Financial Literacy Statistics in the United States

The first step to improving financial literacy in the US is knowing the stats. The facts about financial literacy below highlight key trends across demographics, education access, and financial outcomes.  

General Financial Literacy Levels in the US 

1. Men scored higher on the Personal Finance (P-Fin) Index—a national financial literacy benchmark—than women in 2025, with men answering about 53% of questions correctly on average and women about 45%. More than 1 in 5 (22%) men demonstrate very high financial literacy compared to 11% of women. (2025 P-Fin Index) 
2. General understanding of inflation has improved over the years. In a 2024 Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) survey, 58% of adults correctly answered a question about inflation’s impact on their savings, compared to 53% in 2021. (FINRA) 
3. In FINRA’s survey of more than 25,500 US adults, just 27% correctly answered 5 or more out of 7 questions. (FINRA) 
4. Men usually score higher than women on functional financial knowledge, especially in the areas of investing (15% higher) and saving (10% higher). (2025 P-Fin Index) 
5. Among US adults, risk comprehension is the weakest point of their financial literacy. Only 36% of US adults answered related questions correctly. (2025 P-Fin Index) 
6. Financial literacy rates vary by race and ethnicity: Black Americans (38%), Hispanic Americans (39%), White Americans (53%), and Asian Americans (55%). These rates aren’t due to inherent ability but rather systemic and other socioeconomic factors. (2025 P-Fin Index) 
7. More than half of US adults want to improve their financial literacy, but there’s still a gap in financial confidence. 55% of women who want to improve in this area don’t know where to start, compared to 49% of men. (2024 Intuit Financial Literacy Survey) 
8. Just 15% of women small business owners were very confident about their financial literacy before starting their company. For men, this percentage rises to 31%. (2024 Intuit Financial Literacy Survey) 

Financial Literacy Statistics by Age Group

9. According to the P-Fin Index, Gen Z has the lowest level of financial literacy, with respondents answering 38% of questions correctly. Boomers and the silent generation scored highest (55% each), followed by Gen X (51%) and millennials (46%). (2025 P-Fin Index) 
10. More than half of consumers (57%) are negatively impacted by financial stress, but rates are highest among Gen Z (71%) and women (61%). (2024 Intuit Financial Literacy Survey) 
11. Nearly three-quarters (71%) of the general population receives some formal financial education, but rates are highest among Gen Z (82%). (2024 Intuit Financial Literacy Survey) 
12. Between 57% and 62% of the general population are confident in their money management skills compared to 43% to 50% of Gen Z. (Civic Science) 
13. Just 54% of US adults know a great deal or fair amount about personal finances, while 13% know little to nothing at all. And 18- to 49-year-olds know the least about core subjects like budgeting, debt management, investing, and saving. (Pew Research Center) 
14. Zillennials (people in their late 20s or early 30s) are most likely to live paycheck-to-paycheck. PYMNTS survey data shows 67% of these individuals had access to financial literacy resources as kids. Only 41% of seniors and boomers had similar access to financial resources as children. (PYMNTS) 
15. More than 4 in 5 (81%) of zillennials report saving money for big-ticket items compared to 78% of boomers/seniors. (PYMNTS) 

Student and Young Adult Financial Literacy Statistics 

16. The vast majority (85%) of high school students are interested in learning about financial subjects in school. Nearly all students (95%) who are currently receiving financial education consider it helpful. (Intuit Financial Education survey) 
17. Top subjects high school students want to know more about include becoming wealthy (43%), saving money (40%), and avoiding debt (37%). (Intuit Financial Education survey) 
18. Roughly 8 in 10 (81%) high school students learn about finance from their parents or legal guardians. However, many parents themselves aren’t set up with skills for financial success. (Intuit Financial Education survey) 
19. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), more than two-thirds (68%) of students regularly discuss saving or purchasing decisions at home. Those who do are more financially literate than those who don’t. (OECD) 
20. One-fifth of students don’t have basic financial literacy knowledge, which limits their ability to understand and make smart financial decisions. However, more than two-thirds of students use some kind of financial product, like a bank account, debit card, or payment app. (OECD) 
21. Students with high financial literacy skills are 72% more likely to save money than those with low financial literacy. They’re also 50% more likely to do comparison shopping before making a purchase. (OECD) 
22. Most young adults (92%) said they’d change colleges if they could, citing debt as a key factor. Another 16% said they wouldn’t have gone to college at all if they’d understood student loans beforehand. (Earnest) 
23. Only 43% of recent college grads feel confident they can explain interest rates. Just 26% understand refinance and debt repayment options, while 23% are clear on the amount owed and why. (Earnest) 
24. Just 41% of 18- to 29-year-olds are confident in their personal finance knowledge. (Pew Research Center) 

Financial Literacy and Education Access

25. More than 4 in 5 (83%) US adults believe their state should require at least a semester (or even a year-long course) of personal finance as part of the curriculum, according to the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). (NEFE) 
26. The majority (82%) of those who attended high school wish they’d taken a personal class while still enrolled. In comparison, 61% said their high school didn’t offer a finance course. (NEFE) 
27. The most in-demand personal finance subjects are spending and budgeting (65%), saving (49%), and earning income (41%). Just below those were managing credit (39%) and investing (35%). (NEFE) 
28. Nearly half (44%) of 18- to 34-year-olds said their high school didn’t offer a personal finance course. Many who had the option to take a course but decided not to wish they had. (NEFE) 
29. College financial literacy programs can help, but early education is key to success. In 2024, 35 states required K-12 students to take at least 1 personal finance course to graduate. That’s up from 23 states in 2022. (Council for Economic Education) 
30. States leading the way in financial literacy education are Utah, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. California, Nevada, and Delaware are the lowest-ranked in terms of providing students access to financial education. (Intuit High School Financial Literacy by State: 2025 Rankings) 
31. In 2024, the US locations with the highest level of financial literacy were Minnesota (34.8%), Wisconsin (34.5%), D.C. (34.4%), Colorado (33.9%), Wyoming (33.9%), Washington (32.5%), Vermont (32.3%), North Dakota (32%), Oregon (31.9%), and Kansas (31.4%). Louisiana (18.1%) and Mississippi (19.2%) were ranked lowest in financial literacy. (FINRA) 

The Impact of Financial Literacy on Financial Outcomes 

32. According to the National Financial Educators Council (NEFC), a lack of financial knowledge costs adults $948 annually on average. It also costs the nation billions of dollars each year. (NFEC) 
33. Due to higher living costs, 72% of young adults (ages 18 to 28) have taken steps to improve their financial well-being. More than half (51%) have started saving more money, while 24% are paying down debt. (Bank of America) 
34. Those with low financial literacy are twice as likely to be debt-constrained and 3 times more likely to be financially fragile than those with financial education. (2025 P-Fin Index) 
35. Only 39% of US adults have tried planning for retirement. Four in 5 (80%) of those with a college education have at least a retirement account, compared to 37% of those with no college education. (FINRA) 
36. Adults aged 18 to 29 are more likely to save up to 10% of their earnings compared to older adults, who report saving between 1% and 5%. (Civic Science) 
37. Financial literacy is consistently linked to financial well-being. Those with high financial literacy are nearly 4 times less likely to stop saving for retirement during times of inflation than those without. (2023 P-Fin Index) 
38. More than two-thirds (69%) of people reported that the financial landscape makes them unsure about their ability to plan ahead, while 68% doubt they’ll be able to retire. (Intuit Prosperity Index 2025) 
39. Most Gen Zers (75%) and millennials (68%) cite economic uncertainty as a major factor in making it harder to plan. Another 30% of young adults said they can afford basic necessities but can’t save for life goals. (Intuit Prosperity Index 2025) 
40. Those with higher financial literacy (53%) are more likely to spend less of their income than those with lower financial literacy (35%). They’re also more likely to save for emergencies (65% vs. 42%). (FINRA) 

Key Trends Revealed by Financial Literacy Statistics 

So, what do these financial literacy facts tell us? Among other things, they show: 

• Persistent gaps in education: This is extra clear in states that haven’t adopted new legislation requiring financial education in primary or secondary school. 
• Generational differences: Financial literacy isn’t spread evenly across age groups. Just providing access to resources or education isn’t always enough to fix the issue. 
• Other demographic differences: Some race and ethnicity groups show lower financial literacy rates. This reflects long-standing systemic and socioeconomic factors, not differences in ability. 
• Growing role of schools in early education: More schools (and states) have introduced financial education requirements. This can help prepare people from a young age for their financial futures. 
• Cost of financial illiteracy: Limited or no financial education may lead to costly choices for individuals and the country as a whole. Financially literate people tend to be more aware of how their choices impact their financial outcomes. 

Why These Statistics Matter for Students and Teachers 

Financial literacy shapes how people make everyday decisions, now and years down the road. It’s a set of skills that lets you understand and manage money confidently. For many students, the journey starts with learning how to budget and save. From there, it grows into more complex topics like credit-building, debt management, investing, and retirement planning. 

But why do the statistics matter? The data highlights where learning gaps exist and where students may need more support. Policymakers can use that information to inspire change in the school system. Parents (and guardians) can use it to take steps to encourage their children to develop healthy money habits early on. 

Financial literacy’s benefits are far-reaching. Early exposure, paired with the right guidance, helps young people build habits that last. And those habits can lead to greater confidence and opportunity throughout life. 

Turning Financial Literacy Data into Action 

There’s a clear link between financial literacy and financial well-being. As educators and leaders, recognizing that link early on is vital. This begins with knowing the facts, but it doesn’t stop there. 

If you’re in a position to teach or guide young people, don’t wait. The sooner you introduce these concepts, the better their outcomes will be. And you can go beyond the basics by using free, high-quality resources online. 

Intuit for Education offers free curriculum and tools for high school and college students to master real-world money skills. Get started today and empower your community to build a brighter financial future. 

FAQs

Why is maintaining statistics on financial literacy so important? 

Facts about financial literacy can unveil gaps in financial education and awareness. Knowing the stats gives education leaders just like you the opportunity to inspire change and do better for the community. 

How does the United States compare to other countries in terms of financial literacy? 

While financial literacy varies from state to state, the US faces challenges similar to those in other developed regions. The European Union sees a comparable pattern, for example: Only 18% of citizens are considered highly financially literate, while 64% have a medium level of financial literacy. 

What are actionable next steps teachers and parents can take using financial literacy statistics?

Knowing the stats is the first step. Acting on them is what changes lives. You can also help them distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of financial information. Start by equipping the young people in your life with high-quality, reliable resources. Teach them not just what to learn, but where to look, helping them separate sound financial advice from bad internet trends.  

Finally, use your voice. Get involved in your local school system or community. And be an advocate for a better curriculum and inspire initiatives that benefit everyone.