Each January, Financial Wellness Month encourages you to take a fresh look at your finances. It’s a national reminder (hot on the heels of the holiday season) to get serious about financial health, set goals, and build strong habits for the year ahead. Think of it as a starting line.
Whether you’re managing your own budget, guiding students, or supporting employees, this month is about turning attention to financial health and action.
Key Points
- January is National Financial Wellness Month, a time to reset your money habits and set financial goals for the year ahead.
- Financial wellness focuses on control over wealth. You reduce stress and gain confidence when you’re in charge of your budget, savings, and debt.
- You’re not alone. Employers, schools, and community programs often offer tools and resources to support financial wellness during January.
- Learning is the first step. Whether it’s a class or free resources like Intuit’s financial literacy hub, start building your financial confidence today.
What is Financial Wellness Month All About?
National Financial Wellness Month occurs every January and raises awareness about the importance of financial health. It’s a time to reflect on your money habits, with the idea of helping reduce financial stress and improve stability while making smarter money decisions.
At its core, the goal of Financial Wellness Month is simple: to help people make smarter financial decisions that last.
But the message goes beyond individuals. Businesses can use this time to support workers with financial wellness benefits. Schools can spotlight financial literacy in the classroom. Financial wellness works best when everyone plays a role in helping communities build stronger financial habits.
Why Financial Wellness Matters
Money stress is one of the biggest contributors to anxiety and burnout. A March 2024 Bankrate survey found that 43% of US adults say money hurts their mental health, triggering stress, worry, lost sleep, and even depression. The flip side is powerful. When people feel financially stable, they’re more likely to sleep better and maintain better focus in their daily lives.
That stability doesn’t happen by chance. It starts with financial knowledge.
According to Intuit’s Financial Education Survey, 81% of high school students say they learn about money from their parents. However, only about half of adults are financially literate. That gap really shows how important financial wellness education can be.
Being “well” financially doesn’t mean being rich. Instead, it’s about control. Financially well people know how to budget and avoid debt traps. They save consistently and plan for the future. Financial wellness empowers people to make decisions about their money without fear.
How to Participate in Financial Wellness Month
No matter where you are in your financial journey, Financial Wellness Month is a chance to take steps toward financial freedom. Here are some ways to participate.
Review and Reset Your Financial Goals
Before you do anything, look closely at your budget, savings plan, and outstanding debt. The new year is the perfect time to take stock of your financial realities. Ask yourself:
- Are you tracking your spending? If not, you might try a free budgeting app or even a spreadsheet to see where your money goes each month.
- Do you have short- and long-term savings goals? Write them down, then automate transfers (even small ones) so saving happens without effort.
- Where can you cut back on spending? Pick one area, like streaming services or takeout, and redirect that money toward debt or savings.
Even small changes can add up. The point isn’t financial perfection, but progress, as quick wins build momentum and make bigger goals feel within reach.
Take a Personal Finance Class
Do you prefer a more structured approach to improving your personal finance skills? Consider enrolling in a personal finance class.
From free online lessons to formal programs at universities, there’s a course for every stage of life. Students can learn the basics of budgeting and credit, while working professionals may focus on investing, retirement planning, or debt management. The right class can help you build the skills you need to achieve financial wellness.
Use Trusted Financial Education Resources
Classes aren’t the only way to learn about financial wellness. Free tools, simulations, and guides can help you learn independently in a no-pressure environment. For example, you might experiment with a virtual stock market to see how investing decisions play out or use budgeting worksheets from organizations like the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). Nonprofit programs in your community can really help, too, as can online platforms like the Intuit financial literacy hub, which offers practical guides on budgeting, saving, credit, and taxes. They’re great places to start, especially if you’re a little sheepish about talking with others about your finances.
Financial Wellness Month vs. Financial Literacy Month
In discussing Financial Wellness Month, we’d be remiss not to mention a similar but different finance-focused period: Financial Literacy Month in April. You may have heard about both, but what’s the difference between them?
- Financial Wellness Month (January) focuses on fresh starts: habits, goals, and your overall financial well-being.
- Financial Literacy Month (April) prioritizes education. The focus is on teaching and learning the facts and skills behind smart money choices.
While both support financial empowerment, each plays a unique role in your journey. Think of them like this: January is where you set the stage. April is when you deepen your knowledge.
Start Improving Your Financial Wellness Today
January offers a built-in reminder to stop and reset. But your financial wellness matters all year round, not just today or this month. Whether it’s resetting your budget, attending classes, or diving into new hands-on tools, the time to start is now. Intuit offers resources for learners of all ages, including our Intuit for Education program that gives free access to learning tracks for students, teachers, and anyone who wants to grow their financial confidence and wellness.
FAQs
Is Financial Wellness Month different from Financial Literacy Month? Yes. Financial Wellness Month happens in January and focuses on improving money habits and goal-setting. Financial Literacy Month happens in April and centers around building knowledge and skills.
Is Financial Wellness Month only observed in the United States? While January Financial Wellness Month is primarily recognized in the US, the themes of budgeting, saving, and improving money habits are universal and can be adopted globally.
Do employers do anything special during Financial Wellness Month? Many do. In January, employers may offer special webinars, one-on-one coaching, or launch financial wellness benefits. It’s a great time for companies to commit to employee well-being.