April is National Financial Literacy Month

Money Management International has established 30 steps people can take each day in April to improve their finances that include setting smart financial goals, cleaning up credit reports, assessing finances, committing to change, reviewing their debt situation and setting smart financial goals, among other things.

A goal of National Financial Literacy Month is to encourage people to determine their financial weaknesses, develop a budget, increase financial knowledge and learn about savings to improve their finances.

Another goal of National Financial Literacy Month is to give children the know-how and resources that will provide them with the ability to make smart money decisions now and into the future.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension – Prince William (VCE) offers several classes to help people with financial literacy, including Building a Spending Plan, Loans and Lending, Understanding Your Credit, Avoiding Frauds and Scams, and Rental Basics, among others. Visit pwcgov.org/money for more information on how to improve financial literacy.

Financial coaching and education can help people make decisions that will improve their current conditions and future wellbeing when it comes to money.   

"Financial literacy provides education, resources, tools and skills that empower residents to make sound financial decisions," said Margie Leon, VCE Department of Housing and Urban Development certified counselor.