Financial Skills for a Secure Future

By Blake Jackson

Pennsylvania leaders are recognizing April as Financial Literacy Month to raise awareness about the importance of understanding personal finances. The goal is to encourage individuals of all ages to build smart money habits that support long-term financial well-being. 

Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor joined Representative Carol Hill-Evans, Ryan Unger of the Harrisburg Chamber & CREDC, and Alex Halper from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry to support this initiative. A resolution introduced by Hill-Evans is currently under review in the House Finance Committee to officially designate April as Financial Literacy Month in the state.

“Financial literacy is an important life skill that every person needs to learn to set themselves up for future success,” said Auditor General DeFoor. “I’d like to thank Representative Hill-Evans for being an advocate and recognizing the importance of financial literacy through her resolution declaring that April is Financial Literacy Month in the commonwealth. By continuing to work together, we are one step closer to making Pennsylvania more financially secure.”

Financial Literacy Month, celebrated nationally each April, is dedicated to helping people understand key financial topics such as budgeting, saving, debt management, and investing. Throughout the month, educational events and outreach efforts aim to equip residents with the tools they need to make informed money decisions.

Auditor General DeFoor has been actively promoting financial literacy since launching the "Be Money Smart" initiative in 2021.

His efforts include:

• Organizing a statewide financial literacy competition for high school students;
• Visiting schools to recognize strong financial education programs;
• Meeting students at universities and colleges to discuss financial planning and career opportunities;
• Hosting financial literacy panels for community groups and industry professionals;
• Partnering with libraries to promote free educational resources;
• Conducting sessions at YMCAs for people of all age groups;
• Collaborating with Junior Achievement to teach young children about money through interactive learning;

Working with credit unions and financial institutions to share resources and host public events like “Money $mart Mondays.”

These efforts reflect a growing movement across Pennsylvania to make financial education accessible to everyone, helping individuals make smarter choices and secure a stronger financial future.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski