The Latest
The Origin Story: Manifest Destiny’s Creation of Economic Deserts and the Devastation of Subsistence Economy
Uncover the untold story of Native Communities economies – Manifest Destiny's legacy revealed. Join us on a journey through history, land and finance with Indigenous economies.
The Road to FinCon: Highlighting the Work of Women
Join us on a journey of empowerment and financial well-being with the incredible women of FinCon's Women in Money events!
The Transformative Theory of Financial Trauma: More Questions than Answers
Dive into the transformative theory of financial trauma, redefining research methodologies, amplifying marginalized voices, and pursuing wealth justice.
Poll: One-third of Native Community Members Encountered Bias, Exclusion From the Financial Services Sector
November 17, 2023
Unlock financial insights: NEFE's poll finds that one-third of Native community members face bias and exclusion in the financial services sector, double the rate of the general adult population.
Community Reinvestment Act Reforms: A Powerful Tool Against Racial Discrimination in Finance
October 30, 2023
Explore how recent reforms to the CRA tackle racial discrimination in finance, promoting inclusivity and better address today’s challenges.
The Origin Story: Manifest Destiny’s Creation of Economic Deserts and the Devastation of Subsistence Economy
October 12, 2023
Uncover the untold story of Native Communities economies – Manifest Destiny's legacy revealed. Join us on a journey through history, land and finance with Indigenous economies.
Higher Education Institutions In Oregon, Alabama Receive Grant Funding For Financial Education Research
October 11, 2023
Unlocking Financial Wisdom: NEFE Awards Grants to Lewis and Clark College, University of Alabama for Innovative Research in Financial Education.
The Road to FinCon: Highlighting the Work of Women
October 05, 2023
Join us on a journey of empowerment and financial well-being with the incredible women of FinCon's Women in Money events!
Stand-alone and Flexible: A 2023 Legislative Review of K-12 Financial Education Requirements
September 25, 2023
Discover the latest in K-12 financial education legislation for 2023 – from standalone courses to teacher requirements, stay ahead with our legislative review
Opinion Poll Data Shows U.S. Adults with Student Loans Worried About the Repayment Pause Ending
September 18, 2023
As the student loan repayment pause nears its end, 83% of borrowers are bracing for financial turbulence. New poll data now!
Reflections From My New Space: Thoughts for Where We Are and What We Can Do
June 27, 2023
Join Michelle Samuels-Jones in her transformative role as NEFE's Senior Director for Equity, empowering underrepresented communities through financial education.
The Transformative Theory of Financial Trauma: More Questions than Answers
June 23, 2023
Dive into the transformative theory of financial trauma, redefining research methodologies, amplifying marginalized voices, and pursuing wealth justice.
NEFE Welcomes New Senior Director of Equity
June 14, 2023
Introducing Michelle Samuels-Jones, NEFE's new Senior Director of Equity! Join us as we promote inclusive financial education for all.
Consumer Trust, Awareness of Bank Crisis Explored in New Opinion Poll
June 08, 2023
NEFE researched whether awareness of the various bank collapses and failures worldwide in March 2023 impacted consumer trust of the sector in the areas of confidence, faith, ethics and professionalism.
New Poll Examines Consumer Trust in Financial Institutions Following Recent Bank Failures
April 27, 2023
This opinion poll captured exclusive, moment-in-time data on consumer trust in financial institutions and how those sentiments changed following a major, well-publicized crisis in the industry.
How Can Other Fields Help Improve the Impact of Financial Education?
April 24, 2023
Different states have different requirements for financial education. Some are based on needs in the community, while others are based on what the legislature is willing to pass.
Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap: Our Exploration of Impact
April 21, 2023
A frequent debate, both within and outside the financial well-being sector, is whether financial education “works.” Though, this is generally understood to mean whether financial education can make a measurable difference for those it is delivered to.
Financial Well-being in the Workplace: An Opportunity for Quality
April 20, 2023
Organizations seeking to attract and retain top talent are turning to workplace wellness initiatives as a way to differentiate themselves.
Introducing Stephanie Cote – NEFE’s 2023 Visiting Scholar
April 18, 2023
Discover how NEFE's 2023 visiting scholar, Stephanie Cote, will explore financial education for Indigenous populations in a seven-part series.
Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap: Our Exploration of Quality
April 14, 2023
Read our exploration of what constitutes quality financial education and how it can be made more equitable and inclusive. Learn about culturally responsive education, effective legislation, and reducing complexity in this recap of our Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit.
Physical Health Meets Financial Health: Strategies for Improving Access to Financial Education
April 11, 2023
School-based curriculum has been a successful entry point for widely introducing important financial education concepts, but access to this curriculum has not been available to many important demographics.
Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap: Our Exploration of Access
April 07, 2023
With less than half of states offering financial education in their public schools, millions of Americans do not have guaranteed access to this essential information.
New Advocacy Resource: Infographics on Financial Education’s Effectiveness
March 21, 2023
We have created three infographics detailing the findings of a joint meta-analysis with the FINRA Foundation to assist those advocating for effective financial education.
New Opinion Poll Explores Emotions Tied to Financial Well-Being
March 03, 2023
Through our first opinion poll of 2023, we explore the intersection between external markers of financial well-being and personal opinions of financial well-being.
In Context: Nonparticipation and Financial Trauma
March 02, 2023
Chloe McKenzie's research on nonparticipation and financial trauma interrogates and tests assumptions that are central to the financial well-being field.
Part Two: Limited and Nonparticipation by Design
February 27, 2023
When evaluating what financial trauma does to us, we must understand that limited or nonparticipation in the economy shows up in two distinct ways.
Part Three: Limited and Nonparticipation as a Trauma Response
February 27, 2023
The wealth gap exists for a number of reasons, one of which is because of pervasive financial trauma.
Part One: The Myth of the Financial Personality Defect
February 27, 2023
The chroniclers and researchers of our financial positions and circumstances have left little space for financial trauma’s role in the evolution of the widening wealth gap.
NEFE Welcomes New Board Trustees
January 31, 2023
NEFE welcomes three new professional team members to its 17-member board for 2023, Christine D. Lovely, The Honorable Loretta Sanchez, and Bob Lewis. The NEFE Board named Richard Ketchum 2023 chair, Jason Young vice chair, Colleen Walker chair emeritus.
National Endowment for Financial Education Announces Strategic Partnership Pilot Program
December 20, 2022
We recently committed $2 million for strategic partnerships with the Appalachian College Association and the Colorado Community College System.
NEFE Names First Innovation Award & Impact Award Recipients
December 16, 2022
We named the first Innovation and Impact Award recipients at the inaugural Financial Education Innovation and Impact Summit.
Nationwide Opinion Poll Gauges Financial Decision-Making Confidence and Resources of U.S. Adults
December 06, 2022
We followed up on our recent opinion poll of U.S. adults on types of personal finance decisions made by then exploring the reasons behind the confidence of those decisions.
#FinCon2022: A Retrospective
November 17, 2022
The NEFE staff who attended this year ranged from experienced FinCon participants to newbies. Each of them had a different perspective on their key takeaways.
Confidence in Making Personal Financial Decisions
October 28, 2022
When polled, 83% of U.S. adults admitted to making at least one personal finance-related decision over the past year.
What We’re Reading: Can Social Capital Supplement Financial Education
October 13, 2022
A Brookings research report highlights social capital in relation to bonding versus bridging, families, mentors and peer networks.
Opportunity Leads to Participation, According to Recent Poll on Financial Education Access
September 02, 2022
NEFE has collected new data, further substantiating how individuals with financial education opportunities choose to take it in overwhelming numbers.
NEFE Announces Nearly $500,000 in New Grants
September 01, 2022
Our next grant cycle opens September 15th.
Not all Mandates are Created Equal: a 2022 Legislative Recap
August 29, 2022
Our policy and advocacy team’s analysis of financial education bills and provisions from the most recent legislative session.
In Context: Understanding Racial Trauma's Impact on Financial Literacy
August 16, 2022
We will continue to push for nuanced approaches to financial education: those that situate peoples’ experiences of systemic racism and trauma in context, and those that integrate culturally sensitive teaching.
Understanding Racial Trauma's Impact on Financial Literacy
August 16, 2022
Personal finance programming likely does not capture the multi-layered texture of individual socioeconomic experiences and struggles.
Building (and Rebuilding) Trust in Higher Education: What Community Leaders Face
August 01, 2022
Lack of experience, trust and access to reputable financial funding sources is one of the key issues our Focus on FinEd Podcast Series Addresses.
How Race, Income Play a Role in Discriminatory Practices
July 28, 2022
Of those who have experienced discrimination or bias, a significant number attribute the reason to their identity or personal circumstances.
How LGBTQIA+ Representation Assures Better Data
July 19, 2022
Only when all individuals and families are provided a level playing field free of bias and discrimination will we truly be able to achieve economic stability.
Nearly 1 in 3 LGBTQIA+ Respondents Say They’ve Experienced Discrimination, Bias in Financial Services
June 24, 2022
This is a summary of a survey of 1,050 U.S. adults who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their interactions with the financial services sector.
Podcast Episode Seven: Recap – A Conversation with Nan Morrison
April 29, 2022
The final episode in our podcast series – a discussion between Dr. Billy Hensley (NEFE) and Nan Morrison (CEE)
Building Momentum for K-12 Financial Education
April 28, 2022
Legislative action, state support and access to trusted resources make a massive difference in leveling equitable financial education access for all students.
Poll: Most Adults Support Financial Education Mandates
April 25, 2022
New Data Highlights Demand During Financial Capability Month
A Reflection on the Research Brief: Financial Education Matters
April 21, 2022
Testing the Effectiveness of Financial Education Across 76 Randomized Experiments
Podcast Episode Six: How can we Better Align Financial Education to Support the Values and Contexts of Diverse Communities?
April 18, 2022
This episode reflects on the importance of placing a diversity, equity and inclusion lens on financial education.
NEFE Announces Research Commitment with RAND Corporation
April 12, 2022
Announcing a grant partnership with the RAND Corporation to research Income Share Agreements (ISAs).
The Importance of State Legislation to Financial Education Access
April 07, 2022
It is crucial that all students have access to financial quality education to equip them with the skills needed to navigate our increasingly complicated economic landscape.
What We’re Reading: Research Continues on Whether Financial Education is Effective
April 05, 2022
We partnered with FINRA and a renowned research team to highlight and amplify recently-published research that explores whether financial education programs affect financial knowledge and behaviors.
Podcast Episode Five: How to Better Support the Needs of Communities in Rural Areas
April 04, 2022
Host Raven Newberry interviews Chrystel Cornelius on how the conversations that happened during the policy convening event can evolve into logical next steps for communities to implement financial education.
Trauma after Trauma – Navigating Financial Anxiety in the Postpartum Period
March 28, 2022
Guest author and BlackFem founder Chloe B. McKenzie explores how financial trauma and financial shame can emerge for new mothers.
Podcast Episode 4: What Research Says is Effective in Financial Education and How Best to Support that with Legislative Dollars
March 24, 2022
Host Raven Newberry interviews Massachusetts’ State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Deputy Treasurer Alayna Van Tassel, who provide perspectives of policymakers, examples of initiatives they spearheaded in their state and the benefits of replicating them in other states.
NEFE Poll on Personal Finance Shows How Americans Ended 2021
March 21, 2022
New polling provides a snapshot of how U.S. adults viewed their financial quality of life at the end of 2021.
Podcast Episode 3: Alternative Approaches to Financial Education Mandates and Their Effectiveness
March 07, 2022
Host Raven Newberry interviews Heather Daly and Mike Bobbitt who provide methods, reasoning and examples for what kind of alternate programs can resonate in a community.
Podcast Episode 2: Financial Education’s Role in Equitable Access to Post-Secondary Education
February 14, 2022
Host Raven Newberry interviews Rachel Yanof as they discuss key takeaways and next steps from the policy convening topic: what role might financial education play in equitable access to postsecondary education and training?
Bankrate Names NEFE Best Financial Nonprofit in Social Honors
February 02, 2022
NEFE named Best Financial Nonprofit for bringing financial awareness and education to the masses.
NEFE Updates Personal Finance Ecosystem With New Design; Focus on Inclusion
January 31, 2022
NEFE has updated its Personal Finance Ecosystem, a research-informed framework to help understand the many factors that comprise and influence an individual’s financial well-being.
NEFE's Hensley Appointed to Union College Board of Trustees
December 17, 2021
Dr. Billy Hensley has joined his alma mater’s advisory group as an at-large member.
AFCPE Presents NEFE with 2021 Setting the Standard Award
December 08, 2021
NEFE was recognized as the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education® 2021 “Setting the Standard” Award winner.
2 in 5 Americans Admit to Financial Infidelity Against Their Partner
November 18, 2021
New survey analyzes financial infidelity among U.S. adults who report having ever combined finances in a relationship.
Request for Proposals – NEFE 30th Anniversary Celebration and Conference
November 17, 2021
NEFE has issued a Request for Proposals for an event planner or production company to assist in planning NEFE’s 30th anniversary celebration and multi-day thought leadership conference in Denver in early Q4 of 2022.
NEFE Case Study: How Stanford University Embraced the Personal Finance Ecosystem
October 20, 2021
NEFE spoke with Stanford University’s Mind Over Money team about their work and using the Personal Finance Ecosystem to contextualize their efforts.
Americans Display Concern, Optimism in New Poll on Financial Well-Being
September 30, 2021
NEFE’s recent survey is the latest in a series spanning a 16-month period that overlaps the pandemic in the U.S.
RTDNA and NEFE Announce 2021 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Award Winners
September 15, 2021
NEFE congratulates the winners of the 2021 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards.
What We’re Reading: A Review of the U.S. National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2020
August 30, 2021
NEFE’s summary and key takeaways from the Financial Literacy and Education Commission’s report
NEFE, Council For Economic Education Frame Key Financial Education Needs Through Extensive Policy-Focused Convenings
August 20, 2021
NEFE and the CEE have published summaries of a series of high-impact, policy-focused convenings with industry stakeholders, advocates, practitioners and policymakers.
NEFE Hits $5 Million Milestone in Research Grant Funding
August 19, 2021
The National Endowment for Financial Education has now awarded more than $5 million in research grand funding in support of financial education.
NEFE Retires Smart About Money, High School Financial Planning Program
August 02, 2021
NEFE has ended management of its financial education platforms to focus on new endeavors to support financial education.
NEFE, Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance Agreement will Continue CashCourse
June 17, 2021
NEFE donates the entire CashCourse platform, including intellectual property and resources, to HEFWA as part of a philanthropic effort.
NEFE Names New Senior VP of Research, Impact
June 14, 2021
NEFE welcomes Beth Bean, Ph.D., as senior vice president, research and impact. Bean will oversee the expansion and application of NEFE’s research, insights and engagement.
Collaboration Is Vital to Improve Financial Well-Being
April 26, 2021
A true spirit of collaboration within the financial education community is necessary to unlock the doors to improved financial well-being for all Americans.
What We’re Reading: Working Paper Revisits Evidence on the Effectiveness of Financial Education
April 23, 2021
NEFE reflects on a working paper that quantifies the impact of financial education programs.
Majority of Americans Battered by Pandemic, Unsettled Economy
February 19, 2021
NEFE survey finds that nearly seven in 10 U.S. adults say they experienced unexpected financial setbacks in 2020.
NEFE Welcomes New Board Members
December 14, 2020
The National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®) welcomes three new members to its Board of Trustees for 2021.
RTDNA/NEFE Announce 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Award Winners
October 08, 2020
NEFE, in partnership with the RTDNA, announce the winners of the 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards.
Survey Update: Over 4 in 5 Americans Still Experiencing COVID Related Financial Stress
October 08, 2020
According to a new survey over four in five Americans have experienced little to no relief on their financial stress since the initial outbreak of COVID-19.
NEFE Invests in Underserved Communities
July 30, 2020
NEFE is making a greater commitment to address structural and systemic racism and inequality by investing in several organizations that support underrepresented populations.
NEFE, AFCPE Partner to Support Diverse Communities
July 29, 2020
NEFE is launching an initiative through a partnership with the AFCPE to fully sponsor the training and credentialing of 100 new Accredited Financial Counselors® (AFC®), all of which will be people of color.
Racism, Bias and Economic Inequality Impair the Financial Well-Being of Millions
July 02, 2020
NEFE provides unrestricted operational grants to organizations focused on equity.
Listening, Reflection Is Key to Our Nation’s Healing
June 11, 2020
NEFE has always valued equity and inclusion, but is making a greater commitment to evolve by investing in communities of color and underserved populations.
The 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards is Now Open
May 15, 2020
The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and NEFE are now accepting entries for the 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards.
With This Crisis Does Financial Literacy Even Matter?
April 16, 2020
Financial literacy matters more than ever, especially as the country moves forward in recovery.
Nearly 9 in 10 Say COVID-19 Crisis is Causing Financial Stress
April 16, 2020
According to a new survey released by NEFE, nearly nine in 10 (88 percent) Americans say the COVID-19 crisis is causing financial stress.
NEFE's Commitment and Short-term Changes in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic
March 16, 2020
The National Endowment for Financial Education first and foremost prioritizes people and do not take this current situation lightly. In this global effort, we want to update you on our response and our actions as we continue to closely monitor COVID-19.
NEFE Partners with Knology on U.S. Financial Education Spending Database
February 28, 2020
The National Endowment for Financial Education and Knology announce a collaboration to create a database of historical spending on financial education across all 50 states.
NEFE Welcomes New Board Members
February 04, 2020
NEFE announces two new members have joined its Board of Trustees who can provide diverse and unique insights and perspectives.
Majority of Americans Plan to Hone Financial Focus in 2020
January 02, 2020
NEFE's annual survey on consumer expectations, finds that three quarters of U.S. adults will make financial New Year’s resolutions for 2020 and that they may have anxiety over their ability to save money.
NEFE’s Hensley Speaks with Bigger Pockets Podcast on State of Financial Education
November 25, 2019
Billy Hensley, Ph.D., president and CEO of NEFE, joined Mindy Jensen of the Bigger Pockets Podcast for a thorough dialogue about NEFE’s vision for the future of financial education.
NEFE Welcomes New Managing Director Research
October 21, 2019
The National Endowment for Financial Education announces Jill Jones, Ph.D., has joined the organization as its new managing director of research.
NEFE Welcomes New VP External Affairs
October 11, 2019
The National Endowment for Financial Education announces Chris Shannon has joined the organization as its new vice president of external affairs.
Politics Hinders the Effectiveness of Financial Education
August 29, 2019
Billy Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO of NEFE writes about the role politics plays in the creation of financial education mandates.
RTDNA-NEFE Announce 2019 EPFR Award Winners
August 16, 2019
The National Endowment for Financial Education, in partnership with the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), proudly announce winners of the 2019 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards.
Study: College Debt by Degree | NEFE
August 07, 2019
The National Endowment for Financial Education, in partnership with The Ohio State University, recently published a study examining types of debt held by individuals at age 30, uncovering several inequalities between two- and four-year degree holders.
Stop the Argument Asserting Financial Education Doesn't Work
June 13, 2019
Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., NEFE president and CEO, pens rebuke to claims that financial education is futile.
Many Americans Satisfied with Tax Filing Outcome
April 01, 2019
Significant changes to the federal tax law in 2019 led to speculation that many taxpayers would end up owing money unexpectedly. Read how a new poll finds that 2 in 5 Americans are happy with their results.
New Guide Helps with Financial Consequences of Disaster
July 27, 2015
To help people mitigate potential damages and lessen the financial blow of a disaster, the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®) has partnered with the American Red Cross and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to produce a new guide.
U.S. Teens Average in Financial Capability
July 09, 2014
An international financial literacy assessment finds American teenagers struggle to demonstrate competitive financial knowledge on the world stage. Among 18 participating countries and economies, the U.S. ranks between 8th and 12th place in financial aptitude.
Study Finds College Grads Confront Rocky Transition to Self-Sufficiency
June 11, 2014
The majority of young adults are struggling to achieve financial security in their transition from college to adulthood, according to the latest report from a longitudinal study co-sponsored by NEFE. Arizona Pathways to Life Success for University Students (APLUS), an investigation at the University of Arizona that follows young adults from their college years to the workforce, is discovering how this time of passage affects financial attitudes, behaviors and overall well-being.
Financial Disconnect Among Seniors
July 08, 2013
A survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education finds that many adults say there are major barriers preventing their families from openly communicating about who will make financial decisions on behalf of an aging family member if they become unable to.
NEFE Digest
Inside, you'll find an archive of the NEFE Digest. These publications highlight NEFE's role in sponsoring research and innovative thinking in the field of personal finance.