The Latest

NEFE Appoints New Members to Board of Trustees

NEFE welcomes Nancy Kim-Yun and Beth Lesen to its 17-member Board of Trustees. Meet the new faces driving change and innovation.

Poll Analysis: Native Community Members Who Experience Bias Report Lower Quality of Financial Life

By NEFE Staff

Explore how bias affects Indigenous financial well-being. Insights reveal barriers hindering flourishing & importance of inclusion.

RTDNA, NEFE Partner on Personal Finance Reporting Resource

Uncover the power of Finance 411: RTDNA & NEFE's dynamic partnership, helping delivering impactful personal finance reporting.

Boarding Schools and Western Education-Related Trauma

Boarding Schools and Western Education-Related Trauma

By Stephanie Cote

Learn about the profound legacy of Native American boarding schools, unraveling the trauma and triumphs. Discover the path to healing and success in indigenous education.

In Context: Historic Injustice and Financial Education in Indigenous Communities

Delve into the profound examination of historic injustices and financial education within Indigenous communities. NEFE, led by Stephanie Cote, unravels critical narratives, challenging conventional approaches. Join us in reshaping effective financial education with cultural sensitivity.

Trends in Innovation and Impact

Trends in Innovation and Impact

NEFE's 2022 Summit introduced key principles—Access, Quality, and Impact. As we gear up for this year's Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit, see an outline for our field for the next several years.

Community and Optimism: Revisiting the 2023 Financial Literacy Day on the Hill

Explore the spirit of collaboration at the 2023 Financial Literacy Day on the Hill! NEFE helps organize advocates, policymakers, and educators to champion financial education for a brighter financial future.

Poll: One-third of Native Community Members Encountered Bias, Exclusion From the Financial Services Sector

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

By NEFE Staff

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

The Origin Story: Manifest Destiny’s Creation of Economic Deserts and the Devastation of Subsistence Economy

By Stephanie Cote

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

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

The Road to FinCon: Highlighting the Work of Women

By Beth Bean, Ph.D. Senior Vice President, Research and Impact and Chelsea Norton, Managing Director, Marketing and Engagement

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

By Emma Donahue, Policy and Advocacy Manager

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

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

By Michelle Samuels-Jones, Ed.D., Senior Director, Equity, National Endowment for Financial Education

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

The Transformative Theory of Financial Trauma: More Questions than Answers

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

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

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

Consumer Trust, Awareness of Bank Crisis Explored in New Opinion Poll

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

New Poll Examines Consumer Trust in Financial Institutions Following Recent Bank Failures

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?

How Can Other Fields Help Improve the Impact of Financial Education?

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

Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap: Our Exploration of Impact

By Amy Marty Conrad, Managing Director - Insights, NEFE

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

Financial Well-being in the Workplace: An Opportunity for Quality

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

Introducing Stephanie Cote – NEFE’s 2023 Visiting Scholar

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

Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap:  Our Exploration of Quality

By Dr. Beth Bean, Senior Vice President, Research and Impact

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

Physical Health Meets Financial Health: Strategies for Improving Access to Financial Education

By The NEFE Institute

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

Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap:  Our Exploration of Access

By Raven Newberry, Managing Director, Policy and Advocacy

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

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

New Opinion Poll Explores Emotions Tied to Financial Well-Being

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

By The NEFE Institute Team

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

Part Two: Limited and Nonparticipation by Design

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

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

Part Three: Limited and Nonparticipation as a Trauma Response

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

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

Part One: The Myth of the Financial Personality Defect

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

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

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

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

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

Nationwide Opinion Poll Gauges Financial Decision-Making Confidence and Resources of U.S. Adults

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

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

Confidence in Making Personal Financial Decisions

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

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

Opportunity Leads to Participation, According to Recent Poll on Financial Education Access

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

NEFE Announces Nearly $500,000 in New Grants

Our next grant cycle opens September 15th.

Not all Mandates are Created Equal: a 2022 Legislative Recap

By Emma Donahue, Manager, Policy and Advocacy

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

By The NEFE Institute Team

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

Understanding Racial Trauma's Impact on Financial Literacy

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

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

Building (and Rebuilding) Trust in Higher Education: What Community Leaders Face

By The NEFE Institute

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

How Race, Income Play a Role in Discriminatory Practices

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

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)

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

Nearly 1 in 3 LGBTQIA+ Respondents Say They’ve Experienced Discrimination, Bias in Financial Services

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

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

Building Momentum for K-12 Financial Education

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

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

Poll: Most Adults Support Financial Education Mandates

New Data Highlights Demand During Financial Capability Month

A Reflection on the Research Brief: Financial Education Matters

A Reflection on the Research Brief: Financial Education Matters

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?

This episode reflects on the importance of placing a diversity, equity and inclusion lens on financial education.

NEFE Announces Research Commitment with RAND Corporation

Announcing a grant partnership with the RAND Corporation to research Income Share Agreements (ISAs).

The Importance of State Legislation to Financial Education Access

The Importance of State Legislation to Financial Education Access

By Beth Bean, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Research and Impact, and Raven Newberry, Director, Policy and Advocacy

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

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

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

Trauma after Trauma – Navigating Financial Anxiety in the Postpartum Period

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

Guest author and BlackFem founder Chloe B. McKenzie explores how financial trauma and financial shame can emerge for new mothers.

Introducing Chloe B. McKenzie – NEFE’s 2022 Visiting Scholar

Chloe McKenzie, NEFE’s 2022 visiting scholar, has dedicated her research to examining and reforming financial education, specifically advocating for equity among Black women and women of color.

Podcast Episode 4: What Research Says is Effective in Financial Education and How Best to Support that with Legislative Dollars

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

NEFE Poll on Personal Finance Shows How Americans Ended 2021

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

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

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

Bankrate Names NEFE Best Financial Nonprofit in Social Honors

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

NEFE Updates Personal Finance Ecosystem With New Design; Focus on Inclusion

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

NEFE's Hensley Appointed to Union College Board of Trustees

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

AFCPE Presents NEFE with 2021 Setting the Standard Award

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

2 in 5 Americans Admit to Financial Infidelity Against Their Partner

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

Request for Proposals – NEFE 30th Anniversary Celebration and Conference

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

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

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

RTDNA and NEFE Announce 2021 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Award Winners

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

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

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

NEFE Hits $5 Million Milestone in Research Grant Funding

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

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

NEFE, Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance Agreement will Continue CashCourse

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

NEFE Names New Senior VP of Research, Impact

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

Collaboration Is Vital to Improve Financial Well-Being

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

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

NEFE reflects on a working paper that quantifies the impact of financial education programs.

Majority of Americans Battered by Pandemic, Unsettled Economy

Majority of Americans Battered by Pandemic, Unsettled Economy

NEFE survey finds that nearly seven in 10 U.S. adults say they experienced unexpected financial setbacks in 2020.

NEFE Welcomes New Board Members

NEFE Welcomes New Board Members

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

RTDNA/NEFE Announce 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Award Winners

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

By NEFE/The Harris Poll

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

NEFE Invests in Underserved Communities

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

NEFE, AFCPE Partner to Support Diverse Communities

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

Racism, Bias and Economic Inequality Impair the Financial Well-Being of Millions

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

NEFE provides unrestricted operational grants to organizations focused on equity.

Listening, Reflection Is Key to Our Nation’s Healing

Listening, Reflection Is Key to Our Nation’s Healing

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

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

The 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards is Now Open

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?

With This Crisis Does Financial Literacy Even Matter?

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

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

By NEFE/The Harris Poll

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

NEFE's Commitment and Short-term Changes in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

By NEFE

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

NEFE Partners with Knology on U.S. Financial Education Spending Database

By NEFE

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

NEFE Welcomes New Board Members

By NEFE

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

By NEFE/The Harris Poll

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

NEFE’s Hensley Speaks with Bigger Pockets Podcast on State of Financial Education

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

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

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

Politics Hinders the Effectiveness of Financial Education

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

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

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.

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.

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