Boost Your Financial Education

Whether you are well-versed in managing your money or simply want to boost your current financial education, this article will help you discover available resources to explore nearly any financial topic.

It is wise to start your journey by identifying the free learning resources available to you. Try to stick with information provided by industry experts, such as financial institutions, government agencies and well-known community partners, to help ensure that you obtain sound information.

Trustmark offers a Financial Education Tool Kit, which is a great place begin. This free, online, interactive resource provides engaging playlists packed with topics for every stage of life, including basic financial concepts, principals of money management, preparing for retirement, taking the responsibility of caring for another person’s finances, and much more.

Other resources to explore are:

• MyMoney.gov, the Financial Literacy and Education Commission’s one-stop shop for federal education programs.
• Money Smart, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s educational program.
• Ask CFPB, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s search engine to find clear, impartial answers to hundreds of financial questions.

Should you wish to pursue a more intensive study of a financial subject, there are a variety of resources available. Seminars and workshops are great options to explore. Keep in mind that seminars typically focus more on discussions about a given topic, whereas workshops tend to generate concrete skills and answers for participants. Whichever route you decide to take, you will be boosting your own knowledge and making a valuable investment in your financial future. Depending on the subject matter, you may be able to find low-cost seminars or workshops versus paying premium prices for college-based classes.

Contact your local financial institution, government agencies or a library and ask for a schedule of upcoming financial education opportunities—you may be surprised at the range of topics.