FINANCIAL LITERACY
Why is Financial Education so important?
Financial Illiteracy is a national crisis. So many in our nation face debt and financial dependency. This epidemic may seem daunting and, at times, impossible to overcome, but the APEF thinks otherwise. We believe financial literacy begins in the classroom at the earliest ages. Together, we can embrace our responsibility to prepare the next generation for learning, for leadership, and for life, and change the course of their future.
Our children have not been prepared
to make good financial choices.
What is the first step towards solving this enormous issue?
Fixing the problem begins with taking an honest look at where we stand with financial education. APEF's Report Card on Financial Literacy grades each state in the United States, and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, in terms of K-12 financial education. These grades are based on current state-wide requirements, standards, and curriculum for personal finance.
Mapping out success and needs.
APEF has reviewed each state's stance on financial education and creates a robust report card based on our findings every two years.
Our goal is to help ensure our next generation is prepared to handle their finances smartly, avoid debt, better understand our economy, and learn to make good decisions about their life and money.
There's always a next step.
What we found through the Report Card was clear: far too many students are graduating without the personal finance knowledge they need to succeed. In response, we developed a comprehensive, free, and fully aligned K–12 curriculum that states, districts, and schools can adopt and implement quickly. Our goal is to close the gap—and ensure that every student, regardless of location, has access to high-quality financial literacy instruction.
We created APEFed, your hub for free, high-quality financial literacy tools. From national standards to K–12 lessons to animated videos, these resources are designed to equip educators, empower students, and support advocates working to create a financially literate, career-ready generation. Accessible, standards-aligned, and classroom-ready—because every student deserves the tools to thrive.
Our Goals
Introduce Financial Concepts to Very Young Children
Make basic concepts like “What is money?” and “Why is saving important?” understandable and fun.
Enhance Financial Awareness
Ensure that students at every grade level gain a foundational understanding of essential financial concepts, enabling them to make informed decisions.
Expand Access to Financial Education
Provide engaging resources to students who might not otherwise learn these topics by reaching teachers, families, and community educators.
Promote Critical Thinking
Develop the ability of students to analyze financial situations and evaluate options before making economic decisions.
Offer Comprehensive, Age-Spanning Curriculum
Deliver content for all ages—from basics to complex topics—accessible to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of background or learning environment.
Bridge Education Gaps
Address disparities in financial education by offering free, adaptable resources to schools nationwide, ensuring equitable access for all students, regardless of their background.
Don't stop with us.
We know that one organization can’t do it all. Advancing financial literacy takes a collective effort, which is why we proudly promote and share valuable materials from mission-aligned organizations across the country. When we work together, we can reach more learners and create lasting change.
Our Digital Resource Library is a trusted hub for high-quality financial literacy materials curated with purpose and integrity. We've brought together some of the best financial education resources available online—carefully selecting tools that educate, not advertise. You won’t find content designed to push products—only resources that inform, empower, and support.
Whether you're a parent teaching budgeting basics, a teacher planning classroom lessons, an individual seeking to strengthen your own financial knowledge, or a policymaker working to expand access to personal finance education, this library is built for you.
