For most of us adults, that doesn’t change our daily work routines much, but it’s a beautiful reminder to pause and reflect on our own education, especially when it comes to financial literacy.
The truth is, many Americans didn’t receive a strong financial education growing up, and current numbers show we still have room to grow. Recent surveys reveal that American adults score a poor average of 47% on financial literacy questions… the lowest in a decade. By gender, men tend to score around 50%, women around only 44%.1 Generationally, Baby Boomers average nearly 60%, while Gen Z sits at 38%.2 The gap grows even in the age of endless information.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’re bombarded by influencers whose success depends on clicks and views, not content accuracy. AI can deliver data quickly, but it can’t replace personalized guidance built over time. And while some people thrive doing it all themselves, most of us don’t have the time or bandwidth and would better benefit from personal support, structure, and realistic expectations.
If you add in today’s pressures of constant spending temptations, keeping up with trends, and the sheer volume of consumption and it’s no wonder so many feel stretched:
57% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.3
1 in 3 working adults couldn’t cover a $400 emergency expense.3 Yikes.
The good news: This is in your control to fix. The bad news: This is in your control to fix.
I like to think of money like a hammer. In the right hands, it builds. In the wrong hands, it can do damage. The tool itself isn’t the problem. It’s who has it and how we choose to use it. Everyone reaches that “I need to get serious” lesson in their own time. That car or truck felt soo good driving off the lot but the payments didn’t stop when the wheel wells started to rust. That home or car repair caught you when you were finally starting to get ahead and now you have to start all over. Sometimes the moment is born of something more tragic, like an unexpected loss of income, a health concern, or a divorce. People begin to feel like saving for their future is futile because they are too busy drowning in today. Wherever you are right now, according to the above stats: you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to begin building something better. My greatest joy is helping people move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling confident and secure. You deserve to breathe easier today and look forward to tomorrow. “Back to school” can be for anyone and on any topic and at any age!
Education is empowerment. I’m cheering for you!
Ashlea (Kleitsch) Jones
Financial Advisor
Prime Capital Financial
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
primefinancialcedarrapids.com
(319) 269-7143
1 https://www.intuit.com/blog/innovative-thinking/financial-tips/financial-literacy-statistics/
2 https://www.tiaa.org/public/institute/publication/2021/financial-literacy-and-well-being-five-generation-america
3 https://www.tiaa.org/public/institute/publication/2025/financial-literacy-and-retirement-fluency-in-america
This information does not constitute legal advice. Prime Capital Financial and its associates do not provide legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney regarding the applicability of this information for their situations.
Advisory products and services offered by Investment Adviser Representatives through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”), a federally registered investment adviser. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., Suite#150, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Prime Capital Financial | Wealth | Retirement | Wellness.
Ashlea Jones