Financial Beginnings

10/12/2026

On Indigenous Peoples' Day, we recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of Tribal Nations and Native communities, and the importance of listening to communities and creating resources that reflect their experiences, values and priorities.

That commitment helped shape SAGE: Sustaining Ancestral Guidance and Empowerment, Financial Beginnings' culturally grounded financial education curriculum for adult learners.

SAGE brings essential financial topics into a learning experience grounded in Indigenous wisdom, relational values and community-centered perspectives. It addresses financial considerations that may relate to land, banking and income access, while centering family, community, responsibility and relationship.

We are grateful to Stephanie Cote, founder of Eagle Woman Soars LLC, for the expertise and guidance she brought to this work, and to Columbia Bank for supporting its development.

Financial education is most meaningful when it reflects the communities it is intended to serve. SAGE is an important step in our continued work to make financial education more relevant, accessible and responsive.

10/09/2026

When was the last time you checked in on your financial plan?

Whether you’re working toward a new goal, trying to get a better handle on debt or simply want to better understand your credit, our next free Community Drop-In can help you take stock and plan your next steps.

Join financial planner, author and founder of The Movement®, Jasper Smith, for a practical conversation about building a financial plan that works for you.

Register for free at https://hubs.li/Q04y9-6Z0.

10/08/2026

The Financial Literacy and Education Commission has released the 2026 update to the U.S. National Strategy for Financial Literacy, naming four priority areas:

• Youth financial capability
• Saving and investing
• Digital financial literacy
• Scam and fraud education

The strategy also highlights what makes financial education effective: practical, timely instruction at key decision points, concepts reinforced over time, and well-prepared educators.

These priorities closely align with Financial Beginnings' work. Through programs for youth and adults and resources that help educators teach personal finance with confidence, we help people build the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions that support their own goals.

We'll keep working to expand access to trusted, relevant financial education, and to help learners and educators turn financial knowledge into action.

10/06/2026

Making financial education more accessible.

Everyone should be able to use the materials that support their learning. That’s why accessibility is part of how Financial Beginnings develops its slide decks and workbooks.

Our learner materials include features such as clear structure, logical reading order, sufficient color contrast and alternative text. These choices help more learners engage with financial education and help schools and community partners provide materials that are easier for everyone to use.

This work took significant time and care. Thank you to the Financial Beginnings team members who reviewed and updated these materials to make financial education more accessible to more learners.

10/05/2026

Financial education is gaining ground across the country.

The National Endowment for Financial Education’s 2026 National Report Card projects that by 2031, 29 states will require high school students to complete a standalone personal finance course before graduation, reaching an estimated 73% of public high school students.

The momentum is encouraging, but adopting a requirement is only the beginning. Implementation equals outcomes. Educators need accessible curriculum, professional learning and practical support to turn policy into instruction that prepares students for real-life financial decisions.

The free Financial Beginnings Educator Training Center supports educators nationwide with training, resources and tools they can use to bring financial education to life in their classrooms.

Explore the National Report Card: https://bit.ly/4j5hAC0

Visit the Educator Training Center: https://bit.ly/4j6chSS

Copyright © 2026 National Endowment for Financial Education. All rights reserved. NEFE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tax ID: 84-0632115.

10/01/2026

October is National Financial Planning Month, a good reminder to check in on your financial goals and make sure your plan still reflects where you want to go.

Join Financial Beginnings for our next free Community Drop-In and explore practical ways to:
- Review your financial plan
- Revisit your budget and debt
- Better understand your credit
- Make intentional financial decisions for the months ahead

Register at https://hubs.li/Q04y9ZWv0

09/29/2026

For Daniel Abrego, volunteering didn't just fill his time — it gave him direction. He started by shadowing a presenter and found his purpose along the way.

Volunteers are the backbone of how Financial Beginnings delivers programming — in schools, community-based organizations, correctional facilities, workforce programs and other trusted community settings, it's volunteer facilitators who bring lessons to life. Every new volunteer adds capacity for us to reach more learners and more communities across the country.

Interested in volunteering? Learn more at https://hubs.li/Q04ybjWd0.

09/25/2026

Financial Beginnings was proud to be featured in the California Department of Education’s personal finance provider webinar series alongside Everfi, Intuit Education and Junior Achievement.

Our own Maree Beers represented Financial Beginnings, sharing how our practical curriculum, professional learning and educator resources can support instruction aligned with California’s new personal finance graduation requirement.

As California moves toward implementation, educators and districts need more than a mandate. They need accessible resources and meaningful support to help bring financial education to life for students.

We are proud of Maree’s leadership and excited to contribute to this important work, helping equip California educators as they prepare students to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives.

Watch the webinar. Maree’s presentation begins at the 24-minute mark: https://hubs.li/Q04ybj3R0

09/24/2026

Financial education should fit your life.

FB Online gives you FREE self-paced access to practical financial education you can use when and where it works for you.

Whether you want to build a stronger financial foundation, refresh what you already know or explore a specific topic, FB Online is designed to make learning approachable, relevant and useful.

No financial background required.

Just practical information to help you build knowledge, confidence and make more informed financial decisions.

Explore FREE courses at https://hubs.li/Q04x99d90

09/21/2026

September is National Preparedness Month, an important reminder that being prepared includes protecting your financial information and knowing how to recognize a scam.

Scammers often take advantage of severe weather and natural disasters by posing as contractors, charities or government agencies. They may pressure people to act quickly or request payment through wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency or payment apps.

A few ways to protect yourself:

• Research contractors before hiring them
• Ask for identification and written estimates
• Be cautious of unexpected requests for donations
• Never let someone pressure you into paying immediately
• Pause and verify before sharing personal or financial information

Financial preparedness can help you make informed decisions when circumstances are stressful and time matters most.