Why Financial Literacy is the Key to a Life of Freedom

Megan’s Story and the Power of Taking Control

If you’re like most people, you want to live life on your terms. You want freedom, security, and the ability to make choices that light you up. But there’s one area that can either unlock that freedom or keep you stuck: your finances.

Meet Megan. She’s just graduated from college, carrying $35,000 in student loans and $5,000 in credit card debt. She’s landed her first job, earning $45,000 a year—right around the national average for new grads. Every month, she takes home about $2,700. But like so many young adults, Megan isn’t thinking about budgeting, saving, or building an emergency fund. Retirement feels a lifetime away, and just paying rent is a challenge. She pays the minimum on her credit cards, sometimes missing payments, not realizing how much this impacts her credit score and her future.

Fast forward 15 years. Megan’s still making the same financial mistakes. Her credit card debt has ballooned, interest is piling up, and her credit score has taken a hit. She’s still paying off student loans, and even though she’s started thinking about retirement, she has less than $25,000 saved. Sound familiar? Megan’s story is the story of millions of Americans.

“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” —Tony Robbins

Here’s the truth: American consumers owe nearly a trillion dollars in credit card debt and over a trillion in student loans. Most Americans are unprepared for retirement, and money is the number one source of stress and conflict in relationships. Why? Because we were never taught the rules of the money game.

Why Financial Literacy Matters for Young Adults

Imagine if Megan had learned the basics of personal finance in high school—how to budget, build credit, pay off debt, and save for the future. Would her life look different? Absolutely. Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers; it’s about freedom, confidence, and the ability to create the life you want.