National Standards for Adult Financial Literacy Education
Second Edition
Released: October 2007
The National Standards for Adult Financial Literacy Education identify
the personal finance knowledge and skills an adult should possess. The
Institute for Financial Literacy® contends that all adults who receive
financial literacy education should have, at a minimum, the knowledge and
ability to competently perform the basic tasks of managing their personal
finances.
Financial literacy is a lifelong process requiring both academic and practical
components. No single textbook or educational program can result in a financially
literate adult. Financial literacy textbooks and education programs must
be clear and concise, and they may be components of a comprehensive financial
literacy curriculum. Such curricula should be graduated and consistent
with the user’s financial sophistication. Furthermore, the effectiveness
of adult financial literacy education programs and textbooks should be
validated by research.
The Institute for Financial Literacy strongly recommends that adult financial
literacy education programs be designed to appeal to multiple adult learning
styles and modalities, and utilize any educational resources found to be
effective.
Standard I: Money Management
Standard II: Credit
Standard III: Debt Management
Standard IV: Risk Management
Standard V: Investing & Retirement Planning
Best Practices Guidelines for Adult Financial
Literacy Education Materials
To download PDF versions of these documents:
National
Standards for Adult Financial Literacy Education (PDF)
Best Practices Guidelines
for Adult Financial Literacy Education Materials (PDF)
Standard I: Money Management
Recognize how cash
flow management and net worth analysis can be used as tools to achieve
financial goals.
Money Management Benchmarks:
Cash Flow Management
Adults can:
Identify the components of a budget
Create personalized budget documents
Revise their budgets to reflect current cash flow
Personal Net Worth
Adults can:
Identify the components of a personal net worth statement
Create personalized net worth statements
Understand that their net worth will fluctuate as the values of their assets
and liabilities change
Financial Goal Setting
Adults can:
Differentiate between short and long term financial goals
Prioritize their financial goals
Construct a realistic financial goal action plan
Revise their financial goals as life circumstances change
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Standard II: Credit
Know how and where to obtain credit, and the implications of using and
misusing credit.
Credit Benchmarks:
Obtaining Credit
Adults can:
Differentiate among the types of credit
Understand which types of credit are better suited for particular purposes
than other types
Identify types of financial institutions where credit can be obtained
Understand how the credit application process works
Utilization of Credit
Adults can:
Comprehend the legal implications of using credit
Understand what a credit report is, how to dispute errors in credit reports,
and what a consumer’s rights are regarding credit reports
Understand what credit scores mean and the significance of their use in
modern life
Recognize what precautions can be taken to prevent identity theft and fraud,
and what to do if victimized
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Standard III: Debt Management
Recognize how using debt can be a tool in asset building.
Debt Management Benchmarks:
Debt Measurement
Adults can:
Know what tools are available to them to measure their debt load
Determine what their appropriate debt load is
Understand the difference between good debt and bad debt
Debt Resolution
Adults can:
Recognize the warning signs of excessive consumer debt
Understand options available to assist with excessive debt loads
Evaluate which professionals can assist in dealing with excessive debt
issues
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Standard IV: Risk Management
Use appropriate risk management strategies to protect assets and quality
of life.
Risk Management Benchmarks:
Insurance
Adults can:
Differentiate among the types of insurance products
Understand their insurance needs
Comprehend the implications of being insured or uninsured
Risk Management
Adults can:
Evaluate the effectiveness of risk management tools in protecting against
financial loss
Assess their risk tolerance level
Use risk tolerance levels in developing risk management strategies
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Standard V: Investing & Retirement Planning
Implement investment and retirement strategies to achieve financial goals.
Investing & Retirement Planning Benchmarks:
Planning
Adults can:
Differentiate among the types of investment vehicles
Identify the types of financial institutions where investment products
can be purchased
Understand the differences between retirement and non-retirement, and qualified
and non-qualified investments
Recognize the importance of planning for retirement
Strategies
Adults can:
Evaluate the risks and rewards associated with investment options
Understand the role risk tolerance plays when choosing investment
vehicles
Comprehend the legal implications of investing
Assess their overall financial situation in determining retirement needs
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