Building Financial Literacy to Close the Wealth Gap
Financial Illiteracy: a Hidden Crisis Driving the Wealth Gap!
Peer-reviewed research confirms that the lack of financial knowledge is not just a disadvantage—it is a direct cause of wealth inequality. We must act now to equip the next generation.
Lack Basic Knowledge
As of 2024, roughly half of U.S. adults still lack basic financial literacy, a statistic that has remained stagnant for eight years despite widening generational wealth gaps.
Source: TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index (2024)
Teen Confidence Gap
A staggering 75% of American teens lack confidence in their personal finance knowledge, highlighting a critical need for early education intervention.
Source: Annuity.org Financial Literacy Statistics (2023)
More Effective
Modern financial education programs are three times more effective at improving financial behaviors than previously estimated. Education works.
Source: Kaiser et al. (2020), NBER Working Paper
Empowering You to Teach
We know that many parents and educators feel they lack the expertise to teach personal finance. That's why we created the Companion Guide. It includes enhanced glossaries and comprehensive resources designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to guide the next generation.
You Don't Need to Be an Expert
Many parents and educators worry they don't know enough about finance to teach it. You don't need to be! Listen to our podcast and discover how to become your child's confident financial guide—no finance degree required.
Podcast Episode
Become Your Child's Chief Financial Guide
Expert insights from Nina & Michael Milligan
Loved by Educators & Parents
See how Money Smarts is making a difference in classrooms and homes across the country.
"The Money Smarts curriculum made teaching financial concepts so accessible. My 3rd graders were engaged from day one! The stories are relatable and the lessons stick."
Sarah Jenkins
3rd Grade Teacher
"Finally, a resource that breaks down complex topics like 'needs vs. wants' in a way that actually sticks. Highly recommend for any elementary classroom or home library."
Michael Ross
School Principal
"The parent guide was a lifesaver. It gave me the confidence to answer the tough questions my students were asking. It's empowering for adults too!"
Amanda Lee
Homeschool Parent
Customized Curriculums for Your Students
The Youth Finance Academy is the parent company behind the Princess of Finance series. We specialize in creating customized financial literacy curriculums tailored to the specific needs of your school or organization.
Research shows that demographics play a critical role in the wealth gap. Financial literacy education is most effective when it addresses the unique cultural values, economic realities, and family structures of the communities we serve. Our curriculums are designed to be adapted to your students' specific demographic and cultural context.
Whether you need a semester-long program, a summer workshop, or a specific module on entrepreneurship, we build the perfect learning path for your students.
Learning Made Fun
Our books make complex concepts simple and engaging for young minds.
Engaging Stories
Fun adventures with relatable characters that keep kids turning the pages.
Life Skills
Practical lessons about saving, budgeting, and sharing that last a lifetime.
Expert Created
Written by a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) specifically for young minds.
Meet the Princess of Finance
Nina Milligan, CFP® is an Associate Investment Advisor at Zenith Wealth Partners, deeply committed to eradicating the racial wealth gap. As co-founder of the Princess of Finance series, she brings extensive experience in financial planning and education to develop resources that empower families to have confident conversations about money. Her passion for expanding financial education in underserved communities fuels her mission to close the financial literacy gap—beginning with the youngest learners.
