The Benefits of Financial Literacy for Teens and Young Adults

At Radius Wealth Management, we believe financial literacy isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential. Too many teens and young adults step into the real world without the tools they need to manage money confidently. In fact, studies show that 74% of teens aren’t financially literate.

That’s a problem we’re passionate about solving.

Helping the next generation understand budgeting, saving, investing, and smart decision-making early on sets them up for long-term success. From avoiding debt traps to building a strong financial future, the benefits of early financial education are lifelong.

Let’s give young people the confidence to take control of their money — and their future.

1. Encourages Smart Budgeting Habits

Understanding how to budget helps teens and young adults control their spending, prioritize expenses, and avoid unnecessary debt. Learning to track income and expenses at a young age lays the foundation for financial stability later in life. By practicing budgeting skills early, young people can develop habits that lead to long-term financial security.

2. Helps Avoid Debt and Credit Pitfalls

Credit cards and student loans become financial traps if not handled appropriately. Many young adults accumulate significant debt because they don’t understand interest rates, minimum payments, or the consequences of missing payments. Financial literacy enables them to make informed choices about borrowing money, using credit responsibly, and understanding how debt affects their financial future.

3. Builds Strong Saving and Investing Habits

The earlier you start saving, the more financial security you can build. For example, if a 16-year-old invests an initial $500 and contributes $100 per month, they could have saved nearly $50,000 by the time they’re 40, based on a 4 percent interest rate.²

Teaching young people about emergency funds, compound interest, and investment strategies helps them grow their wealth over time. Understanding how to save and invest allows them to take advantage of financial opportunities and avoid living paycheck to paycheck.

4. Improves Decision-Making and Financial Independence

When teens and young adults understand financial concepts, they become more confident in making financial decisions. This confidence can extend to everything from housing and transportation to major purchases.

5. Prepares for Long-Term Financial Goals

Whether buying a home, starting a business, or strategizing for retirement, financial literacy helps young people set and achieve long-term financial goals. Knowing how to budget, save, and invest ensures they can build a solid financial foundation for future success.

Financial literacy is more than learning how to handle money; it’s about taking control of your financial future. By equipping teens and young adults with essential financial knowledge, we can help them avoid common financial pitfalls and set them up for lifelong success. Investing in financial education early on is one of the best ways to create a financially responsible and empowered generation.

1. https://www.choosefifoundation.org/blog/scary%20financial%20literacy%20statistics
2. https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.