Research Guides: Financial Literacy: Educating Yourself

Getting Started

Where do I start?

When talking about personal finances, it's easy to get lost or discouraged. Luckily, there are plenty of free general resources online that provide step-by-step guidance, definitions, and strategies for achieving your personal financial goals. Here are a few quality resources to get you started:

360 Degrees of Financial Literacy
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy helps people understand their personal finances through every stage of life.
Ask the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Clear, impartial answers to hundreds of financial questions from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (cfpb). Topics cover auto loans, bank accounts, credit cards, credit reports and scores, debt collection, mortgages, and more.
Consumer.gov
Developed by the Federal Trade Commission, and provides videos, worksheets, and presentations on managing money; credit, loans & debt; and scams & Identity theft.
FTC Consumer Information
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. This includes how to avoid and reports scams, critically evaluate online reviews, and other information relating to consumer spending, debt, and online security.
MyMoney.gov
This U.S. government website is dedicated to teaching Americans the basics about financial education. Includes online calculators, budget worksheets, planning checklists and other helpful resources from the federal government for making financial decisions.
SaveAndInvest.org
SaveAndInvest.org, a project of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, is a free, unbiased resource dedicated to your financial health. Through easy-to-use tools and resources, SaveAndInvest.org helps you make informed financial decisions—and arms you with the information you need to protect yourself from investment fraud.
Office of Financial Readiness
The Department of Defense Office of Financial Readiness provides resources, education and support for every stage of financial readiness — whether you’re just getting started learning about finances, interested in tweaking your current plan or ready to jump in with both feet.
Bankrate
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. Information covers mortgages, banking, credit cards, loans, investing, home equity, insurance, and retirement.
Investopedia
Provides clear explanations of complex financial information, as well as simulators, reviews, and educational materials.

Glossaries

Financial literacy competencies are more easily attainable if you understand the terminology. Check these glossaries to look up words and their definitions.

Glossary of Economics and Personal Finance Terms
Terms, definitions, and personal finance flashcards provided by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Glossary of English-Spanish Financial Terms
English financial terms with Spanish translations provided by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Investopedia Dictionary
Comprehensive list of terms and definitions. Investopedia provides simplified explanations of complex financial information to help readers manage every aspect of their financial life.
Financial Planning and Investing Glossary
Glossary of terms compiled by Barbara O'Neill, Ph.D., CFP, Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension