2021 Financial Literacy Month Calendar

April is National Financial Literacy Month. That means one month dedicated to personal finance programming. 

Have you checked out this year’s offerings?

Sign up for an in-person event — if it’s safe to do so — or opt for a virtual one. And if events are lacking, consider online personal finance lessons. However you choose to participate, make the month count by increasing your financial literacy.

Here is a calendar of 2021 events to get started.

Financial Literacy Events

EPF Spring Institute

When: February 24 - April 30, 2021

Where: Nationwide

The EPF Spring Institute is a virtual, 40-hour Zoom conference for educators. The meetings will equip educators with the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to teach an Economics and Personal Finance course. Visit the website to learn more and sign up. 

There are two cohorts: 

• February 24 - April 28, held on Wednesdays
• February 26 - April 30, held on Fridays 

Cherry Blossom Financial Education Institute

When: April 8 - 9, 2021

Where: Nationwide

The annual Cherry Blossom Financial Education Institute started in 2010. The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) held a conference: Quarter Century Project: 25 Years of Research in Financial Education. Participants shared their extensive body of research, but there were still questions about what made financial education effective. Since then, researchers have continued to host an institute in April to discuss research issues and current works.

This year, the event is virtual with sessions held over two days. A Financial Literacy Research Award of $5,000, sponsored by the NEFE, will be presented to authors of the best paper. A second award of $750, the Rising Financial Literacy Scholar Award will be presented for the best poster presentation by a Ph.D. student.

Money Smart Week

When: April 10 - 17, 2021

Where: Nationwide

In 2001, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago convened the first meeting of the Money Smart Advisory Council. This council was a diverse group that included more than 40 Chicago-area organizations. Their commonality? To promote financial literacy.

The council shared resources and ideas to achieve greater public awareness about the financial programs and services available in the Chicagoland area.

One year later, the council organized six days of financial education presentations. Presenters included professionals from financial institutions, government agencies, and educational organizations. All of the programming was uniquely designed with consumers in mind.

This year, Money Smart Week is 100% virtual! Programming will focus on aiding the communities hardest hit by the effects of the pandemic in 2020. Follow the hashtag #MSW2021 to stay up to date on the list of virtual events offered. If you’re interested in empowering your own community, consider presenting, hosting an event, sponsoring an experience, or simply spreading the message.

Financial Literacy Day on Capitol Hill

When: April 2021

Where: Washington, D.C.

Jump$tart’s Financial Literacy Day on Capitol Hill, or Hill Day, occurs each year during Financial Literacy Month. 

Introduced in 2003, Hill Day began as a gathering hosted by members of congress. Now it has become a public event that attracts hundreds of participants. Each year, the venue on Capitol Hill alternates between an office located in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

In light of COVID-19, Jump$tart announced the cancellation of Hill Day 2020. The word is still out on whether Hill Day will resume in 2021 — so stay tuned for more information.

History of Financial Literacy Month

Financial Literacy Month began not as a month, but as a day. 

In 2000, the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) created Financial Literacy Day — an extension of its High School Financial Planning Program. The day championed financial programming aimed at young people. 

The Jump$tart Coalition was brought on board to help promote and expand Youth Financial Literacy Day. By focusing on financial literacy, the organizations expanded the event into an entire month’s worth of activities, events, and education for all.

In 2003, the U.S. Congress officially backed the idea of financial literacy month. Thanks to Senate Resolution 48 and House Resolution 127, the proposal made its way to the desk of President George W. Bush. It’s important to note that at this time, several states had already dedicated April to financial education. Responding to the resolutions, President Bush declared April as Financial Literacy for Youth Month.

In 2004, Senator Daniel Akaka sponsored Senate Resolution 316 to designate April as National Financial Literacy Month. The resolution was intended to raise public awareness about the importance of financial education along with the consequences associated with a lack of personal finance. It passed unanimously and the rest is history.

Purpose of Financial Literacy Month 

Financial Literacy Month is a chance to reflect on the state of personal finance in the U.S. and an opportunity to improve financial literacy nationwide. Free events, conferences, and courses are provided to the public for free — raising awareness of the importance of financial literacy. The month is also a way to celebrate all the recent advances in 2020 and 2019.

Bottom line

April is National Financial Literacy Month. Check for free events in-person or online. And don’t forget to advocate for increased financial literacy programming all year long.