At its core, financial literacy is economics. Every financial decision: saving, investing, borrowing, or spending, is shaped by economic forces such as inflation, labor markets, interest rates, and public policy. Yet financial literacy is often taught as a collection of isolated skills rather than as part of a broader economic framework. When the two are separated, people are left knowing what to do with money, but not why it behaves the way it does. This disconnect disproportionately affects communities that have historically been excluded from both economic power and access to financial education.

Equal opportunity in financial and economic education is essential. As highlighted by the National Education Association and the National Urban League, disparities in financial literacy are not accidental; they are rooted in unequal access to quality education, resources, and historically exclusionary systems. These gaps limit individuals’ ability to participate in wealth-building opportunities and reinforce cycles of inequality. Without intentional intervention, financial literacy remains a privilege rather than a universal tool for empowerment.

I took my first economics class as a junior in high school simply because it was a required credit. I didn’t expect to enjoy it, yet I became intrigued by how economic concepts connected directly to everyday life: why prices rise, how policy impacts employment, and how markets respond to global events. That said, the class was difficult. Many of my peers felt overwhelmed, and for many of them, the challenge led to disengagement. The focus became completing the requirement rather than understanding the material, which highlights a larger issue: economics is essential to our livelihood, yet it is often taught in ways that feel inaccessible.

This lack of accessibility matters because not everyone attends college. If financial and economic education is largely confined to college-level business or finance majors, where do people learn how to invest, responsibly use credit cards, or set up a Roth IRA? Even for those who do attend college, this education is often limited to specific career paths. Financial literacy and economic understanding should extend to everyone, because everyone participates in the economy, regardless of their educational or professional trajectory.

I also recognize that I have been fortunate. Growing up with a father who works in finance meant I was exposed to conversations about money, investing, and long-term planning at a young age. That early exposure showed me the importance of financial literacy, particularly within the black community. Looking ahead, I hope to use my platform to help bridge this gap by creating educational content that makes economics and financial literacy approachable, engaging, and relevant, especially for young women and young black audiences. In the future, I aim to expand this work into broader initiatives centered on education, community engagement, and empowerment. Reimagining financial literacy as something accessible, equitable, and empowering rather than intimidating.