How to Build Your Financial Education Program Foundation: 3 Core Pillars of High-quality Programs

To build a financial education program that makes a measurable impact on the people you serve, start with building a strong foundation. In the financial literacy world, three components make up the core of that foundation: a high-quality educator, proven educational resources, and a professional program design.

Without any one of these elements, the program will be missing an essential piece. That lack can have negative impact on student outcomes, overall training success, and the reputation of program leaders.

This article outlines the foundational elements needed for any financial education program and provides resources that support planning.

Abilities & Credentials of Person(s) Leading Financial Education Programming

For programs that teach via live classes, the quality of the educator has the biggest impact on students’ performance. The educator directly influences both short-term student outcomes and long-term impact on their financial well-being. A NBER report highlights how well-qualified teachers can improve students’ future income, while underperforming teachers have the opposite effect. Here are some tips to improve your teaching abilities:

  • Get specialized training in teaching personal finance and earn credentials.
  • If you’re new to public presentation, practice alone out loud; then expand into teaching small groups.
  • Implement new strategies and techniques at each event.
  • Measure class responses and track the impact of strategies.
  • Use data to modify your teaching methods and improve your teaching.
Building the Foundation for Financial Literacy Programming Tips

Effectiveness and Quality of Financial Education Resources

The next key element in building a financial education program is the quality of materials. Whether presented in person or online, best-quality financial literacy curriculum also must focus on behaviors, sentiments, and establishment of systems and help learners work toward positive outcomes.

When you set out to teach personal finance, selecting the right curriculum, presentations, and/or online learning is critically important. Download this checklist to help you choose materials that match your programming goals.

Alignment of Program with Audience Needs

Having a well-qualified educator and high-quality educational resources are only effective if they serve the audience’s needs. Properly designed programs are organized with purpose, taking into account the students’ goals, situations, and most pressing challenges. Key considerations include:

  • Life stage, socioeconomic status, students’ pressing needs and goals.
  • Selecting delivery options that align with how your participants want to learn.
  • Deciding on educational touchpoints before, during, and after the events.
  • Outcomes you and the learners seek to achieve from the programming.

The NFEC Gives You the Resources and Training that Establish a Solid Foundation

Educator Training: Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) Certification

Education Resources: Presentations, Curriculum, & Online Learning

Financial Literacy Program Design Training, Resources, & Support