Are You Financially Literate?

As the economy seeks equilibrium, most Americans feel they are still behind the curve when it comes to understanding their money.

More than half of Americans surprisingly still do not have a budget and a large percent of adults give themselves failing grades when it comes to financial literacy a poll conducted by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found.

“This year’s survey once again confirms what we already know: the need for financial education is great,” said Susan Keating, president and CEO of the NFCC. “Without a solid foundation on which to base everyday financial decisions, Americans are on a slippery slope as they begin to rebuild their financial lives following the Great Recession.”

The Harris Poll surveyed more than 2,000 adults in the U.S., and showed a significant lack of knowledge about budgeting, saving and credit. The poll revealed that despite a massive amount of education available to Americans, 61% still do not have a budget — the largest percentage since 2008 — and 41% of the survey respondents gave themselves a failing grade when it came to financial literacy.

The lack of a budget may explain why one in three adults surveyed indicated their household carries credit card debt from month-to-month, with 15% of those rolling over $2,500 or more monthly.

Two other issues relating to budgeting also topped the chart as to the aspect of personal finance that is most worrisome. The top concerns — both registering 16% of those polled — were insufficient “rainy day” savings for an emergency and retiring without having enough money set aside.

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