EVERFI Financial Literacy: Empowering Americans with Essential Money Skills

What is EVERFI?

EVERFI is an education technology company dedicated to providing free, digital learning (EVERFI Financial Literacy) resources that address critical life skills, including financial literacy, digital literacy, career readiness, and social-emotional learning. Founded to empower individuals and communities through education, EVERFI partners with schools, financial institutions, and community organizations to deliver interactive, standards-aligned courses to learners of all ages. Its financial literacy programs are particularly renowned for equipping students and adults with the knowledge and confidence to navigate complex financial landscapes.

EVERFI’s unique approach combines cutting-edge technology with real-world scenarios, making learning engaging and relevant. By offering its resources at no cost to schools and educators, EVERFI ensures that financial education is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. As of 2025, EVERFI has impacted millions of learners across the United States, reaching 6 million students by 2025 through partnerships like the MassMutual Foundation.

Why Financial Literacy Matters in the USA?

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and manage financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, credit, and debt management. In the U.S., the need for financial education is urgent. According to EVERFI’s 2025 State of Financial Literacy Report, 76% of high school juniors and seniors feel unprepared to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and 69% find investing intimidating. These statistics highlight a significant gap in financial confidence among young Americans, which can lead to costly mistakes like excessive student loan debt or poor investment choices.

The financial landscape in the U.S. is complex. Rising housing costs, inflation, and the gig economy’s inconsistent income streams make long-term budgeting challenging. Additionally, 26 states now mandate personal finance education for high school graduation, reflecting a growing recognition of its importance. However, disparities in access and quality persist, with some states receiving failing grades for their financial education efforts, according to a 2023 Champlain College report. EVERFI addresses these gaps by providing free, high-quality resources that align with state standards and empower learners to make sound financial decisions.

EVERFI’s Financial Literacy Programs

EVERFI offers a suite of financial literacy courses tailored to different age groups and learning needs. These programs are designed to be interactive, engaging, and relevant, using real-life scenarios to teach practical skills. Below are some of EVERFI’s flagship financial literacy offerings:

1. EVERFI: Financial Literacy for High School

This digital education program targets high school students and covers essential topics like banking basics, budgeting, credit and debt, income and employment, financing higher education, and insurance. Each module, lasting 20-35 minutes, includes interactive scenarios, quizzes, and decision-making activities that simulate real-world financial situations. The program is available in English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for diverse learners. Teachers can assign modules for classroom or remote learning, and the platform fosters social-emotional learning (SEL) skills like self-control and reflection.

2. FutureSmart

Designed for middle school students (grades 6-8), FutureSmart is a free, web-based curriculum developed in partnership with the MassMutual Foundation. It covers topics like financial values, goal setting, budgeting, saving, investing, and risk versus return. Over 300,000 students have benefited from FutureSmart through interactive events and digital lessons, with a goal to reach 2 million students by 2020, a milestone EVERFI has since surpassed. The program’s engaging format helps young learners build a foundation for financial responsibility.

3. Vault – Understanding Money

Vault is an interactive online resource for elementary students, introducing foundational financial concepts like earning, saving, spending, and giving. Through gamified lessons, students explore topics such as wants versus needs and career options, fostering early financial habits. Vault is particularly effective for young learners, as financial attitudes often form between ages 6-12.

4. NFTE Venture – Entrepreneurial Expedition

This program connects financial literacy with entrepreneurship, encouraging students to think like business owners. It covers budgeting, marketing, and the financial aspects of running a small business, making it ideal for students interested in entrepreneurial careers.

5. Marketplaces – Investing Basics

Aimed at demystifying financial markets, this course equips students with the knowledge and confidence to understand investing. It covers stock market basics, risk assessment, and long-term financial planning, addressing the intimidation many young people feel about investing.

The Impact of EVERFI’s Financial Literacy Programs

EVERFI’s programs have a measurable impact on learners and communities. Research shows that students who complete EVERFI’s financial literacy courses demonstrate increased financial knowledge and confidence. For example, a 2018 study of 18,480 students across 47 states found that EVERFI’s high school course improved students’ financial decision-making skills and their intention to take positive financial actions in the future.

In states like South Carolina, EVERFI collaborates with the Department of Education to deliver comprehensive financial literacy resources to every school district, ensuring equitable access. Similarly, partnerships with financial institutions like Wescom Credit Union and Irvine Unified School District have enhanced community engagement and student outcomes. These collaborations demonstrate EVERFI’s commitment to closing the financial literacy gap, particularly for underserved populations.

For example, students like Jaylen Benjamin and John Carlos Seide from Orange High School in New Jersey reported that EVERFI’s courses helped them open savings accounts, understand credit, and explore careers in financial management. Such real-world applications highlight how EVERFI empowers students to take control of their financial futures.

Why EVERFI Stands Out?

EVERFI’s financial literacy programs are distinguished by several key features:

Accessibility: EVERFI’s resources are free for schools and educators, removing financial barriers to quality education. This is critical for low-income communities where access to financial literacy resources may be limited.

Engagement: The use of interactive scenarios, animations, and gamified elements makes learning fun and relatable. Students engage with real-life situations, such as choosing between credit cards or budgeting for college, which enhances retention and application.

Alignment with Standards: EVERFI’s courses are aligned with state and national education standards, ensuring they meet curriculum requirements and provide measurable outcomes.

Inclusivity: Programs are available in English and Spanish, with diverse characters and scenarios that reflect the varied experiences of American students. This inclusivity helps address the needs of students from different backgrounds.

Partnerships: EVERFI collaborates with financial institutions, community organizations, and schools to maximize its reach and impact. These partnerships enable EVERFI to offer tailored programs and extend financial education to adults through community initiatives.

Financial Literacy Beyond K-12: EVERFI’s Role for Adults

While EVERFI’s primary focus is on K-12 education, it recognizes that financial literacy is a lifelong need. Financial Literacy Month, observed every April, emphasizes the importance of financial education for all ages. EVERFI supports adults through workshops, webinars, and online resources covering topics like debt management, retirement planning, and emergency savings. By partnering with financial institutions, EVERFI helps banks and credit unions deliver just-in-time education—specific, actionable insights provided when consumers need them most, such as when applying for a mortgage or auto loan.

For example, EVERFI’s collaboration with community organizations allows financial institutions to offer free education that builds trust and loyalty among customers. A J.D. Power study found that 78% of U.S. retail bank customers want financial education from their banks, but only 28% receive it. EVERFI fills this gap by providing banks with tools to engage customers year-round, not just during Financial Literacy Month.

Addressing the Financial Literacy Gap

Despite the growing emphasis on financial literacy, challenges remain. A 2023 study by Champlain College gave only seven states an “A” grade for requiring a semester-long personal finance course, while many states have “virtually no requirements.” This inconsistency leaves many students unprepared for financial independence. EVERFI’s programs help bridge this gap by offering scalable, high-quality resources that schools can easily integrate into their curricula.

Moreover, EVERFI challenges the misconception that financial literacy alone can close the wealth gap. While knowledge is crucial, systemic barriers like income inequality and limited access to resources play significant roles. EVERFI’s approach focuses on building financial capability—combining knowledge with actionable skills and confidence to make informed decisions. This holistic perspective ensures learners are equipped to navigate real-world challenges.

EVERFI and Financial Literacy Month 2025

Financial Literacy Month, celebrated every April, is an ideal time to highlight EVERFI’s contributions. Originally started as Youth Financial Literacy Day by the National Endowment for Financial Education, it evolved into a month-long initiative under the Jump$tart Coalition in 2004. EVERFI leverages this opportunity to promote financial literacy activities, such as budgeting workshops, investment simulations, and career-focused lessons. Teachers can access free resources like lesson plans and webinars to integrate financial education into their classrooms.

For 2025, EVERFI encourages educators to incorporate activities like:

1. Wants vs. Needs Exercises: Help elementary students distinguish between essential and non-essential expenses.
2. Business Simulations: Allow middle school students to create and budget for a mock business, as seen in FutureSmart’s Building a Business lesson.
3. FAFSA Workshops: Guide high school students through the financial aid process to reduce stress and confusion.

These activities not only teach financial concepts but also foster critical thinking and decision-making skills, preparing students for real-world challenges.

EVERFI’s Broader Impact on Education

Beyond financial literacy, EVERFI offers courses on digital literacy, career readiness, and social-emotional learning. Its digital literacy programs, for instance, address the misconception that “digital natives” are inherently savvy about online information. A 2019 study found that 74% of millennials failed a quiz on spotting fake news, underscoring the need for critical thinking skills in the digital age. EVERFI’s resources help students evaluate online content, understand digital rights, and manage their digital footprints.

By integrating financial literacy with other life skills, EVERFI ensures that learners are well-rounded and prepared for the complexities of modern life. Its partnerships with organizations like the Council for Economic Education and Jump$tart Coalition further amplify its impact, providing teachers with professional development and resources to enhance their classrooms.

How EVERFI Benefits Communities?

EVERFI’s partnerships with financial institutions and community organizations create a ripple effect. Banks and credit unions that sponsor EVERFI programs gain opportunities to meet Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirements while building trust with customers. For example, Wescom Credit Union’s collaboration with EVERFI and Irvine Unified School District has strengthened community ties and improved financial literacy among students.

For schools, EVERFI’s free resources reduce the burden on educators to develop financial literacy curricula from scratch. Teachers like Cecilia Gray, an EVERFI Teacher Ambassador, use EVERFI’s programs to supplement subjects like Family & Consumer Sciences, making financial education seamless and impactful.

The Future of Financial Literacy with EVERFI

As financial systems evolve with new technologies like cryptocurrency and digital banking, EVERFI continues to innovate. Its courses address emerging topics like blockchain and digital payments, ensuring learners are prepared for the future. By 2028, 37 states are expected to receive an “A” or “B” grade for financial education mandates, and EVERFI’s scalable solutions will play a key role in achieving this progress.

EVERFI’s commitment to equity ensures that underserved communities, including low-income and minority students, have access to the same opportunities as their peers. By providing inclusive, engaging, and free resources, EVERFI is helping create a more financially literate and capable society.

Conclusion

EVERFI is revolutionizing financial literacy education in the United States by offering free, accessible, and engaging resources that empower students and adults alike. Its programs, from Vault for elementary students to Financial Literacy for High School, provide practical skills and confidence to navigate complex financial decisions. By partnering with schools, financial institutions, and communities, EVERFI is closing the financial literacy gap and fostering a future where everyone has the tools to achieve financial wellness.

Whether you’re a teacher looking to integrate financial literacy into your classroom, a financial institution aiming to engage your community, or an individual seeking to improve your money management skills, EVERFI offers a wealth of resources to help you succeed. As Financial Literacy Month 2025 approaches, consider exploring EVERFI’s offerings to take the first step toward a more financially secure future.

5 Most Searchable FAQs About EVERFI Financial Literacy