Our approach

It’s not a secret that we have a knowledge gap about personal finance in the United States.

At Financial Literacy Diaries, we recognize that financial illiteracy is not just a knowledge gap, it’s rooted in an industry that operates on keeping financial knowledge behind a veil. That limits opportunities and perpetuates financial instability.

Our work is grounded in the belief that financial capability is shaped over time, through lived experience, exposure to institutions, and the stories people internalize about risk, stability, and opportunity. As a result, effective financial education must extend beyond one-off interventions and adapt to where individuals are in their lives and careers.

Rather than offering a single delivery model, we operate through layered programming that combines applied learning, mentorship, and leadership development.

Narrative as Pedagogy

We are studying and deploying narrative as a serious pedagogical tool. We analyze how narrative framing influences trust, engagement, and decision-making over time. Here is our long-term plan for implementing financial narrative into real-world outcomes:

  • Research

  • Curriculum

  • Peer-leadership

Financial decisions are rarely made in spreadsheets. They are made within stories people tell about risk, security, identity, and possibility.

Relatable and Life-Stage Specific Learning

We are developing content meet learners where they are, with financial education tailored to their life stage:

  • For kids: Foundational knowledge on saving and spending.

  • For teens: Real-world scenarios on budgeting, student loans, and financial decision-making.

  • For young adults: Managing debt, credit, and savings as they transition into independence.

  • For adults: Advanced topics like managing long-term debt, investing, and retirement planning.

We are designing our materials to be engaging and culturally relevant, ensuring that diverse audiences connect with the content.

Fighting Financial Misinformation with Practical, Evidence-Based Resources

We understand that the internet is flooded with "get rich quick" schemes and misleading financial advice. Financial Literacy Diaries counters this noise by:

  • Offering trusted, evidence-based materials aligned with national financial literacy standards.

  • Teaching long-term financial habits instead of short-term fixes or unrealistic promises.

  • Providing real-world tools and resources—like budget templates, debt payoff strategies, and savings plans—that participants can immediately apply.

Community-Centered, Hands-On Approach

We seek to collaborate with schools, community centers, and nonprofits to offer and facilitate:

  • In-person and virtual workshops for students, parents, and educators.

  • Mentorship programs that offer individualized support to those who need it most.

  • School partnerships to integrate financial literacy directly into the classroom, meeting national standards.

  • Student-led initiatives to directly impact and empower young people who are interested in finance.

Through these ideal partnerships, we seek to create environments where participants can ask questions, practice skills, and gain confidence in managing their finances.

Sustained Impact through Digital and leadership Learning

To ensure that learners continue growing beyond our workshops, we provide:

  • Online learning resources

  • Follow-up support through mentorship programs and digital continuity such as our newsletter and social media.

  • Leadership opportunties through our Financial Literacy Fellowship for teens and (coming 2026) and State Delegate program for young adults.