Mark Hunter - Financial Educator

Getting financially literate isn't just promising yourself you will “do better with money.”

Learn better.
Think better.
Understand better.

Because when people understand how money really works, they make better decisions with debt, savings, protection, and long-term planning.

That is the real goal.
Not guilt.
Not pressure.
Just progress.

Financial stress does not always look dramatic.

Sometimes it looks like:
Putting off a conversation
Avoiding the numbers
Hoping next month feels better
Using debt to solve short-term pressure

A survey found that 38% say their current financial life is worse than they expected.

That is why financial literacy matters.
Because financial literacy gives people language, direction, and a plan.

Here is something worth paying attention to:

The top New Year’s money goals for 2026 were
1. paying down debt
2. following a budget
3. improving credit

That means people are not asking for more noise.
They are looking for basics that actually work.

Budgeting is not punishment.
Credit is not just a score.
Debt freedom is not a dream.
It starts with understanding.

If a $2,000 emergency would throw your whole life off course, you are not alone.

Only 36% of adults said they were certain they could cover an unexpected $2,000 expense. Many said they would turn to credit cards, emergency savings, cash, family, selling things they own, or even Buy Now Pay Later.

That is exactly why emergency preparedness is not optional.
Financial literacy helps people prepare before the pressure arrives.



NEFE Quarter 4 Survey Report 2025