Sturdy Finances for a Sturdy Future
- N4CSGA
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 14
In the study titled “Financial Literacy and Student Debt: Survey of College Students” researchers at the University of Auburn found that college students struggle with financial literacy. The North Carolina Great 58 Community Colleges from the mountains to the coast have students from all walks of life from first generation college goers, adult learners to dual enrolled high schoolers causing financial literacy to impact each in a unique way. Becoming financially literate can help students lay essential building blocks towards success as they craft their future by making financially informed decisions leading to reduced student loans, credit card debt, and stress. This blog post will explore ways you can become more financially informed.
Financial literacy encompasses a wide range of topics from understanding credit, debt management, investing, budgeting, saving, planning for major life goals and amongst others. The first step you can take in your journey of financial literacy is by analyzing which topics you may be less familiar with to understand which areas you need to spend more time learning. The National Financial Literary Council has a free online test you can take to help you get a baseline of your financial understanding. Additionally, starting with the basics of finances can be an effective step toward laying a strong foundation. Helpful resources you can utilize include: Intuit for Education, Khan Academy and the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC).
Intuit for Education and Khan Academy contain self-guided courses covering various financial literacy topics that can help you learn the basics. Then you can explore other topics allowing you to tailor your learning to your needs and schedule. The College for North Carolina also has a course to help you learn the basics. The organization also provides tailored resources for students including information on grants and scholarships, tools for managing student loans and information to help you create a NC 529 education savings plan. After gaining an understanding of your financial literary skills and then grasping an understanding of the foundation of finances you can base you learning around your current needs whether you’re interested in purchasing your own home, investing, or transferring to a four-year college.
Learning financial literacy does not have to be a dull and monotonous task; you can diversify your learning in a way that best fits you. If you learn best by listening you can tune into podcasts on your drive to school or work. Some podcasts you can listen to include the Stacking Benjamins Show, WSJ Your Money Briefing, and How to Money. If you enjoy reading, some books you can check out include: the Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel and Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez.
Additionally, explore resources offered at your local institution and seek creative ways to engage students in learning financial literacy on your campus.
Across North Carolina change is being made to help bridge the gap in financial literacy from the N4CSGA, legislators at the NC General Assembly, the NC Financial Literacy Council, to the NC Community College System, helping community college students create a brighter tomorrow. Join the mission of strengthening financial literacy. Every day you can take a small step toward building a stronger financial future for yourself. Start small to create something bigger for yourself.
Links to Resources Mentioned:
Written by Hayley Ale-Beltran, Treasurer, N4CSGA 25-26
Date: September 12, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to read! Stay engaged, make your voice heard, and keep leading in your community. For questions or to get involved in upcoming initiatives, feel free to reach out at n4csga@gmail.com or follow us on @n4csga.
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