Pub. 11 2021 Issue 2

10 www.azbankers.org A PRIL IS FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH — A TIME DEDICATED TO creating awareness about the importance of wise money management. The unusual circumstances of the past year exposed financial vulnerabilities to the extent that have not been seen in decades. According to a 2021 analysis, four out of 10 American families lack financial resilience and are unable to weather a crisis, making them especially susceptible when a financial crisis occurs. Those who endured financial hardship are seeking to get back into the job market, build savings and pay off debt. This year, Financial Literacy Month has taken on a whole new meaning. While financial literacy cannot predict, avert, or fix a crisis, it can play a critical role in the recovery and stability of Arizona and its diverse communities. The overall health of our economy depends on the financial decisions of our individual citizens. As State Treasurer, one of my main priorities is promoting financial literacy for all Arizonans. Last year, my office spearheaded Senate Bill 1292, now state law, to promote and raise awareness of financial literacy to Arizona residents as an official responsibility of the State Treasurer’s Office, highlighting the importance of this statewide issue. During this Financial Literacy Month, I launched the Financial Education Portal on the Arizona Treasurer’s Office website. I invite Arizonans to explore these helpful resources and tools available through this Portal to grow a deeper understanding about personal finance and the value of saving. Making smart, informed financial and economic decisions will position Arizonans to achieve financial freedom and success. For more information or to access the Financial Education Portal, please visi t aztreasury.gov/financial-education. My administration advanced Senate Bill 1184 requiring students to have a semester of financial education before graduating from high Financial Literacy Matters, Especially Now By Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee First Published on Smart Women Smart Money