April is financial literacy month—and we need it more than ever

April is a month defined by momentum. It blends seasonality with major cultural moments, from the start of spring to Earth Day to MLB Opening Day. April centers around fresh starts and new beginnings, a time when many people declutter their homes and reset their routines.

Yet, amid this season of renewal, one important aspect is often neglected: our financial health and well-being.

Many people aren’t aware that April is also Financial Literacy Month, coinciding with Tax Day in mid-April. At a time when our finances are under increasing strain, that awareness has never been more important. From rising costs and inflation to confusion around investing and long‑term planning, financial pressures are now part of our daily lives.  According to a 2026 survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education, nearly nine in 10 U.S. adults reported experiencing some level of financial stress. Among the largest anticipated expenses, excluding mortgage and rent, are paying down debt, home‑related costs and transportation.

At its core, financial literacy is about confidence, not complexity. That same idea gave rise to the credit union movement nearly two centuries ago.

The movement began in the 1850s and 1860s in Germany, and the first U.S. credit union opened in 1909 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Credit unions were created to give everyday people fair, community‑focused access to financial services, and the knowledge to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Financial literacy means becoming confident in the fundamentals: budgeting, saving, investing and managing credit. Think of it as a measure of how well you understand the financial tools that shape your life.

Here are several actionable steps anyone can take right now to strengthen their financial position.  I recommend starting with these proven tips:

◾ Pay yourself first and build an emergency fund: Start by automatically setting aside a portion of every paycheck, no matter how small.  Over time, those tiny contributions grow, providing a cushion in the event unexpected expenses arise.  It’s important to work toward three to six months of essential living expenses in an emergency fund.

◾ Understand the true cost of debt. Most people aren’t aware of the interest rate they’re paying or how long it will take to repay balances if only minimum payments are made. High-interest debt, especially with credit cards, can slow financial progress significantly. It’s important to compare rates and negotiate where possible. Exploring lower-rate options can make a tremendous difference over time.

◾ Explore debt consolidation. For people juggling multiple balances, consolidation is key. It can simplify payments and potentially reduce interest costs. Combining debts into a single, monthly payment can make a budget easier to manage – plus offer financial clarity.

◾ Use budgeting tools to stay organized. Budgeting boils down to awareness. Turn to digital tools, mobile apps and credit union resources to help track spending, identify goals and notice patterns. When tools provide people with a clear view of where their money is going, they tend to make better decisions and adjust habits.

◾ Be aware of needs vs. wants. It’s important to enjoy life, but it’s equally important to be cautious of your choices. If you distinguish between needs and wants, it can help prioritize spending in alignment with long-term goals. Focus on essentials first: housing, utilities and groceries. Then discretionary spending on dining, entertainment and travel, can come into play.

◾ Set clear short-term and long-term goals. Most people are successful if they have a clear target or plan in mind.  Defining specific goals helps guide daily financial decisions and builds momentum.

Today, the ability to navigate the complexities of our finances is more important than ever. We all experience ups and downs, but when we possess the knowledge to help navigate those complexities, our financial well-being can flourish as a result.

April marks a season of renewal across Florida, from our weather to our routines. As we prepare for the months ahead, it’s also a reminder that financial confidence doesn’t come from perfection – it comes from understanding enough to make educated decisions.

When people feel confident about their money, they’re better equipped to weather uncertainty, plan for the future and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. That’s not just good for individual households, but essential for the long-term well-being of the communities we all share.

Kevin Johnson is president and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union, the largest credit union in Florida by assets and membership. The company is headquartered in Tampa, with nearly 80 branches across Florida.