Financial Literacy

Why financial literacy matters

Financial literacy is the ability to understand financial concepts and make sound personal financial decisions. It is essential for achieving financial well-being—the capacity to manage everyday finances, handle financial shocks, meet goals and have the make decisions that impact your lifestyle. Financial well-being depends on financial literacy, which provides the knowledge, skills, tools and discipline needed to make effective financial choices.

Financial literacy also supports both financial and mental wellness. Money problems are one of the leading sources of chronic stress, often exceeding stress from work, family or politics. Low financial literacy and well-being can increase financial stress, which may lead to anxiety, depression and feeling overwhelmed.

We believe financial literacy matters. We are on a mission to educate and empower our students so they can make confident financial decisions in the future about budgeting, saving, debt management, investing and more. 

Annual financial literacy lecture

Each year we host an expert to share foundational principles on financial literacy for our students and community. The speakers share research and insights that help unravel the complexities of financial decision-making for individuals and households. 

2026 Financial Literacy Lecture

Featuring Caleb Silver, business editor at People, Inc. and editor-in-chief of Investopedia

Previous lecture speakers

Financial literacy ambassadors

This group of students act as peer mentors for financial advising on campus, made possible by the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union. Selected students receive training and connect with students across campus to consult with them about financial concerns and options available to them. Our ambassadors gain real world experience with real clients before they graduate. 

What is the Financial Literacy Ambassadors Program?

High-achieving students will act as peer mentors and champions of Financial Literacy education on campus.

This role will typically require 1-2 hours per week and primarily involve:

• Hosting financial literacy events on campus
• Promoting financial wellness on campus
• Developing skills as a financial literacy professional

What is the criteria for eligibility?

• Complete the application online
• If invited, interview with a panel of faculty and students (including a teaching demo)
• Students in the FIN 2010 Personal Finance course preferred
• Sophomores and Juniors preferred
• Minimum two semester commitment

 Why should I become a Financial Literacy Ambassador?

• Empowerment: Become a source of knowledge and empowerment for your peers, helping them navigate personal finance challenges
• Leadership experience: Enhance your leadership and communication skills while making a positive impact on campus
• Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals, faculty members and financial experts
• Resume building: Gain valuable experience that stands out on your resume and sets you apart in the job market
• Earn and learn! Get paid to make an impact on campus and in our community

Apply to become an ambassador

Personal finance for every UTC student

Because we believe in the impact of financial literacy, we offer Finance 2010: Personal Finance as a general education course, available to all students across UTC. This course equips students to learn the language of finance and best practices in financial decision-making, such as managing budgets and preparing for unexpected expenses. 

A minor in personal finance is also available to all who wish to add more rigor to the study of personal finance.

Add a Personal Finance Minor to your degree

Program sponsor

We are grateful to our program sponsor, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, for its ongoing support and commitment to financial literacy.

Support Financial Literacy at UTC