Financial Literacy: Saving America

December 3, 2025

Financial Literacy: Saving America’s middle class from financial ruin

Joycelyn Jackson | 2021

Abstract

Look around you. Four of the first ten people you see are battling a pandemic that can destroy lives on multiple levels. Middle-class families in the United States simply don’t have enough money to pay bills. Projections show the situation will not get better unless consumers learn how to manage their money better. Debt for the middle-class will continue to rise. Increasedindebtedness will go in the opposite directionwith a comprehensive and sustained financial education in grades K-12.

We use the storytelling format of the documentary to explore the root cause of the middle-class’ financial distress in the United States and worldwide. Meticulous focus exposes the plight of African Americans who shoulder a more substantial debt burden than any other group. Through primary and secondary research, we find that improved financial education strengthens financial stability and lessens the consequence of debt, such as predatory lending practices or homelessness.

Anecdotal stories are a microcosm of a universal issue. Our findings reveal a strong correlation between financial literacy and financial well-being. The results suggest comprehensive financial education can reverse the middle class’ financial fragility and increase African Americans’ ability to build generational wealth and gain social justice.

Keywords: financial literacy, middle class, education, debt

Request Information

"*" indicates required fields

Instagram

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Online or On Campus*

Online

On Campus

On Campus Degree Type*

Online Degree Type*

Choose a Program*

This program is designed for registered nurses looking to advance their degree. A valid, unencumbered RN license is required to apply.

RN License Confirmation*

I currently hold a valid RN license

Don't have your RN license yet? Explore other Regent programs.

High School Graduation*

Are you an employee or the spouse/dependent of an employee?*

Employee

Spouse/Dependent

Are you a JCI USA member or benefitted employee, or the spouse/dependent of an employee?*

Employee/Member

Spouse/Dependent

Email Address*

Company*

Agency*

Employee's Company*

Employee's Agency*

Company Email Address*

Agency Email Address*

Your Email Address*

Employee's Company Email Address*

Employee's Agency Email Address*

Employee's First Name*

Employee/Member's First Name*

Employee's Last Name*

Employee/Member's Last Name*

Your Email Address*

First Name*

Last Name*

I live outside the US

Address*