Celebrating Financial Literacy Month: 5 Topics to Share to Make a Real Impact

April is Financial Literacy Month, and it’s a meaningful opportunity for community financial institutions to do what they do best: empower, educate, and uplift the people and small businesses they serve.

Financial literacy is a cornerstone of individual and community success. Yet many institutions struggle to consistently produce content in this space. With limited time, small marketing teams, and competing priorities, creating financial education materials can easily fall to the bottom of the list.

The good news? It doesn’t take a full-scale campaign to make an impact. Even small, practical content pieces shared through your website, social media, email, or in-branch — can build trust, increase engagement, and help your customers feel more confident about their financial journey.

Here are five approachable and timely topics your institution can share this month to support financial wellness in your community.

1. Understanding credit and credit scores

Credit can be confusing, and misinformation is everywhere. Helping your audience understand how credit scores work and how to improve them is one of the most valuable lessons you can offer.

Simple ways to engage

• Share a blog post or infographic on the factors that impact credit scores
• Offer tips for building or repairing credit
• Post a short video busting common credit myths

Why it matters

Credit health influences everything from loan approvals to job offers. Helping people improve their scores can open doors and reduce financial stress.

2. Budgeting and saving for goals

Whether it’s saving for an emergency, a down payment, or a child’s education, people are looking for guidance on how to manage money better. Your institution can help make budgeting more approachable.

Simple ways to engage

• Provide a downloadable budget worksheet
• Create a “Savings Tip of the Week” series on social media
• Share content on goal-based saving strategies or the 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt repayment)

Why it matters

Helping people take control of their cash flow builds financial resilience and leads to long-term success both for individuals and communities.

3. Preventing fraud and identity theft

From phishing emails to account takeovers, fraud is a growing concern. Community financial institutions are in a unique position to protect and educate customers and members on how to spot scams and stay safe.

Simple ways to engage

• Post a weekly fraud prevention tip throughout April
• Host a short webinar or in-branch session on common scams
• Share guidance on setting up account alerts and multi-factor authentication

Why it matters

Protecting financial well-being isn’t just about saving, it’s also about keeping what you’ve earned safe from cybercriminals.

4. Banking basics and how to use digital tools

Not everyone feels confident navigating online banking or understanding the differences between account types. Education here can improve trust, engagement, and security.

Simple ways to engage

• Share how-to videos on mobile deposits, transfers, or setting up alerts
• Create content comparing account types: checking, savings, CDs, money markets
• Promote features like bill pay, digital wallets, or budgeting tools in your app

Why it matters

Digital tools are powerful, but only if people know how to use them. Empowering customers and members with this knowledge can lead to stronger relationships and more usage of your services.

5. Smart borrowing and understanding loans

Loans are a major part of many people’s financial lives. Whether it’s financing a car, a home, or a business, understanding how borrowing works is critical and often confusing.

Simple ways to engage

• Create content on fixed vs. variable rates
• Share a checklist for comparing loan offers
• Explain how interest impacts total repayment

Why it matters

Informed borrowers make smarter choices and they’re more likely to turn to your institution when they’re ready for financing.

Financial literacy is community wellness

At the heart of every community financial institution is a mission to serve. Financial literacy isn’t just a compliance box to check — it’s a direct extension of that mission. When people understand how to manage money, borrow responsibly, and protect their assets, the entire community benefits.

This April, consider how even a small commitment to education — a blog post, a weekly social tip, a short video — can help your institution become more than a place to hold money. You become a partner in your customers’ and members’ financial wellness.

Together, we can build more informed, more confident, and more financially healthy communities — one topic at a time.