In addition to the financial education resources provided to Direct Express® cardholders through the Direct Express® Financial Education Center, the federal government also provides more general financial literacy resources under the auspices of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission (“FLEC”).

FLEC was established under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003. The Commission was tasked to develop a national financial education web site (MyMoney.gov) and a national strategy on financial education. It is chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury and the vice chair is the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. The Commission is coordinated by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Consumer Policy.

A number or resources are available through FLEC relating to financial literacy and education, including resources for those seeking to better understand challenges associated with financial literacy and the approach the US government is talking to mitigate these. Among them are the following:

  • FLEC’s financial literacy education website, mymoney.gov, compiles numerous federal resources relating to financial decision-making during major life events and interactive tools, including online financial planning calculators and budgeting worksheets. MyMoney.gov is available in English and Spanish.
  • Higher Education Financial Education Resources Updates – 2023 Resources to provide useful information to program leaders, educators, financial aid professionals, and students. The FLEC published higher education reports in 2015 and 2019, and this factsheet represents an update to those publications, highlighting newly available resources.
  • U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission Report FY 2021 This report serves as the Financial Literacy and Education Commission’s (FLEC) Strategy for Assuring Financial Empowerment (SAFE) report for FY 2021.
  • Best Practices for Financial Literacy and Education at Institutions of Higher Education This report provides recommendations for higher education institutions to deliver effective financial literacy education and resources to help students make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls associated with financing education.
  • The FLEC’s Resource Guide for Financial Institutions  Incorporating Financial Capability into Youth Employment Programs is aimed at financial institutions interested in enhancing youth financial capability. It maps how and why financial institutions can engage in helping young people achieve greater financial well-being and employment success.
  • College Savings and Financing Resources This document lists an array of resources for students and their families with tools and information to help make informed decisions about saving, paying, or financing their higher education.

SOURCE: Financial Literacy Education Commission