Treasury Sec Scott Bessent launches push for financial literacy nationwide

In a series of posts on Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched a nationwide push for financial literacy, speaking over social media to Americans on how he has benefited from his learning about financial matters and how Americans can take appropriate financial steps toward a solid, stable financial future.

Bessent said in a video posted to X, "America has been very good to me and my family, and I want to spread the word that through financial literacy, you can accumulate both financial security, peace of mind and move toward your financial goals."

He stated that even as Americans worry about their jobs, housing, education, career, and other aspects of their life, "At a point the we all start thinking about accumulating assets, about having a cushion, about having whether it's rainy day money for family, education or money for retirement. So the sooner you start focusing on good making good choices there, the easier it will be, and the bigger the nest egg you will have."

"Everyone should care about financial literacy," Bessent continued in a third video post. "Whether you are a student with a summer job or a part-time job during school, whether you're in college, whether you're starting your career, or whether you are at the end of your career, making good financial choices creates economic security."

"You learn about the markets, you learn how to properly allocate resources, and there's a big payoff via over the long term for something you can do early in your career," Bessent added.

The posts from the Treasury Secretary mid-way through April, which is financial literacy month. At the beginning of the month, Bessent met with John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, marking the beginning of Financial Literacy month, where the two shared a commitment to empower Americans financially.

“For too long, financial literacy has been treated as a luxury,” Bessent said at the time. “It’s a necessity—just like reading and writing. John and I have been aligned on this for nearly a decade, and I’m proud to stand with him this April and beyond.”

Hope and Bessent have collaborated on a number of initiatives over the years on various financial literacy initiatives. On April 28, Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk as well as Bessent will be holding a virtual town hall on the topic of financial literacy.