Let’s Use the Crypto Craze as a Springboard into Better Financial Literacy
Investing in cryptocurrencies has gotten a new segment of folks interested in finances. But why stop there? It’s a great opportunity for them to get a leg up with three important financial lessons.
![A woman stands poised on the end of a diving board.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bFCXoCVcLCUdAXrsAFPKBZ-415-80.jpg)
From Super Bowl advertisements to big city mayors taking payment in crypto, it’s become impossible to ignore the rise of cryptocurrencies, the digital assets hailed by some as the future of finance. One in five Americans has traded in, invested in, or used cryptocurrency, according to a recent NBC News poll.
Cryptocurrencies, the decentralized financial assets built on the blockchain, are generating excitement and activity with new investors, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. It’s also helped shine a much-needed spotlight on the general public’s need for finance knowledge.
The fact is, improving your financial literacy can have benefits beyond your pocketbook: Harvard researchers have found that increased financial literacy contributes to better mental and physical health and is associated with a lower risk of depression.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-320-80.png)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you’d like to improve your financial literacy, here are three important lessons to keep in mind:
Don’t let market volatility stress you out
Between rising inflation and interest rates and ongoing uncertainty around the war in Ukraine, financial markets have been on a roller coaster ride for the last few months. When your portfolio loses value quickly, it can be tempting to bail out of markets entirely. But don’t panic – carefully consider all available options, including staying diversified and not making major changes to your portfolio, especially for long-term investors.
Timing the market – knowing exactly when to get in and out to minimize losses and maximize potential gains – is nearly impossible, even for professional investors. During the ups and downs, it is key to remember that when you’re in it for the long haul, the day-to-day balances should not be a central focus.
Market volatility is a normal part of investing and should not prompt panic or sudden changes in your investments if you take a long-term approach.
Count on Your Community
Building your financial literacy can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a background in money topics – even if Dogecoin memes abound. But you may have access to resources that can help you get started. Programs in your local community can serve as a critical (and often overlooked) financial lifeline to individuals anxious about money and the future. You may find that you have more resources available to you than you realize.
Research what’s taking place in your town or city when it comes to financial education training or courses, especially at a local college or nonprofit organization. There are also resources like Financial Health Network that can help you on your financial literacy journey. Or you can turn to your financial adviser or workplace benefits provider for additional content or materials that can help you improve your financial education.
Conversation Starters – Talk About Money
While many of us have grown up learning that it’s taboo or impolite to talk about money, keeping quiet about your financial concerns or questions may have a negative impact. While it can feel awkward to talk about money at first, it gets easier over time.
It’s particularly important to be transparent and open with your partner about money, which can prevent financial conflict in the future. If you have children, make sure to include them in discussions about finances as well, because open conversations about finances can help them develop a healthy relationship with money as they grow older.
Outside of your personal financial education, seeking the advice and resources from online, virtual or in-person financial professionals can help reaffirm your learning and be a critical tool in starting, refreshing or maintaining your financial security.
While cryptocurrency may have sparked your interest in financial literacy, learning about the broader financial markets is a smart move. Once you have a better understanding of how money works, you can start putting actions and behaviors in place to improve or protect your financial situation.
1059946-00001-00
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Brad Hearn is the president of Retail Advice and Solutions, which brings together the extraordinary face-to-face advice expertise of Prudential Advisors with Prudential’s Hybrid Advisory team and digital advice capabilities – creating a single organization with end-to-end accountability for delivering holistic financial advice and solutions across the entire advice continuum.
-
Try the 6 to 1 Grocery Shopping Method to Save Time and Money
The 6 to 1 Grocery Method can help you save money, reduce waste and eat healthier.
By Erin Bendig Published
-
Ford Stock Plunges on Earnings Miss: What to Know
Ford stock is down big Thursday after the automaker fell short of earnings expectations for its second quarter. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
If You're the Millionaire Next Door, You May Be a Terrible Spender
Good job on all that great saving. Now you need to start spending some of that hard-earned retirement savings on the things you love.
By Joe F. Schmitz Jr., CFP®, ChFC® Published
-
Who Will Be the Beneficiaries of Your Wealth?
Deciding who you want to inherit your wealth, as well as when and how, is a crucial first step in estate planning. Here are the four beneficiaries to keep in mind.
By Adam Frank Published
-
Confused by Annuities? Making Sense of the Different Types
Many investors aren't sure if annuities are a good option for meeting financial goals. Let's look at the different categories, along with their pros and cons.
By Kris Maksimovich, AIF®, CRPC®, CPFA®, CRC® Published
-
Talkin' 'Bout My Generational Wealth: Baby Boomers
With retirement, each generation has different priorities and challenges. For Baby Boomers, it's a matter of ready or not, here it comes.
By Alvina Lo Published
-
How to Avoid a Big Hassle if Your Financed Car Gets Wrecked
How an insurance check is made out for repairs can cause a world of problems if the lienholder is left out.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Estate Planning Strategies to Consider as Election Nears
Are big changes in tax laws coming soon? Not likely, but you might want to take advantage of higher estate and gift tax exemptions well before the end of 2025.
By David Handler, J.D. Published
-
How to Get Your Money's Worth From Your Financial Adviser
A good financial adviser will focus on how your financial planning and investment strategy align with your lifestyle and aspirations.
By Pam Krueger Published
-
Think of Prenups and Postnups as Financial Planning Tools
These contracts provide a clear framework for asset management and protection and are especially useful if you get married later in life.
By Andrew Hatherley, CDFA®, CRPC® Published