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The 2025 NFCS Investor Survey from FINRA Foundation reveals a striking trend: fewer young adults are investing now than just a few years ago; only 26% of under-35s hold non-retirement investments (down from 32% in 2021), and overall risk tolerance has declined. At the same time, the survey shows growing concern over investment fraud; yet half of investors still struggle to recognize common red flags.
Enter SFEPD. An independent 2025 impact evaluation by ICF found that SFEPD’s culturally tailored, peer-driven financial education greatly improves participants’ financial knowledge, confidence, and long-term behaviors. Student Ambassadors scored 132% higher on an objective knowledge test than their peers; even those who attended just seminars scored 35% higher. More importantly, SFEPD learners were significantly more likely to maintain emergency funds, make student loan payments on time, plan for retirement, and invest beyond just retirement accounts.
In short: while the national data show many Americans — especially younger and newer investors — retreating from the market or facing confusion and risk, SFEPD is equipping individuals with the education, habits, and confidence they need to navigate investing wisely, avoid risky or fraudulent behaviors, and build long-term financial security.
Bottom Line: FINRA’s new data underscores the critical importance of financial literacy and investor education, and SFEPD’s proven impact demonstrates that well-designed education programs aren’t just “nice to have,” but essential for empowering individuals to make informed, confident financial decisions.
Sources: FINRA Foundation / SFEPD.org
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