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Financial education

It is never too late to start early: The case for ongoing financial education

Middle aged black man helping his mother use a laptop computer at home, close up

Financial literacy is often presented as a skill best learned young, like riding a bike or memorizing multiplication tables. While it’s true that early exposure to financial concepts can set children on a path to lifelong financial health, this approach unintentionally sends a problematic message: If you didn’t learn about finance as a child, you’ve missed the boat.

We’ve all heard it before—maybe even said it ourselves: “Where was this when I was younger?” The underlying sentiment is clear: I wish I had learned this earlier because now it’s too late for me. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Financial education isn’t a one-and-done lesson; it’s a lifelong process, and arguably, the most relevant time to learn is when the lessons are applicable to your life.

Why learning later still matters

Life’s milestones—whether buying a home, starting a business, or planning for retirement—are the moments when financial literacy is truly put to the test. Yet, these are often points in life when people feel unequipped and overwhelmed. The good news is that these very challenges can also be the catalyst for learning.

Consider this: A person in their 40s navigating a mortgage or in their 50s planning their retirement is far more likely to absorb lessons about compound interest or credit utilization than they might have at 16, when those topics felt distant and irrelevant.

Financial education is like learning to swim: knowing the strokes is useful, but knowing how to swim through specific waters is transformative. Life's financial "waters" change with time, and ongoing education ensures that individuals are prepared for every phase.

Why all ages matter

Financial literacy is not one-size-fits-all. A young adult entering the workforce will have different needs than a retiree managing their pension. By focusing solely on educating young people, we unintentionally overlook a significant truth: financial education is most impactful when it's relevant to a person's current stage in life.

There’s also a powerful ripple effect. Adults who improve their financial literacy can model better behaviors for their children, creating a multi-generational impact. Similarly, financially educated retirees can help younger generations understand the value of long-term planning.

A fun, flexible approach to financial education

Breaking down the barriers to financial literacy requires making education engaging, accessible, and inclusive. Imagine learning about finances through gamified challenges, digestible content, and tailored lessons for different stages of life. Learning doesn’t have to feel like a chore or a lecture; it can be empowering and even fun.

Our philosophy

At Kredit Academy, we’ve embraced this all-ages approach to financial education. While our products are not designed to solve every financial dilemma, our mission is to make learning about money approachable and rewarding for everyone—regardless of where they are on their journey. We use adaptive learning to provide content not based on age, but based on demonstrated understanding. So, the next time you catch yourself thinking, “I wish I’d learned this earlier,” remember: it’s never too late to start early. Whether someone is a first-time credit cardholder or a seasoned entrepreneur, the best time to learn about finances is always right now. For more information on how we can provide financial education to ALL of your members check us out at www.kreditacademy.com.

Evan Leaphart

Evan Leaphart

Kredit Academy