{"id":204657,"date":"2026-04-07T16:03:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T21:03:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/?p=204657"},"modified":"2026-04-07T16:03:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T21:03:34","slug":"guest-column-financial-literacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/2026\/04\/07\/guest-column-financial-literacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Guest column: financial literacy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Jamie Crawford <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COLUMBUS — April marks Financial Literacy Month, and the\u00a0Ohio Department of Commerce\u00a0Division of Financial Institutions\u00a0is encouraging Ohio communities to deepen their focus on financial well\u2011being by expanding access to practical, reliable financial education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of that effort, the Division is reminding eligible organizations across the state to apply for funds available through the\u00a0Ohio Financial Literacy Grant Program\u00a0before the April 30 deadline, ensuring financial skills reach more Ohioans where they live, learn, and work. The program offers grants of up to $50,000 to nonprofits, schools, and community organizations that offer programs that teach essential skills to Ohioans of all ages, such as budgeting, saving, managing credit, and planning for unexpected expenses. Full details and application materials are available at\u00a0com.ohio.gov\/FinLitGrant<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025, the Program received record interest from organizations, receiving more than 600 applications for grant funds. That interest aligns with statistics that show the need for financial literacy programs is substantial. According to a\u00a0report\u00a0from the National Endowment for Financial Education, 88% of Americans said they entered 2026 facing some level of financial stress. Poor financial literacy cost Americans more than $246 billion in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese challenges show how essential it is for communities to prioritize strong financial education,\u201d said Division Interim Superintendent Ingrid White. \u201cOrganizations across Ohio play a vital role in helping people understand how to budget, save, and make informed decisions. The Financial Literacy Grant Program helps expand that reach so more individuals, especially young people, can begin to build secure financial futures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DoverPhila Credit Union in Dover, Ohio, who received $13,000, was one of eight organizations across the state to receive grant funds in\u00a02025. They used funds to offer financial education workshops and tools to students, families, and educators, equipping participants with practical money management skills to improve economic outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnytime that we can show members of our community how to manage their finances and put themselves in a better position, we put the community as a whole in a better position,\u201d said Katy Steinebrey, Certified Financial Counselor with DoverPhila Credit Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWithout these grant dollars, there\u2019s no way that the North College Hill City School District would be able to afford this program, which means our students would miss out,\u201d said Dr. Eugene Blalock, Jr., superintendent of North College Hill City School District, which also previously received grant funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To support all Ohioans in strengthening their financial footing, the Division offers these straightforward, practical steps that can be adapted to anyone\u2019s situation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n