(Raleigh, N.C.) — State Treasurer Brad Briner sees his role as North Carolina’s chief financial officer and official banker as the ideal platform to help raise the public’s knowledge about the links between smart money management and financial success.
April is Financial Literacy Month and Treasurer Briner announced his plans for a slate of events and educational activities during a news conference on the Wake Technical Community College Scott Northern campus on Friday, April 4. He was joined by Brian Gann, Wake Tech Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services; state Sen. Amy Galey, and Wake Tech students Noor Ul-aien and Ken Vreeland.
“According to a 2024 report, the level of financial literacy in the United States has been in the 50% range for eight consecutive years. That means that half of the nation — and North Carolina by extension — lacks sufficient skills and knowledge about things such as borrowing, earning, spending and insuring. Those are the vital building blocks of secure living and generational wealth,” Treasurer Briner said.
The treasurer’s interest in this initiative is driven by childhood experiences in which family finances took a hit due to his father’s job loss that impacted their circumstances. He has resolved to equip individuals with basic proficiency that can be continuously built upon to help them navigate a complex financial world, make sound decisions to accomplish their goals, secure and increase wealth.
Briner was joined by NC State Senator Amy Galey, an Alamance County Republican, at today’s press conference. She said, “Financial literacy is about becoming a better consumer: understanding principles such as opportunity cost, scarcity of resources, and the value of time can help shape a more productive and balanced life.”
The centerpiece of Briner’s new initiative is a monthly newsletter. Anyone can sign up for the free online publication here: Financial Literacy Newsletter Signup Form. Each month informative articles from the treasurer, Department of State Treasurer staff and guest columns from financial experts will be included, with pointers designed to span the age spectrum and varying steps on the financial success ladder.
Throughout this month Treasurer Briner will be attending events and visiting schools to highlight Financial Literacy Month. The program will continue as a key component of his tenure as treasurer.