Financial Literacy Month is not only a celebration, it’s a challenge to take care of your finances as best you can. This month can be your opportunity to review your finances and take a concerted approach to improve them. But what’s the origin of this important month?
Financial Literacy Month was first recognized in the US in April 2004 to highlight the importance of proper financial practices. This month is designed to raise awareness for financial best practices and to encourage people to learn about the ways and techniques that can help them become financially smart and achieve financial comfort.
In fact, there was a governmental effort behind instituting this month to commemorate financial literacy. The National Endowment for Financial Education initially established Youth Literacy Day as a day focused on promoting financial literacy amongst high schoolers. The United States Congress then became highly supportive of the idea of Financial Literacy Month in 2003 when the Senate and House of Representatives appealed to President George W Bush to recognize April officially as Financial Literacy Month.
Subsequently, the United States House of Representatives passed a law that was in favor of the objectives of Financial Literacy Month. This bill also requested the President to direct the Federal Government, schools, localities, and non-profit organizations to put Financial Literacy Month into practice.
The reason financial literacy has an entire, federally recognized month dedicated to it is because your financial health can make the difference between meeting your life goals or struggling to come close to them. Although money can’t buy happiness, a solid understanding of financial best practices can surely help you construct a comfortable lifestyle where your happiness can flourish.
Building healthy financial habits and educating yourself on how best to meet your money goals is the first step to a solid financial strategy. But financial literacy alone may not be able to get you that retirement and financial security you dream about. A comprehensive retirement strategy can be the difference, so contact one of our financial advisors to get started, (540) 720-5656.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter. Chase, as a fiduciary, believes in putting his clients interests first, and building out plans for his clients where they can have a happy and fruitful retirement. He married his beautiful wife in February 2022 and both use most of their free time chasing around their little pup, Aurora.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.