With tax day just ahead, let it be known NH is 6th-most financially literate state!

With April being National Financial Literacy Month and less than half of adults setting a budget, WalletHub recently today released its report on 2025's Most and Lease Financially Literate States, which analyzes financial-education programs and consumer habits in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with expert commentary.

The study uses a data set of 17 key metrics, which range from high-school financial literacy grade to the share of adults with rainy-day funds.
Financial Literacy in New Hampshire (1=Most Financially Literate, 25=Avg.):

• Overall Rank: 6^th
• 4^th - WalletHub's 'WalletLiteracy Survey' Score
• 22^nd - % of Adults Aged 18+ Who Spend More than They Earn
• 19^th - % of Adults Aged 18+ with Rainy-Day Funds
• 3^rd - % of Unbanked Households
• 16^th - % of Adults Aged 18+ Paying Only Minimum on Credit Card(s)
• 8^th - % of Adults Aged 18+ Who Compare Credit Cards Before Applying

For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/most-and-least-financially-literate-states/3337


"Too many Americans lack comprehensive financial literacy, which causes them to have lower credit scores, prevents them from getting credit with good interest rates and lowers the amount of wealth they build throughout their life, among other negative consequences. Because financial literacy is so essential, states should prioritize teaching it from a young age. It's not surprising that the most financially literate states all require personal-finance education before students graduate from high school."
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"Minnesota is the most financially literate state, with financial education baked into the K-12 curriculum and high schoolers required to take at least one personal-finance related course. The North Star State also has the lowest percentage of adults who spend more money than they make, at around 15%. Minnesotans' good financial literacy is demonstrated by the fact that they have the highest median credit score in the country, at 751 which shows that they are handling credit very responsibly."

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst


Expert Commentary

What should policymakers do to improve financial literacy?

"I would like to see policymakers support the integration of financial literacy into K-12 education, starting at an early age. This is vital, as many children - including myself - learn nothing about managing finances or growing financial wealth. I would also like to see extensive financial literacy programs at libraries, community centers, and after-school programs. We should be covering these issues in as many places as possible. We should want everyone to be financially stable and secure, and improving financial literacy puts us on the right path."
Marybeth Gasman - Chair in Education; Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University-New Brunswick

"Improving financial literacy should be a top priority for policymakers, given the impact financial knowledge has on individuals' financial well-being. Understanding key financial concepts related to everyday activities - such as budgeting, borrowing money, and saving for retirement - can make a significant difference in long-term wealth accumulation. For many individuals, there are significant barriers to acquiring financial knowledge. Topics on financial literacy can be complex and should be tailored to meet the informational needs of different segments of the population. Policymakers should prioritize making financial education accessible to everyone."
Luisa Blanco, PhD, MBA - Professor, Pepperdine University


How can parents equip their kids with financial know-how?

"We have to make talking about money normal, do it frequently, and teach children how to budget. Most of all, we need to model responsible financial behavior. For example, I have always lived below my means once I had enough income. I do not buy the newest car, iPhone, or TV. Because I grew up in a low-income family, I learned to reuse, donate, and fix things rather than immediately buy something new. I model this behavior for my daughter. We have to encourage saving, investing, and resisting the glitz and glitter - instead, focusing on long-lasting experiences in life."
Marybeth Gasman - Chair in Education; Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University-New Brunswick

"Parents can help their children develop money management skills by having conversations about essential financial topics such as inflation, budgeting, and the importance of saving. Providing children with a small allowance and teaching them how to track their money, set specific financial goals, and prioritize spending can be valuable. It is often recommended that parents avoid paying their children for chores, but in our household, we require the completion of chores to earn a monthly allowance. I also hold monthly meetings to help my children track their savings and expenses and plan for donations and other future financial goals."
Luisa Blanco, PhD, MBA - Professor, Pepperdine University


What are some important personal finance management tips during the current economic environment?

"This is a very chaotic and difficult time for many people. It is important to prioritize emergency savings, minimize debt as much as possible, and limit spending. Right now, I would advise people to buy only what they need and avoid luxuries. The economy under the Trump Administration is volatile and uncertain. The markets fluctuate frequently. It is important to have some money in secure assets. If you have extra funds, I would invest in index funds, CDs, gold, and the S&P 500. If you qualify, you should invest yearly in an IRA and a Roth IRA. I would also suggest maxing out your 401(k) if you have one, as it is the best way to save for the long term. I would also recommend learning to do things yourself: cook at home (eating out is expensive), make your own coffee, and bring your lunch to work. I would develop habits that do not cost a lot - exercising outside, painting, dancing, learning a language, visiting art museums, playing board games, and having potlucks with friends. Learn to appreciate the little things and understand that delayed gratification is beneficial. That said, take your vacation. Life is short, and if you have the funds, treat yourself when you can - just not every day."
Marybeth Gasman - Chair in Education; Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University-New Brunswick

"A top priority for households in the current economic environment is to reassess their spending habits and create a budget that allows for emergency savings. Families should review their budgets and set clear spending and saving priorities. With ongoing changes such as the imposition of tariffs and government restructuring, there is significant uncertainty regarding prices and the labor market. It is crucial for families to plan ahead and consider how they can prepare for unexpected financial shocks."
Luisa Blanco, PhD, MBA - Professor, Pepperdine University