Young People Need Financial Skills More Than Ever

Financial literacy rates are declining for young people, at a time when they need these skills the most.

Today’s cost-of-living pressures, rising rent and housing costs, insecure work, and student debt all mean young people are navigating more complex financial systems than previous generations. Yet, many are leaving school without the tools they need to manage these realities.

This generation is also the first likely to be worse off financially than their parents. It’s a confronting reality that can leave young people feeling overwhelmed, behind, or ashamed about money.

We need to do better.

Financial literacy isn’t just about budgets or spreadsheets. It’s about understanding how to advocate for yourself in a system that often feels stacked against you. It’s about knowing your rights at work, building confidence to ask questions, and feeling equipped to make choices that align with your goals and values.

If we want young people to thrive, we need to prioritise giving them practical, accessible financial education. We need to create safe spaces where they can learn, ask questions without judgement, and gain the confidence to manage their money in a rapidly changing world.

Because it’s not enough to tell young people to “stop eating avocado toast” or “just save more” or “buy a house” in a system that makes these things increasingly out of reach. We need to give them the skills, knowledge, and support they need to navigate what’s real for them right now.

Young people deserve a fair shot at building the futures they want. Financial literacy is a key part of making that possible.