Financial Advisor Advocates for Financial Literacy to Empower Families

Pennsylvania, US, 3rd March 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, In a world where financial stability is increasingly uncertain, Josiah Grauso, Vice President at ASC Financial Group, is calling for greater focus on financial literacy. He believes that education is the key to financial security and is urging individuals and families to take proactive steps to understand their money better.

“Too many people make major financial decisions without fully understanding the consequences,” says Grauso. “A lack of financial education leads to debt, poor savings habits, and an uncertain future. It’s time to change that.”

The Growing Financial Literacy Crisis

The statistics paint a concerning picture:

• Only 57% of U.S. adults are considered financially literate, meaning they can answer basic questions about interest rates, inflation, and risk diversification (National Financial Educators Council, 2023).

• Four in 10 Americans don’t have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency (Federal Reserve, 2023).

• Nearly 80% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck (CNBC, 2023).

Grauso stresses that the lack of financial education isn’t just an individual problem—it’s a societal issue. Poor financial decisions can lead to stress, strained relationships, and even long-term economic instability.

“When people don’t understand money, they fall into unnecessary debt, struggle to save, and often end up financially dependent on others,” he explains. “Financial literacy should be as fundamental as reading and writing.”

The Importance of Early Education

Grauso believes that financial education should start early—ideally in schools. Currently, only 23 states require a personal finance course for high school students (Council for Economic Education, 2023). This leaves millions of young adults entering the workforce without basic knowledge of budgeting, credit, or investing.

“We teach kids algebra, but we don’t teach them how to manage a credit card,” Grauso says. “Then we wonder why so many young people graduate with student debt they can’t afford.”

He advocates for more financial education programs in schools and encourages parents to teach their children about money at home. Simple conversations about saving, budgeting, and responsible spending can make a huge difference in a child’s future financial habits.

What Adults Can Do to Improve Financial Literacy

While early education is important, Grauso emphasizes that it’s never too late to improve financial literacy. He encourages individuals to:

• Create a budget and track spending to gain a clear picture of where their money is going.

• Understand credit and debt to avoid unnecessary interest payments and financial pitfalls.

• Start investing early to build long-term financial security.

• Learn about retirement planning to ensure financial independence in later years.

“A solid financial plan isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for everyone. The more you know, the better decisions you can make for your future.”

Spreading Awareness Through Community Education

To help bridge the knowledge gap, Grauso regularly hosts financial literacy workshops and works with community organizations to provide free financial education resources. His sessions cover everything from basic budgeting to advanced investment strategies, empowering attendees to take control of their financial futures.

“I don’t just want to give people advice—I want to teach them how to make smart financial decisions on their own,” he says. “Knowledge is the greatest tool for building financial security.”

Grauso urges individuals, families, and educators to take financial literacy seriously. He encourages people to seek out educational resources, attend workshops, and start conversations about money before financial struggles arise.

“Financial literacy is the foundation for a stable and secure future,” he says. “The more we educate ourselves, the stronger our financial futures will be.”

For those looking to improve their financial knowledge, Grauso recommends starting with small, actionable steps—because a well-informed decision today leads to a better tomorrow.

Disclaimer: Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Capital Management, LLC (BCM), a registered investment advisor. BCM and ASC Financial Group are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BCM but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation or recommendation of any investment strategy. Investments and/or investment strategies involve risk including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will achieve its objectives.

Any comments regarding safe and secure investments, and guaranteed income streams refer only to fixed insurance products. They do not refer, in any way to securities or investment advisory products. Fixed Insurance and Annuity product guarantees are subject to the claims‐paying ability of the issuing company and are not offered by Brookstone Capital Management.

ASC Financial Group is not endorsed by or affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency.