Presidential Message on National Financial Literacy Month, 2025
April 1, 2025
Action Summary
- Theme: National Financial Literacy Month, 2025, emphasizing financial education as the foundation for American economic prosperity.
- Economic Empowerment: Encourages all Americans to acquire financial knowledge and tools to make informed decisions, secure financial independence, and pursue the American Dream.
- Digital Financial Innovation: Supports the responsible growth and use of digital assets, blockchain technology, and related digital financial technologies, reinforcing U.S. leadership and innovation.
- Financial Literacy Commission: Highlights the role of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission—chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury and composed of leaders from 23 federal agencies and the White House Domestic Policy Council—in evaluating and promoting effective financial education programs.
- Policy Actions: Details measures to address the cost-of-living crisis by:
- Dismantling regulatory overreach, thereby relieving financial burdens on American families.
- Eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, and extending historic tax cuts.
- Deregulating and partnering with employers and local communities to create secure economic futures.
- Call to Action: Urges families, communities, schools, and institutions to enhance financial literacy through available resources, notably via the Department of the Treasury’s website, to safeguard economic freedom and prosperity.
Risks & Considerations
- The emphasis on financial literacy and digital financial technology could lead to increased demand for educational programs and resources in these areas. Vanderbilt University may need to consider expanding its curriculum to include more courses on financial literacy, digital assets, and blockchain technology.
- The deregulation efforts and tax policy changes could impact the financial planning and economic strategies of the university, particularly in terms of budgeting and resource allocation.
- There is a potential risk that the focus on financial independence and deregulation might lead to reduced federal funding for educational institutions, as resources may be redirected towards financial literacy initiatives and tax cuts.
- Vanderbilt University may need to assess its partnerships with federal agencies and local partners to align with the new financial literacy and economic policies, ensuring continued support and collaboration.
Impacted Programs
- Owen Graduate School of Management could see increased interest in programs related to financial literacy, digital finance, and blockchain technology, presenting opportunities for growth and innovation in these areas.
- Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office might need to adjust its strategies to accommodate changes in federal tax policies and financial planning resources available to students and their families.
- The Department of Economics may experience increased demand for research and expertise in financial literacy and economic policy, potentially leading to new research opportunities and collaborations.
- Vanderbilt’s community engagement initiatives could play a crucial role in promoting financial literacy and economic empowerment within local communities, aligning with national priorities.
Financial Impact
- The focus on financial literacy and deregulation could lead to changes in federal funding priorities, potentially impacting the financial landscape for educational institutions like Vanderbilt University.
- Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal grants prioritize financial literacy and economic empowerment initiatives. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
- There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in financial literacy and digital finance, particularly through collaborations with the Department of the Treasury and other federal agencies.
- The emphasis on economic freedom and deregulation could lead to shifts in the demographics of students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential changes in funding priorities.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Financial Literacy Programs should align with the national emphasis on financial literacy by expanding educational offerings related to digital financial technology, blockchain, and related innovations. This alignment can enhance the university’s role in preparing students for a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
- The Office of Federal Relations should engage with the Financial Literacy and Education Commission to explore potential collaborations and funding opportunities that support financial education initiatives at Vanderbilt. This engagement can position the university as a leader in financial literacy education.
- Vanderbilt’s Economic Research Department should conduct studies on the impact of financial literacy on household wealth and economic prosperity. These studies can provide valuable insights that inform policy recommendations and enhance Vanderbilt’s reputation as a thought leader in economic research.
- The Vanderbilt Center for Digital Innovation should explore partnerships with industry leaders in digital financial technology to develop cutting-edge research and educational programs. These partnerships can provide students with hands-on experience and enhance Vanderbilt’s influence in the field of digital finance.
- Vanderbilt’s Community Engagement Office should organize workshops and seminars during National Financial Literacy Month to promote financial education within the local community. These events can strengthen Vanderbilt’s community ties and demonstrate its commitment to public service.
Opportunities
- The focus on financial literacy presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Business School to develop specialized courses and programs that address the growing demand for expertise in digital financial technologies. By offering these programs, Vanderbilt can attract students interested in emerging financial sectors.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the national push for financial literacy by hosting conferences and forums that bring together policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to discuss best practices and innovations in financial education. These events can enhance Vanderbilt’s visibility and influence in shaping financial literacy policies.
- The emphasis on reducing regulatory burdens and promoting economic freedom aligns with Vanderbilt’s research interests in economic policy. The university can leverage this alignment to secure research grants and funding that support studies on the impact of deregulation and tax policies on economic growth.
- By collaborating with the Department of the Treasury and other federal agencies, Vanderbilt can access resources and expertise that enhance its financial literacy programs. These collaborations can strengthen Vanderbilt’s educational offerings and provide students with valuable learning opportunities.
- The order’s focus on empowering American families through financial literacy aligns with Vanderbilt’s mission to foster informed and engaged citizens. The university can develop outreach programs that educate families on financial management and investment strategies, contributing to community well-being.
Relevance Score: 3 (The executive order presents opportunities for some adjustments to Vanderbilt’s programs and partnerships to align with national financial literacy initiatives.)
Timeline for Implementation
N/A – No specific deadlines or timelines are mentioned in the directives; the message is primarily informational about enhancing financial literacy.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Financial Literacy and Education Commission: This interagency body, chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury and composed of heads from 23 federal agencies along with the White House Domestic Policy Council, is highlighted for its role in assessing and promoting effective financial education programs.
- Department of the Treasury: Referenced both in its leadership of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission and as a resource provider (with its website offering financial education materials), the Treasury plays a central role in this initiative.
- All Federal Agencies: The President’s directive to ‘untangle the economy from crippling regulatory overreach’ mandates action across all federal agencies, thereby impacting a wide spectrum of government operations.
Relevance Score: 5 (The directive applies to a broad spectrum of federal agencies, including an interagency commission and an all-encompassing directive to all federal agencies, impacting the entire government framework.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of the Treasury – Chairs the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, overseeing efforts to enhance financial literacy and guide digital asset technology policy.
- Heads of 23 Federal Agencies – Serve on the Financial Literacy and Education Commission and are tasked with evaluating and improving financial education programs.
- All Federal Agencies – Directed to review and reduce regulatory overreach in order to address the cost-of-living crisis and deliver economic relief.
- White House Domestic Policy Council – Participates as part of the Commission to shape and implement policies that promote economic freedom and resilience.
Relevance Score: 4 (Impacts agency heads and senior officials who are responsible for broad policy implementation and regulatory reform.)