Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Encourages Focus on Financial Wellness During Financial Capability Month and Saves Week

Olympia - With the cost of everyday items including gas, groceries and housing on the rise, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) understands the need for all Washingtonians to be confident in their financial capability when deciding how and where to spend their money. The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) 2025 survey of adults in the U.S. showed "cost of everyday living" as a top source of financial stress. That same survey shows that 66% of the participants did not have the opportunity to take a course or training focused on personal finance.

To help Washingtonians access financial education to support their financial capability and wellness, DFI joins federal and state agencies, non-profits, financial and credit counselors, banks, and credit unions in recognizing Financial Capability Month this April and Saves Week April 6-10.

"Financial education is an important building block in creating financial capability and supporting financial wellness," DFI Director Charlie Clark said. "While money habits can be formed at very early ages, it's important for people to have financial education at every stage of life to ensure people have the information they need when it's needed most."

During April's month-long awareness efforts, DFI staff will provide in-person and online financial education and outreach, social media posts, and support for the work of financial education partners. Learn more about some of DFI's partners on our blog.

Whether a person's goal is paying down debt, starting a savings account, saving for college, buying a car or home, or getting ready for retirement - Financial Capability Month and Saves Week provide a chance for people to prepare.

Learn more at https://dfi.wa.gov/financial-education.