Why has financial literacy become so critical?
From rising living costs and surging inflation to geopolitical conflict and economic instability, the terrain we’re all trying to navigate is increasingly uncertain.
Everyday financial stressors such as inflation, housing affordability and healthcare continue to weigh heavily on people’s minds (and wallets) across all regions.
People around the world are reporting fatigue, sleep issues, and even depression linked directly to financial stress.
But there’s a clear view from the top: financial literacy, a survival skill to navigate today's economic reality.
What this means for employers
As a reward or benefit leader, you can’t fix inflation. You can’t rewrite global policies.
You can, however, provide your people with the support to climb these financial mountains and navigate the steepest of inclines.
The journey may be challenging but when you equip your people with the right knowledge and support, they can overcome financial uncertainty.
Employees with strong financial literacy are:
- Less likely to feel overwhelmed by anxiety or stress
- More likely to invest in their future
- More confident in managing financial decisions
- Less likely to experience strain in personal relationships due to financial stress
- More likely to report excellent physical and mental health.
When financial literacy strengthens, so does overall wellbeing.
As an employer, you have a crucial role in empowering your team to scale these challenges with resilience and confidence.
What’s inside the 2025 report
This year’s findings reveal:
- Financial sentiment shift: Only 29% of people feel hopeful about their financial future, down from 60% in 2024.
- Top concerns: 56% worry about inflation and housing affordability (30%). In North America, these concerns are even higher at 63% and 38% respectively.
- Spending habits: 44% of people are cutting back on non-essentials, with some reducing savings for emergencies or retirement.
- Financial literacy’s impact: People with strong financial literacy are 9% less likely to feel stressed or anxious and report better overall health.
- Relationships: 19% say financial stress causes tension in relationships, while those with strong financial literacy report more trust and transparency.
Your role: guiding your people
While the economic landscape may be unstable, it’s possible to help your employees scale new heights in their financial wellbeing.
All your people need is the right knowledge and support to handle financial volatility.
The good news is that financial literacy can be learned. Confidence can be built.
The impact can be life changing.
When people gain financial literacy, they are better prepared for the financial peaks and valleys - less stressed, more in control, and ready to make the most of the opportunities they encounter along the way.
Download the report, help your people navigate financial change, and reach new heights together.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Nudge
A leading financial wellbeing benefit using behavioural science & technology to help employees.
