Information from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions

April Is Financial Capability Month

Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed April 2024 as financial capability month in Washington state to highlight the value of quality financial education.

Proclamation from Gov. Jay Inslee

Tips for Improving Your Financial Capability

Financial capability month is a great opportunity to take some steps to improve your financial capability. Here are some steps you can take.

Save for Emergencies

Most financial experts recommend that you have 3-6 months of living expenses saved for emergencies.
Saving for emergencies.

Pull Your Credit Report

Pull your credit report once a year to make sure the information is accurate and you are not a victim of identity theft.
www.annualcreditreport.com

Improve Your Credit Score

Raising your credit score gives you access to better loans and more affordable interest rates.
Tips on how to raise your credit score

Save and Invest in Your Future

Explore retirement options offered by your workplace and/or meet with a certified financial planner about other investing options.
Investor.gov.

Resources for Teaching Personal Finance

April is also a great time to teach our children about personal finance. Below are some resources for educators and parents.

Money Savvy Kids Videos

A series of videos that teach kids the money basic of save, spend, donate, and invest.
Money Savvy Kids videos

Financial Fun Clusters

At home and in classroom resources for grades K-12.
Financial fun clusters: grades K-12

Curriculum and Activities

Financial literacy curriculum and activities for educators.
Financial Education Public-Private Partnership