April is Financial Literacy Month, a national observance aimed at raising awareness about the importance of financial education and encouraging Americans to practice healthy financial habits. As a financial advisor with United Bankshares, I’ve seen firsthand the difference a strong financial edu cation can make in a person’s future.  Ebony Robinson, Vice President and Financial Advisor, United Brokerage Services, Inc According to the 2025 TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index, financial literacy in the U.S. has remained stagnant in recent years, recently dropping to 49% – the same level as the inaugural 2017 Index. A demographic breakdown also shows that financial literacy levels tend to be the lowest among women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Gen Z.  However, financial literacy isn’t predetermined by identity or circumstance. Often, access to resources and guidance is the key differentiator in building strong financial habits. From how to save and build wealth to how to protect your assets, here are a few simple steps I often share with clients that can help you make the most of your money this Financial Literacy Month and beyond. Reassess your finances One of the best first steps to understanding your finances is to carefully review them. Looking back at the past 12 months of your finances – credit card statements, bank transactions, investment accounts, and debt statements – gives you a clear and honest understanding of how your financial life is actually operating.  A thorough financial review can uncover meaningful insights, including where you are spending your money and whether that aligns with your goals, how much you are contributing to your investment accounts and how they’re performing. This is also an opportunity to identify inefficiencies, such as interest charges on high-APR credit cards, and unnecessary or forgotten expenses, like subscriptions, which may be holding you back from strengthening your financial position.  Often, a review of how your money is moving is all it takes to better understand your finances. Establish a financial plan Now that you have a better picture of your financial situation, the next step is to begin planning.  At its core, financial planning is about developing a strategy for your money. It covers topics such as saving, investing, budgeting, planning for retirement, handling taxes, and estate planning. The goal is to build a solid foundation for financial security and independence.  Many people put off financial planning because it feels overwhelming or out of reach – but it doesn’t have to be. Financial planning is for people who want to make smarter decisions with their money, and working with a financial advisor can help ease the burden and bridge that knowledge gap. Financial planning allows you to take control of your financial future, avoid common mistakes, and be prepared for life’s uncertainties. With a solid plan, you have a clear roadmap for your money, which helps you make smarter decisions and stay on track to reach your goals. Make a will Once you’ve taken steps to understand and grow your finances, it’s just as important to think about how those assets are protected and passed on. As the saying goes, “you can’t take it with you.” After spending a lifetime accumulating wealth, it’s time to decide what happens to it after you’re gone.  As my colleague in Trust and Estate Planning often reminds clients, everyone should have an estate plan to determine what happens to what you leave behind. “We don’t like to talk about death, but the reality is that no one lives forever,” said Regan Lonchena, United Bank Wealth Management SVP and Director of Advanced Planning Trust Legal Counsel. “You can’t prevent death when it’s your time, but what you can do is prepare for it and make sure your money, property, investments, and dependents are all taken care of according to your wishes after you’re gone.” Creating an estate plan and making a will isn’t just for the wealthy. Lonchena suggests that anyone over 18 years old should have an estate plan. “At 18, you are legally considered an adult, meaning parents are no longer able to access health information or make medical or financial decisions for their children.”  An estate plan ensures you – not the state – decide what happens to your assets. Without a will and other estate planning documents, like a power of attorney, the state may decide what happens to assets, personal belongings, and private items in the case of a person’s incapacitation or death. Don’t let all your earnings, savings, investing, and smart money moves go to waste by forgoing an estate plan in the end. Financial literacy doesn’t require expertise – it starts with small, intentional steps. By taking the time to understand your finances, create a plan, and protect what you’ve built, you begin laying the foundation for long-term financial stability. This Financial Literacy Month, the goal isn’t to know everything, it’s to start.  The post You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Build a Strong Financial Future appeared first on The Atlanta Voice. ...read more read less