MONEY: HOW TO BOLSTER YOUR FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE

Melinda Perez, a financial educator, still remembers the first time she felt financially confident. She had recently started investing money outside of her employer-sponsored retirement account because she was finally earning more than she spent. “It was exciting because for once, I had what felt like extra money,” recalls Perez, who lives in San Antonio, Texas.

Financial confidence, or the belief in one’s money-related abilities, might not come up as much as financial literacy — especially in April, Financial Literacy Month — but money experts say it’s often the hidden ingredient behind savvy money decisions. “If there’s no financial confidence, there is no willpower to succeed. We translate that to financial self-efficacy,” says Perez, who also studies financial confidence as part of her research as a doctoral candidate in organizational leadership.

But confidence with money can be hard to come by. According to a survey in January, three quarters of Americans say they do not feel confident about their personal finances for 2023, and many of them cite the uncertain U.S. economy.

There are, however, ways to boost your financial confidence. Here’s how to get started:

SEEK FINANCIAL EDUCATION

Learning essential lessons around budgeting, saving and investing helps boost financial literacy, Perez says, which can positively impact actions. “To increase financial confidence, we need to increase education, so you know what tools you need,” she adds.

Those seeking financial education should start with local organizations and community groups that provide information for free, she adds. Finding financial literacy-focused groups on Facebook or searching “financial education resources” for your area can lead to helpful resources. The U.S. government’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency also offers a helpful Financial Literacy Resource Directory.