Montana Celebrates April as Financial Literacy Month

Montana Celebrates April as Financial Literacy Month

Montana joins states across the country to recognize April as Financial Literacy Month, a time dedicated to enhancing personal financial knowledge and skills. 

The Montana Council for Economic Education’s mission is to empower Montana’s youth by improving economic and financial decision-making.  It meets its mission through classroom simulations, student competitions, and teacher training. 

With the recent adoption of new graduation requirements in Montana to include a half credit of economics or personal finance for the graduating class of 2026, teacher, school, and administrator support is more critical than ever.

Dax Schieffer, MCEE Executive Director, noted the significance of financial literacy in everyday life beyond the classroom. “Financial literacy is not just about understanding complex financial concepts; it’s about making sound decisions that lead to financial security and well-being.”

Financial literacy plays a crucial role in fostering economic stability and prosperity within communities. It equips individuals with the knowledge to manage budgets, navigate credit responsibly, invest wisely, and plan for the future effectively.

Governor Greg Gianforte expressed his support for Financial Literacy Month, signing a proclamation stating, it is essential that Montanans of all ages and backgrounds be financially literate, responsible, and able to properly manage money and investments and by increasing the financial knowledge of Montanans, they can improve the quality of their lives, develop skills for success, as well as strengthen the economy.

The Montana Council for Economic Education hosts the Montana Personal Finance Challenge featuring high school teams from across the state to compete for cash prizes and chance to represent Montana at the National Personal Finance Challenge in Cleveland, Ohio.  Winning students will be announced April 17 with the National Competition May 19-20. 

MCEE will also be announcing winners of the Spring Stock Market Game, Big Sky Biz Sim, and the Montana Economics Challenge in April. 

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