A new study from Junior Achievement and MissionSquare Retirement’s Foundation found that 43% of teens ages 13–18 are worried they won’t have enough money to meet their future needs and goals. The findings come as 45% of high schoolers reported taking a personal finance or financial literacy class—up from 31% in 2024.

While 64% of students who took these courses rated them as extremely or very helpful, the survey revealed significant knowledge gaps persist among American teens.

Key findings

  • 68% of teens believe saving for retirement can wait until later in life
  • 43% think an 18% interest rate on debt is manageable and can be paid off over time
  • 80% have never heard of FICO credit scores or don’t fully understand their purpose
  • The most appealing investing strategies for teens are:
    • Savings accounts
    • Side hustles
    • Keeping cash at home
  • When receiving money:
    • 36% save for the future
    • 23% save for education
    • 13% invest

“With more states adopting financial literacy requirements, the research suggests that not all courses are achieving their full potential,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. “Financial literacy programs must embrace evidence-based strategies that not only deepen knowledge but also shape positive attitudes and behaviors.”

About the study

Junior Achievement delivers a rigorous, multi-year curriculum aligned with state standards through nearly 100 organizations nationwide. Their programs cover personal finance, investing, economics, entrepreneurship, career planning, and creative thinking.

The Wakefield Research study surveyed 1,000 nationally representative U.S. teens from Feb. 3–10, 2025, with a sampling margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

This article was originally published by The Washington Informer.