Robert Orben, former comedy writer and speechwriter for President Gerald Ford, once quipped, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” Evidently, this quote resonated with syndicated columnist Ann Landers, who first shared it with her readers back in 1975.
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Many Americans are acutely aware of the costs associated with financial illiteracy. A 2025 survey conducted by the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) revealed the annual impact linked to the lack of financial knowledge is around $948 per year, with prior year surveys finding that cost exceeded $1,800 per American. No matter which way you cut it, that works out to costing Americans hundreds of billions of dollars each year.
It’s now a common practice for U.S. employers to offer financial wellness benefits to raise employees’ awareness about a range of financial topics, like tackling debt and practical investment concepts.
Workplace financial wellness programs appear to be quite popular among many American employees. Voya’s 2023 “Participant Sentiments Survey” revealed 80% of employees are somewhat or very interested in financial wellness offerings. Eighty-two percent of employees said investment education is among their top two topics of interest.
If you are also interested in learning more about investments, here are eight free resources to consider:
— Workplace financial wellness programs.
— CFP Board.
— Investment providers and planners.
— U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
— U.S. Department of Labor.
— Financial Planning Association.
— Online courses.
— Libraries.
Workplace Financial Wellness Programs
A 2022 Bank of America study found 97% of employers feel responsible for their employees’ financial wellness, and 84% say financial wellness programs can help them reduce employee attrition. For example, many employers are aware that when their employees are comfortable with their retirement plan investments and feel like they are on track to retire on time, they are less likely to shop for another job. Typically, employers deliver investment education through their workplace plan providers and on-site or online learning activities.
CFP Board
Consumer education and raising awareness are a key priority for CFP Board in the coming decade, according to the CFP Board. As the certification authority for financial planners, the CFP Board offers accessible financial resources on LetsMakeAPlan.org, covering everything from investment planning to preparing for major life events.
Investment Providers and Planners
It’s common for investment companies and financial planning firms to offer consumers access to a range of free investment resources. Vanguard, Fidelity and Manulife, for example, share basic education ranging from how to start an investment strategy to key insights on capital markets. Many registered investment advisors, like Compound Planning, can dive a bit deeper on specific investment strategies, such as how to evaluate private equity or plan for a 1031 real estate exchange.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission offers consumers an excellent primer on how to build an investment savings plan, what key investment terms mean, and how to protect against investment fraud.
U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor’s “Taking the Mystery Out of Retirement Planning” outlines how investors can use their resources, like a 401(k) plan, to generate income in retirement. Chapter 2 of this resource shares key tips on investment portfolio design in retirement.
Financial Planning Association
The Financial Planning Association offers consumers tips on how to access pro bono financial planning nationwide and what types of questions they should ask a prospective financial advisor.
Online Courses
There are a variety of free investment courses offered online. Yale University offers open classes on financial markets. Morningstar’s Investing Classroom covers several investment topics, like the basics of bonds and stocks and portfolio construction. Wharton Online, as well as a number of other well-respected programs, offer free courses on business, finance and investing through sites like Coursera.
Libraries
Local libraries and the American Library Association offer free resources to investors of all ages, including children and teens.
All of these free resources are intended to increase your comfort level with various investment topics. And as Benjamin Franklin once put it, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
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8 Free Investment Classes and Resources for Adults and Teens originally appeared on usnews.com
Update 03/30/26: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.
