Financial well-being is built over time. For many, improving financial literacy is the first step toward feeling more in control of their finances.

Financial Literacy Month, celebrated every April, is an opportunity to recognize the value of everyday money decisions, from budgeting and saving to credit and long-term planning.

• Capital One's Retail Bank VP of Financial Health & Liquidity Adam Davis shares how consumers can use Financial Literacy Month to kickstart lasting money habits and confidence.

1. Get up to date: According to recent data, many people feel anxious or uncertain about their finances. What are you seeing as the biggest gaps in financial knowledge right now?

Davis: Despite a desire to focus on major life milestones like buying a car or home, a recent study found that financial literacy remains low among Gen Z, which, on average, answered only 38% of financial literacy questions correctly.

While financial literacy may feel intimidating, the fundamentals remain essential:

• Understanding how to budget.
• Saving consistently.
• Using credit responsibly.

2. What's in it for you: How can Capital One help consumers manage their money more effectively?

Davis: At Capital One, we focus on helping people build financial wellness and confidence through practical education, everyday tools and support that meets customers where they are on their personal finance journey.

Some examples: We think of products as tools, not solutions. The following tools can support better habits when paired with education and intention.

• The Capital One 360 Performance Savings account has a high-yield rate and can help customers grow their savings with easy automated transfers.
• The Capital One 360 Checking account offers fee-free, flexible access to everyday banking, helping customers stay connected to their money.

3. Here's what else: How do automatic savings products help instill better money habits?

Davis: For consumers looking to build better money habits, it often starts with awareness — understanding where money is going and why.

Our automatic savings tools can shift saving from a task that may feel overwhelming to something that happens automatically.

• Capital One's AutoPilot makes transfers as frequently as once a day to your savings account in small amounts based on your recent activity, when your available checking balance is above a certain amount.
• Timely alerts can also help customers stay on top of their finances and make more intentional decisions.

4. Plus, plus, plus: Another gap in financial knowledge today involves parents being unsure of how to teach their kids about money. What do you recommend?

Davis: We see opportunities to start that education earlier.

Teaching kids and teens basic money concepts through conversations, everyday examples and interactive tools can set them up for long-term success.

• Capital One has tools designed to support age-appropriate learning, giving families ways to introduce real-world money concepts with guidance and guardrails.

✅ MONEY Teen Checking is a free, hands-on, online-only checking account designed for kids and teens (ages 8-18+) featuring a no-fee debit card, competitive interest earnings rates and robust parental controls.

• Parents can monitor spending, pay allowances, lock the card and set limits via the Capital One mobile app while teens gain first-hand experience managing their own finances.

✅ The Capital One Kids Savings Account (KSA) provides minors with opportunities to learn about managing their own finances, including the ability to interact with the account, sign in and check their balance online and make mobile deposits.

• The KSA does not require a minimum balance and allows parents to log in with their own account to help with tasks like setting up savings plans.

5. Get involved: Beyond digital tools, Capital One supports financial literacy through in-person education and community engagement. What kind of programming and support can consumers expect during Financial Literacy Month?

Davis: Capital One is hosting a series of workshops every Thursday in April from 1-2 pm local time at Capital One Cafés across the country.

These workshops are focused around growing consumer financial literacy and turning financial goals into actions.

📅 Mark your calendar for…

• Scam Workshops (April 2 & 16): Interactive workshops including role-play scenarios to learn how to spot and block the latest fraud tactics.
• Power Hour Workshops (April 9 & 23): Productivity parties for attendees to tackle at least one lingering financial chore (e.g. paying a bill or starting an emergency fund).
• Grow Your Goals Event (April 30): A celebration of Financial Literacy Month journeys where guests can hang their financial aspirations on the Café's Community Tree, showcasing their commitment to achieving their financial goals.

6. Next steps: How can consumers use Financial Literacy Month as a catalyst to improve their financial outlook?

Davis: Start small. Financial literacy isn't about doing everything at once; it's about taking one step, building confidence and staying consistent. Lasting progress comes from everyday habits.

Financial literacy starts with the right mindset and the right support. Whether through education, tools or community engagement, the goal is to help people feel more confident navigating their financial lives.

Take control of your finances with Capital One.