The Financial Ecosystem

The Future

In this culminating episode, Chloe will weave together the insights from the previous episodes, exploring the journey from the historical roots of financial literacy to the current wave of reform. Revisiting key concepts from previous episodes, Chloe will synthesize the discussions on the intersection of financial literacy, shame, and trauma and reflect on the new pathways for a more inclusive and just approach to financial education and how practitioners should contribute to it.

The Financial Ecosystem

Creating effective financial education is complex, especially when the system itself is oppressive by design. This episode dives into real solutions, looking at how financial education can help address wealth inequality while drawing on research on the lived experiences of Black women participating in the economy. Chloe and her guests, Michael Dedmon and Josh Caraballo, discuss the delicate balance between acknowledging financial trauma and pushing for wealth justice, drawing on both research and personal stories to highlight ways forward.

The Perspective of the Learner

Now that we know the origins of financial literacy, we can better understand why the larger financial education system encompassing financial literacy has embedded legacies of white supremacy. For years, the prevailing message has been that anyone can budget, save, borrow, and invest their way out of financial hardship, and even oppression—but that mindset is shifting. In this episode, Chloe and her guest Michelle Samuels-Jones, Ed.D discuss this pivotal turning point. They explain why financial education is evolving to recognize identity and cultural competency as essential to financial education. They will also discuss practical strategies and approaches they continue to learn about, amplify and support to model financial education can—and should—engage people in a more inclusive and equitable way.

The Whole Story

The concept of financial literacy dates back to 1914 and the Smith-Lever Act. The earliest research was done in 1920 by a woman studying home economics. How did this become a multi-million dollar industry, and what are some of the effects of its presence culturally? In this episode, Chloe explores the roots of financial literacy, including its connection to personal accountability and individualism, and introduces the concepts of financial trauma and shame. She also highlights why financial education is vital and how we must ground ourselves in the harsh truth of our history to advance wealth justice.

Welcome to the Silence is Violence Podcast

Welcome to the Silence is Violence - Stories of Financial Education series. In collaboration with the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), Silence is Violence delves into financial education's critical role in pursuing wealth justice. Across four thought-provoking episodes, we will: 1. Uncover the harmful history and cultural impacts of financial education 2. Discuss the importance of identity and cultural understanding 3. Present data-informed solutions that address the intersections of financial literacy, shame, and trauma 4. Explore financial education's role in advancing wealth justice Chloe invites experts and individuals with lived experiences to help break the silence around financial trauma and explore actionable solutions. Join us in this enlightening journey as we uncover the complex layers of financial trauma and empower each other to become catalysts for change.