Financial literacy isn’t a skill we’re born with. 

In fact, many Americans never learned important financial topics like budgeting, saving, credit, and investing in school. 

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to managing and growing your money, you’re not alone. 

Enter KashKick’s financial literacy guide.

Yes, KashKick is a free rewards app. You can earn money for playing games, taking surveys and claiming offers. But KashKick is also keen on helping folks get better with money. Just check out some of the deals on the app; you can earn rewards when you check your credit score, set up a debt repayment plan, start a side gig and more.

Feeling overwhelmed? No need! With a sprinkle of knowledge and a dash of enthusiasm, you can transform your financial life. 

With KashKick as your sidekick, let’s break down eight essential financial skills that’ll help you take control of your financial future.

What Is Financial Literacy?

Financial literacy means understanding how money works so you can develop and use financial skills like:

• Budgeting
• Investing
• Saving
• Managing debt
• Using credit

And more.

Being financially literate doesn’t mean you’ll never make mistakes or have a perfectly managed budget. 

Financial literacy simply helps you make better choices and map out a path forward—even when things go awry (because that’s life!).

The Importance of Financial Literacy

As you know, money impacts every aspect of your life: where you live, how you eat, your access to health care, your relationships and your mental health. When financial literacy is low, people are more likely to live paycheck to paycheck, rely on high-interest debt and feel stressed.

Improving your financial literacy can help you:

• Feel more in control of your finances—and life
• Reduce money-related anxiety
• Avoid common financial pitfalls
• Make better decisions over the long term
• Build your confidence

Simply having a plan for your finances—like how to pay off your debt or save a certain amount of money—can make a huge impact in your life.

8 Financial Literacy Basics You Can Master

You don’t need to know everything about money to improve your finances. By picking up a few financial literacy basics, you can start making more informed decisions, avoid common mistakes and build healthier habits to support your long-term goals.

1. Budgeting: Your Financial GPS

Budgeting is like having a GPS for your finances. It helps you navigate your income and expenses, ensuring you don’t get lost in a sea of debt. 

Although it can seem scary, budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with the basics by listing your income, tracking your expenses and seeing where your money goes. 

Once you have a clear map, adjust your spending to reach your financial destination!

🥷 KashKick tip: There are plenty of apps out there to help you build your own budget. Not sure where to start? Check KashKick’s deals to find an app that’ll reward you with a bonus when you get started.

Right now, you can snag a $36 bonus when you sign up for Monarch Money. Monarch syncs with over 13,000 banks to give you a full financial picture with custom charts to help you understand where your money is going.

https://kashkick.com/guide/8-steps-to-rock-your-budget-even-when-your-income-is-unpredictable/
https://home.kashkick.com/guide/the-debt-free-blueprint-7-budgeting-strategies-to-conquer-your-debt/ 

2. Saving: The Art of Paying Yourself First

Imagine if you set aside a portion of your income just for yourself every time you get paid. That’s the essence of saving! Make a goal to save at least 20% of your income. Create an emergency fund, save for big purchases and watch your savings grow over time. Remember, every little bit adds up!

🥷 KashKick tip: Set up your bank account to automatically transfer money into savings. Even $5 a week can make a big difference!

You can also enlist the help of an app, like Piere. Piere’s AI shows you the path to your goals and automates each step to help you achieve them. You can also earn up to $16.25 when you sign up for Piere through KashKick!

KashKick’s even covered you with a few savings articles, too. Check them out below:

https://guide.kashkick.com/strategies-to-save-on-your-monthly-bills/
https://guide.kashkick.com/how-to-build-a-bulletproof-emergency-fund/

3. Investing: Planting Money Trees

Investing is like planting money trees that bear fruit over time. Whether it’s stocks, bonds or real estate, investing can help your money grow. 

Start by understanding the basics and gradually building your portfolio. The earlier you start, the better your harvest will be!

🥷 KashKick tip: Did you know you can invest in real estate without buying a whole house? A platform like Ark7 lets you invest in shares of professionally managed rental homes across the U.S. You can receive a monthly distribution. 

When you sign up for Ark7 via KashKick and purchase your first share of $100 or more, you can earn a $40 reward.

For even more tips on investing, take a look at these articles:

https://home.kashkick.com/guide/common-investment-mistakes-to-avoid/
https://home.kashkick.com/guide/earn-with-kashkick-while-investing-your-tax-refund-like-a-pro/ 

4. Credit Management: The Power of a Good Score

Your credit score is your financial report card. A good score opens doors to better interest rates and financial opportunities. 

So, how do you build and maintain good credit? Pay your bills on time, keep your credit card balances low and avoid unnecessary debt. Your future self will thank you!

🥷 KashKick tip: If you haven’t thought about your credit score in a while, the best first step is to investigate! Get your credit score for free with a website like Credit Sesame, which even creates a game plan to improve your score! You’ll get a $1 bonus through KashKick, too.

For some important advice on credit, dive into these articles:

https://kashkick.com/guide/best-apps-to-build-credit/
https://kashkick.com/guide/navigating-the-importance-of-good-credit/ 

5. Debt Management: Taming the Debt Dragon

Debt can feel like a fire-breathing dragon, but with the right strategy, you can tame it.

Focus on paying off high-interest debt first, consolidate if possible and avoid accumulating new debt. Dedicate a certain percentage of your paycheck to paying off debt, as you would for savings—you won’t regret it! 

🥷 KashKick tip: There’s no shame in asking for a little help. If you have over $10,000 in unsecured credit card debt, National Debt Relief will provide you a free, no-obligation consultation to help you settle your debt for less than you owe. Even better? Get a $125 bonus when you sign up through KashKick and make your first deposit.

https://kashkick.com/guide/debt-consolidation-loans-vs-debt-management-plans-whats-the-difference/
https://home.kashkick.com/guide/the-debt-free-blueprint-7-budgeting-strategies-to-conquer-your-debt/ 

6. Retirement Planning: Your Future Self’s Best Friend

Retirement might seem like a distant dream, but planning for it now ensures a comfortable future. 

Explore options like 401(k)s and IRAs, and start contributing early. You can do the same as you’re doing for savings and paying off debt—dedicate a certain percentage of your paycheck to your retirement fund. Think of it as a gift to your future self—a gift of financial freedom!

🥷 KashKick tip: With iTrustCapital, you can buy and sell crypto, gold, and silver with your IRA. When you fund your account with a minimum of $1,000, you can earn a $100 KashKick reward.

https://guide.kashkick.com/why-people-with-a-fixed-income-should-still-invest/
https://guide.kashkick.com/5-game-changing-budgeting-methods-to-keep-your-finances-in-check/

7. Tax Savvy: Keeping More of Your Hard-Earned Money

Understanding taxes can save you a significant amount of money. Learn about deductions, credits and tax-efficient investments. 

Whether you do your taxes yourself or hire a professional, being tax-savvy ensures you keep more of your hard-earned money.

🥷 KashKick tip: Prepare and file your tax return by April 15 with E-File for a $5 reward through KashKick.

https://guide.kashkick.com/your-guide-to-maximizing-tax-refunds

8. Insurance: Your Financial Safety Net

Insurance is your financial safety net because it protects you from unexpected expenses. From health and life insurance to property and auto insurance, ensure you’re adequately covered. 

You could find yourself in a serious financial mess without it—it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

🥷 KashKick tip: Unfortunately, therapy isn’t always covered on health insurance policies. For a more affordable option, look into an online platform like BetterHelp. Purchase a subscription through KashKick for a $75 bonus (plus a 20% discount on your first month).

https://kashkick.com/guide/medication-money-savers-five-strategies-to-cut-prescription-costs

How Extra Income Supports Financial Literacy

One often overlooked part of financial literacy is income. While cutting your expenses helps, earning a little extra money can make it easier to achieve your financial goals. 

That’s where KashKick wants to help you. Not only can you make money by claiming deals on products and services that help improve your finances, but you can also make some extra cash to pad your bank account by:

• Taking surveys
• Playing games
• Shopping online

KashKick won’t replace your full-time income, but earning extra money in your free time can help kickstart your savings or debt payoff plan! Even an extra $25 to $50 a month can go a long way.

How to Start Improving Your Financial Literacy Today 

The journey to financial success is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay committed, keep learning, and enjoy the rewards of your hard work. Your financial future is bright, and it all starts with these fundamental skills. Happy learning!

Financial Literacy Guide FAQ

Can a financial literacy guide help me if I don’t make much money?

Yes. A financial literacy guide can help at any income level. Financial literacy focuses on managing what you have, building consistent habits and making intentional choices. Even small changes, like budgeting better or earning extra income, can make a meaningful difference over time.

How do I start learning financial literacy?

Begin with basic topics such as budgeting, saving and credit management. Apply what you learn gradually, track your progress and use tools or apps to reinforce good habits while earning small rewards along the way.

What are the most important financial literacy skills to learn first?

The most important skills to start with include budgeting, saving, and credit management. These form the foundation of healthy money habits. Once you’re comfortable, you can expand to investing, debt repayment strategies, retirement planning and taxes.