The movement to make financial literacy a core component of education has gained ground in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signed a bill mandating financial literacy education for high school students, according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
House Bill 2158, introduced by Representative Dick Lowe, aims to equip students with essential financial skills before graduation.
"Requiring students to master financial literacy before graduating isn't just about balancing budgets," Lowe said in a statement. "It's about laying a good foundation as they begin the next chapter of their lives by equipping them with the tools they need to navigate financial decisions thoughtfully."
The legislation requires students to complete a half-unit of personal financial literacy coursework during their sophomore, junior, or senior years, either as part of an existing class or a standalone course.
The bill sets out a raft of required financial topics, include retirement, investing, online banking, and understanding credit scores.
Governor Stitt emphasized the importance of these skills for students' future success. "I proudly signed HB 2158 into law because students need these crucial financial literacy skills to thrive in their lives and careers," he said.
Senator Brenda Stanley, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, noted the broader benefits of financial education.
"In addition to ensuring Oklahoma students receive a quality education, we must provide them with tools for success as they transition into adulthood," Stanley said.
"It was an honor to work with Representative Lowe on this legislation that ensures young adults in our state are introduced to budgeting, investing, retirement planning, credit scores, homeownership, and other subjects related to personal finances," she said.
The latest move in Oklahoma builds on an encouraging streak of states approving laws requiring financial literacy education in high schools. According to the 2024 Survey of the States report from the Council for Economic Education, nine states have moved to enshrine the need for financial literacy education in high schools as a legal requirement in the last year alone.
Oklahoma’s new financial education requirement will take effect on July 1, 2025.
CEO Laurel Taylor says the fintech's composable AI stack helps workers optimize dollars across Trump Accounts, 529s, 401(k)s, and other employee benefits.
The bank has swiped three private banking veterans from BNY as the city climbs the ranks of America's fastest-growing wealth hubs.
Employee accounts, crypto trials and job cuts frame a pivotal year for the Swiss lender.
New name draws on founder's family history as consolidation reshapes the broker-dealer landscape.
Deal brings tech-focused planning expertise, expanded Pacific Northwest presence to national RIA platform.
Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income
Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.
