Recent data from TIAA and Stanford University indicate a significant decline in the financial literacy of U.S. adults, reaching a ten-year nadir in 2025.

TIAA 與史丹福大學的最新數據顯示，美國成年人的金融素養大幅下降，在 2025 年達到十年來的最低點。

Quantitative assessments reveal that the proportion of U.S. adults capable of correctly answering basic financial queries has diminished to 47% in 2025, representing a contraction from the 52% peak observed in 2020. This downward trajectory is exacerbated by an increase in the cohort characterized by 'very low' financial literacy, which expanded from 20% to 25% over the preceding decade. Demographic disparities are pronounced; the lowest proficiency levels are concentrated among Gen Z (38%), women (44%), and Black and Hispanic populations. Conversely, baby boomers demonstrated the highest competency at 54%.

定量評估顯示，在 2025 年，能夠正確回答基本金融問題的美國成年人比例已下降至 47%，較 2020 年的峰值 52% 有所萎縮。而「極低」金融素養群體的比例在過去十年從 20% 增加至 25%，使得這 downward 趨勢更加惡化。人口差異十分明顯；熟練程度最低的集中在 Z 世代 (38%)、女性 (44%) 以及非裔和拉丁裔族群。相反地，嬰兒潮世代表現出最高的熟練度，達 54%。

Stakeholder perspectives on the causality of this decline diverge. Surya Kolluri of the TIAA Institute and analyst Matt Schulz suggest that the proliferation of inaccurate financial data via social media platforms has compromised the ability of consumers to discern reliable guidance. Furthermore, the systemic complexity of retirement frameworks—as posited by economists John Campbell and Tarun Ramadorai—suggests that the cognitive burden may be misplaced upon the consumer rather than the architects of these intricate financial products. Critics further contend that institutional opacity, manifested through dense disclosure statements, deliberately obscures critical product details.

利益相關者對此次下降原因的看法分歧。TIAA 學院的 Surya Kolluri 與分析師 Matt Schulz 指出，社交媒體平台傳播的錯誤金融數據損害了消費者分辨可靠指引的能力。此外，經濟學家 John Campbell 與 Tarun Ramadorai 認為，退休框架的系統複雜性意味著認知負擔可能被錯誤地強加於消費者，而非這些複雜金融產品的設計者。批評者進一步主張，機構的不透明度（體現於冗長的披露聲明）刻意掩蓋了關鍵的產品細節。

Economic implications of this cognitive deficit are substantial. The National Financial Educators Council estimates the aggregate cost of financial illiteracy at $245 billion. There is a documented correlation between low literacy and adverse fiscal outcomes, including elevated debt levels and a fourfold increase in the probability of household insolvency. To mitigate these risks, TIAA advocates for a tripartite strategic intervention: the integration of financial curricula into primary and secondary education, the implementation of targeted initiatives for marginalized demographics, and the enhancement of functional risk comprehension.

這種認知缺陷產生的經濟影響十分巨大。國家金融教育委員會估計，金融素養不足造成的總成本高達 2,450 億美元。研究紀錄顯示，低素養與不良的財政結果之間存在相關性，包括債務水平提高以及家庭破產機率增加四倍。為了緩解這些風險，TIAA 主張採取三方面的策略干預：將金融課程納入中小學教育、為邊緣化族群實施針對性計劃，以及強化對功能性風險的理解。

U.S. financial literacy remains critically low and stagnant, necessitating systemic educational reforms to prevent further economic instability.

美國的金融素養維持在極低且停滯的狀態，必須進行系統性的教育改革，以防止進一步的經濟不穩定。