When most people hear “Financial Literacy Month,” they think about budgeting tips or investment strategies. But for me, financial literacy started somewhere much simpler and honestly, a little uncomfortable.
It started with not knowing.
Before joining SMB, I spent over 10 years working in special education. When I decided to leave teaching, I didn’t have a clear next step. I just knew I was ready for something different.
As I explored other options, I came across my current role. It felt completely outside of what I was used to, but I could see how my skillset could translate in a new setting. It felt like a chance to challenge myself and step into something new, even if I didn’t fully understand what that would look like yet.
I knew there would be a lot to learn and that learning has shaped how I support our clients every day. Stepping into the financial world wasn’t just a career shift, it was also learning a completely new language.
From One Set of Acronyms to Another
In special education, acronyms are part of everyday life. IEPs, FBAs, BIPs. All of them eventually become second nature after you’ve been in the field for a while.
Finance is no different.
Except instead of education-based terms, I was now hearing things like IRAs, cost basis, margin, RMDs, AUM, and the difference between qualified and non-qualified accounts. Many of those ‘basic’ concepts took time for me to really understand.
Coming from a profession with a pension system, I didn’t feel a strong need to understand how different retirement accounts worked or what their advantages were. It wasn’t something I had to think about daily.
So, when I entered the finance world, I was starting from scratch and that gave me the opportunity to build my understanding from the ground up.
Learning by Doing
I started learning through consistent exposure and repetition.
I spent a lot of time doing my own research - Googling terms, reading articles, and trying to piece together what we do for our clients. I made flashcards (Quizlet became one of my go-to tools) and practiced them until the terminology started to stick.
As I took on new responsibilities, I tested my understanding along the way. I was also fortunate to be part of a team that took the time to explain things in a way that made sense, often using real-life examples.
Over time, the language became familiar, the conversations were easier to follow, and my confidence began to build.
What It Means to Me Now
After nearly two years as a Client Service Associate, I see financial literacy differently than I did when I first started.
It’s not about understanding every technical detail.
For me, it’s about having a solid foundation to make informed decisions and feeling confident asking questions when something doesn’t make sense.
One of the most meaningful changes for me has been outside the office. When friends and family come to me with questions about different types of accounts, I’m now able to answer them with confidence.
What stands out the most is how many people feel the same way I did when I started. They’ve heard the terms and know they should understand them, but no one has ever explained things in a way that feels approachable.
That’s where financial literacy really matters.
Where It All Comes Together
Looking back, my experience in special education prepared me for this role in ways I didn’t expect.
At their core, both fields are about communication: taking something complex and making it easier to understand. Meeting people where they are, not where you think they should be. And helping build confidence over time, not all at once.
For me, financial literacy isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to learn, asking questions (even when you’re not sure where to start), and taking the time to understand the basics that everything else builds on.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about financial terms or strategies, you’re not behind. You’re just at the beginning of the learning process and that’s exactly where everyone starts.
Final Thought
Confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from understanding a little more than you did yesterday and having someone you trust to guide you along the way.
If you ever have questions about financial terms, accounts, or strategies, we’re always here to help.
Financial Literacy Month: Learning a New Language
