Managing your finances today can often feel overwhelming. With new tools, resources, and advice coming at you from all sides – your friends, inbox, TikTok® – it’s no surprise that many people still feel unsure about how to handle their money. But what if the problem wasn’t the volume of financial information you were receiving but the quality?
While many content producers with non-academic backgrounds are telling you what to do with your money, Chime’s In The Green™ is written by a team of 20 accredited finance experts to help you cut through all the clutter. Offering clear, accurate, and actionable information, In The Green demystifies money and makes it easier to take control of your financial future once and for all.
Could the financial education gap be holding you back?
The lack of easy access to reliable financial education is preventing people from making informed decisions about their money.
How do we know? We surveyed 500 Gen Zers (ages 16-27) and 500 Millennials (ages 28-43)¹ about all things money-related and 65% of respondents with full-time jobs think that access to high-quality financial education and resources is limited. The number jumps even higher for those with more flexible work styles: 72% of part-time workers and self-employed people feel they don’t have the financial knowledge they need.
According to our survey, the information gap is especially pronounced among women, who historically have been underserved in terms of financial resources. For decades, women were denied access to financial products like credit cards and loans without a male co-signer, which blocked their ability to manage and grow their finances.² This also meant women had fewer opportunities to learn how financial systems worked.
Unfortunately, that legacy lives on today. Currently, only 33% of the global population is deemed financially literate, and rates for women are lower than for men around the world.³
But regardless of gender, with so many people reporting that they don’t know their 401Ks from their IRAs, it’s clear that more needs to be done to educate consumers so they can manage day-to-day expenses, prepare for emergencies, and plan for their future.
We know that people are hungry for financial knowledge. With 65% of Gen Z and 55% of Millennials searching for it on social media,¹ we asked what topics they’re most interested in.
1. Budgeting and money management
According to our survey, the biggest area of interest is budgeting and money management. Among Gen Z, 64% said they want to know more about how to effectively manage their money.
For Millennials, the percentage is slightly lower at 58%, but the need is still there. And it’s no wonder: Balancing expenses, savings, and debt can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting your career or when you’re juggling the costs of family life.
On In the Green, you can learn how to use AI to put yourself on a realistic budget. Or why doom spending is taking a serious toll on your bank account. If knowledge is power, then this type of information can truly help put you in control of your finances.
2. Investing and long-term wealth
Even in the face of economic uncertainty, younger generations are still looking to build long-term wealth. 46% of Gen Zers said they wanted to learn more about investing, while 41% of Millennials said the same. However, investing advice is often targeted at older generations with a higher level of disposable income.
Our practical advice is relevant for those just starting out on their investing journey as well as for people a bit farther down the tracks. After all, while you may be years away from turning 65, creating a savings timeline can help you turn your future financial goals from “never gonna happen” into a clear, step-by-step game plan, making retirement feel more like a win than a worry.
Meanwhile, for the crypto-curious hoping to build more immediate wealth, understanding how inflation is impacting the crypto landscape can mean the difference between being financially savvy or sorry.
Chime’s content on In The Green is committed to providing the kind of education that makes every stage of your financial life more doable.
3. Building an emergency fund
With the unpredictability of modern life, having spare funds can make a person feel more financially and emotionally stable. But when it comes to saving and building emergency funds, 52% of Millennials said they need more information on how to build a safety net. 44% of Gen Zers felt the same, saying that saving for the unexpected is a concern of theirs.¹
Ever wonder how and where to start your emergency fund? We’ve got the answers. And our emergency fund calculator can help you figure out exactly how much to set aside, no matter your income.
For issues that need more urgent financial attention, Chime’s Get Paid Early feature lets members get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.⁴ Just set up direct deposit to your Chime® Checking Account. As soon as your paycheck comes through, Chime will make the money available in your account, which is often up to two days early. This allows you to slide it into savings and watch it grow, or use it to pay for bills, groceries, or a night out.
Unlock Financial Progress™ with In the Green
As the workforce shifts and grows, so do the financial tools and education you need to thrive. The old methods, like waiting for biweekly paychecks or following generic money advice, just won’t cut it anymore.
With fresh, relevant insights presented in a no-nonsense style, In the Green keeps you ahead of the curve, helping you make smarter money moves every step of the way.
FAQs
Is there a tool that makes budgeting easier?
Chime’s budget calculator helps you stick to the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests putting 50% of your income toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings and debt.
How do I start investing my money?
Contrary to what you might’ve heard, it doesn’t take a lot to make a lot. Our beginner’s guide to investing explains the three best investment options for people just starting out.
What’s the difference between a rainy day fund and an emergency fund?
While both funds serve as financial safety nets, their uses differ. A rainy day fund is a safety net set aside to cover small, unexpected expenses that can arise from day-to-day life. An emergency fund is meant for more significant financial crises.