ABA section teams up to launch free online curriculum on financial literacy

The Financial Literacy Project, a partnership between the American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) and Thomson Reuters, recently launched the first phase of its free online curriculum comprised of short, educational videos to help equip and empower individuals in their journey to achieve sustained financial well-being.

The Financial Literacy Project is particularly focused on reaching underserved communities and youth populations, but it is available and relevant to everyone who wants to increase their financial knowledge and skills. The first phase of the curriculum can be accessed at findlaw.com/law/flp. The topics include building and maintaining a budget, understanding and managing different types of debt and tax planning and preparation.

People of all ages are encouraged to access, utilize, share and offer feedback about the Financial Literacy Project curriculum, which will continue to grow through periodic updates and is intended to be a long-term, evolving public service project. Additional updates will include modules on understanding banking; planning for retirement; whether to buy or rent a home; purchasing a new or used car; investing to grow your money; and starting a business.

“This project invests in the financial education of our communities, empowering and guiding all of us to a stronger and more secure financial future,” TIPS Chair John McMeekin said.

“Individuals are increasingly prioritizing mental and emotional well-being, and financial health is an important part of overall well-being,” said Mark Haddad, general manager of the Small Law Firm business for Thomson Reuters. “We’re pleased to partner with the American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section on the Financial Literacy Project to provide resources that help people improve their financial health by guiding individuals in setting financial goals and developing actionable, realistic plans to achieve them.”

The ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section unites plaintiff, defense, insurance and corporate counsel to advance the civil justice system. TIPS is a national source of expertise in tort, trial and insurance practice and brings lawyers together to share information and speak out on issues of importance. The section has more than 11,000 members and more than 30 general committees that focus on substantive and procedural matters in areas across the broad spectrum of civil law and practice. For additional information, visit www.americanbar.org/tips.