CFA Society Boston's Financial Literacy Initiative
Understanding Personal Finances

Common Questions

How do I begin to Invest?

When you invest, you are devoting time, resources and effort to achieve a greater goal. Typically, you will put your money in a brokerage or mutual fund account to buy stocks or bonds in some form, with the idea that you will earn an acceptable return in the future. Learn more.

How much should I save for retirement?

“As much as you can” is the standard advice. Many financial planners recommend that you save 10% to 15% of your income for retirement, starting in your 20s. But that’s just a general guideline. A host of factors come into play when determining how much you need to save. Learn more.

How do I talk to my kids about money and saving?

Almost three quarters of teens say their parents are the most important influence on their spending habits, but fewer than half think their parents are telling them enough. The most important thing you can do as a parent? Get the conversation started! Learn More.

How do I cope with my personal debt?

If you are in financial hot water, consider these options: self-help using realistic budgeting and other techniques; debt relief services; or debt consolidation. Learn More.

Do I have the proper estate planning documents?

Consulting with an attorney who specializes in estate planning in your state of residence is recommended as laws and requirements vary from state to state. Understanding probate, the process of transferring property and ownership after someone has died, is a good place to start. Learn More.

May We Recommend

Treasury Department's My Financial Life MA - Deb Goldberg

Massachusetts State Treasurer Goldberg and the Office of Economic Empowerment recently launched My Financial Life MA — a multimedia platform with targeted financial education for all lifestages. This is an excellent Financial Literacy resource. 


Pepperdine University has developed an extensive guide that helps kids, teens and students better understand what it means to be financially literate. Fine information on budgeting, saving, and practical money skills while preparing for student loans, credit cards, and a good credit history. Pepperdine's goal is to offer materials that prepare youth for a successful transition to adulthood.

Wealth 101 has developed a Crash Course in Personal Finance that covers the most important concepts you need to know to gain financial independence.

Helpful Videos

Financial Literacy:

Basic Financial Literacy Tips.
From the Atlanta Society of Financial Investment Professionals (ASFIP) Foundation

Invest In You:

Demonstrates how investing in education will benefit throughout your lifetime.

From ASFIP Foundation

Compounding (Invest for You):

Explains the benefits of compounding interest.

From ASFIP Foundation

Health (Invest for You):

Shows the the benefits of investing in your health through entertaining animation.

From ASFIP Foundation

Live with Less with Dustin Martin:

Listen to Dustin Martin from ASFIP's Board of Trustees discuss the importance of saving and spending efficiently. This video was recorded during the ASFIP Foundation presentation at Clark Atlanta.
From ASFIP Foundation

Visit ASFIP Foundation's YouTube Channel for more videos.  

Questions and Comments


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