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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Beyond clicks and scrolls: Digital financial education for Viksit Bharat
In this age of digital transformation, the proliferation of apps, online courses, and gamified learning tools has brought financial education to our fingertips. But the question remains: are we truly learning, or merely consuming content in a digital haze? Traditionally, financial education in India was sporadic and limited—confined to formal schooling or isolated workshops. However, the economic shocks of the global financial crisis and, more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic revealed a glaring need: widespread, scalable financial literacy for every Indian, regardless of age or income. This urgency accelerated the move toward digital financial education. Digital tools now play a crucial role in disseminating financial knowledge. Online courses, mobile applications, and gamified learning experiences provide users with flexible, self-paced education. Platforms such as Coursera and edX offer courses from top universities, while mobile apps like Mint and YNAB (You Need a Budget) help individuals manage their personal finances interactively. These resources have broadened access to financial education, reaching audiences that traditional methods often failed to engage. Indian institutions followed suit—Sebi launched its investor education app Saa₹thi, while the RBI's Financial Literacy Week focused on themes like digital banking and cyber safety. Digital tools undeniably have improved outreach. They break socio-economic and geographical barriers, enabling underserved communities to access financial knowledge. The variety of formats—videos, podcasts, quizzes, simulations—caters to different learning styles. Many mobile apps now integrate behavioural nudges and progress tracking to keep users engaged. This represents a significant shift from the one-size-fits-all model of traditional financial education to a more focused, target-oriented learning style. Yet this democratization of financial information comes with caveats. The sheer volume of online information risks overwhelming users. People often skim through content without internalizing or applying it. The spread of misinformation—especially through social media influencers, biased advisers, or non-verified blogs—compounds the problem. Add to this the digital divide: rural populations, elderly citizens, and economically disadvantaged groups either lack reliable internet access or digital confidence. The financial education materials available online require re-orientation with an emphasis on the targeted groups' needs. Generic modules often fail to consider individual financial circumstances—something only personalized guidance or human intervention can address. As behavioural economists point out, cognitive biases like procrastination, overconfidence, and loss aversion can limit the impact of even the best online tools if not designed with user behaviour in mind. Importantly, digital literacy without adequate awareness of fraud prevention and grievance redress mechanisms can lead to devastating outcomes. While India has witnessed an exponential rise in UPI and digital payment adoption—with around 172 billion transactions in 2024, marking a 46% increase from 117.64 billion in 2023—this surge has also been accompanied by an alarming rise in scams, phishing attacks, and payment frauds. Victims often lack knowledge about where and how to report such incidents or even recognize that they've been defrauded. Without a robust understanding of safe digital practices and redress pathways—like the RBI's Digital Ombudsman or the Cyber Crime Portal—users remain largely vulnerable and under-confident, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where digital trust is still forming. Despite several initiatives already in place, India still struggles with translating the availability of digital financial literacy into active public engagement. Regulators and academic institutions like SEBI, NCFE, and NISM have developed accessible e-learning platforms and certification programs—such as the Saa₹thi app, NCFE's targeted modules, and NISM's Investor Awareness Web Modules. These offer structured, credible, and even gamified financial education, covering topics like mutual funds, stock markets, savings, and fraud prevention. Yet, awareness of these resources remains alarmingly low. Even among digitally literate individuals, the uptake is limited—either due to lack of trust, interest, or simply the overwhelming nature of financial jargon. For large sections of the population, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, these platforms remain out of reach due to digital exclusion, language barriers, or lack of localized relevance. The gap between resource availability and user participation reveals that creating content is not enough; we must also create demand, trust, and usability, apart from access. Several countries offer strong examples of how digital financial literacy can be structured, integrated, and sustained. In the United Kingdom, the government-backed Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), along with its MoneyHelper platform, provides a centralized digital hub offering free and impartial financial guidance. It brings together budgeting tools, scam awareness content, and debt advice in one place, while also collaborating with schools to incorporate financial capability into curriculum-based learning. The result is a comprehensive, life-stage approach to financial literacy, supported by both digital access and offline reinforcement. Similarly, Australia has developed an inclusive model through the Moneysmart platform, operated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This portal offers financial education tailored to specific age groups and life stages—from schoolchildren to retirees. Its resources include interactive calculators, goal-based planners, and fraud alert systems—all designed in simple, accessible language. The emphasis is on clarity, safety, and user engagement, with financial decision-making contextualized through real-life scenarios. India can draw valuable lessons from these global models. A unified, government-backed platform—consolidating digital learning resources, grievance redressal portals, helplines, and verified financial tools—can serve as a trusted source amid the current flood of unregulated content. Embedding financial education within formal schooling and higher education, especially using regional languages and culturally relevant examples, can build early awareness and long-term habits. It is equally important that the content reflects real-time risks—updating users on evolving scams, digital payment innovations, and policy shifts. Finally, encouraging deeper collaboration between fintech firms, educators, and regulators can ensure that digital platforms are not just technologically advanced, but also behaviourally intelligent—equipped with built-in nudges, fraud warnings, and default safety mechanisms. To make digital financial education truly effective, we need to move from passive consumption to active engagement. Hybrid models—blending digital tools with in-person mentorship, community coaching, or AI-driven personalization—can bridge this gap. Schools, colleges, fintech firms, and regulators must co-create programs that combine real-world simulations with culturally relevant case studies and feedback mechanisms. Financial literacy should not be an occasional campaign or an app feature—it must be an ongoing, evolving journey. Digital tools are powerful, but only when paired with critical thinking, trust in verified knowledge, and the ability to act on it. If we want citizens to make informed economic decisions, we must ensure that our approach to promoting financial education is not just limited to making it accessible, but also authentic, actionable, and inclusive—with grievance redress and fraud awareness forming its core. For broad-based financial sector participation, we need to move beyond clicks and scrolls, develop true understanding and nuances of financial markets, and help in building a sound and meaningful digital economy. As India envisions a Viksit Bharat—a developed and self-reliant nation by 2047—financial empowerment through digitalized financial education is central to that goal.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Beyond clicks: Rethinking digital financial education for 'Viksit Bharat'
In this age of digital transformation, the proliferation of apps, online courses, and gamified learning tools has brought financial education to our fingertips. But the question remains: are we truly learning, or merely consuming content in a digital haze? Traditionally, financial education in India was sporadic and limited — confined to formal schooling or isolated workshops. However, the economic shocks of the global financial crisis and, more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic, revealed a glaring need: widespread, scalable financial literacy for every Indian, regardless of age or income. This urgency accelerated the move toward digital financial education. Digital tools now play a crucial role in disseminating financial knowledge. Online courses, mobile applications, and gamified learning experiences provide users with flexible, self-paced education. Platforms such as Coursera and edX offer courses from top universities, while mobile apps like Mint and YNAB (You Need a Budget) help individuals manage their personal finances interactively. These resources have broadened access to financial education, reaching audiences that traditional methods often failed to engage. Indian institutions followed suit — Sebi launched its investor education app Saa₹thi, while the RBI's Financial Literacy Week focused on themes like digital banking and cyber safety. Digital tools undeniably have improved outreach. They break socio-economic and geographical barriers, enabling underserved communities to access financial knowledge. The variety of formats — videos, podcasts, quizzes, simulations — caters to different learning styles. Many mobile apps now integrate behavioral nudges and progress tracking to keep users engaged. This represents a significant shift from the one-size-fits-all model of traditional financial education to a more focused target-oriented learning style. Yet this democratisation of financial information comes with caveats. The sheer volume of online information risks overwhelming users. People often skim through content without internalizing or applying it. The spread of misinformation — especially through social media influencers, biased advisors or non-verified blogs — compounds the problem. Add to this, the digital divide: rural populace, elderly citizens, and economically disadvantaged groups either lack reliable internet access or digital confidence. The financial education materials available online requires re-orientation with emphasis on the targeted groups' needs. Generic modules often fail to consider individual financial circumstances — something only personalised guidance or human intervention can address. As behavioral economists point out, cognitive biases like procrastination, overconfidence, and loss aversion can limit the impact of even the best online tools if not designed with user behavior in mind. Importantly, digital literacy without adequate awareness of fraud prevention and grievance redress mechanisms can lead to devastating outcomes. While India has witnessed an exponential rise in UPI and digital payment adoption — with around 172 billion transactions in 2024, marking a 46 per cent increase from 117.64 billion in 2023 — this surge has also been accompanied by an alarming rise in scams, phishing attacks, and payment frauds. Victims often lack knowledge about where and how to report such incidents or even recognize that they've been defrauded. Without a robust understanding of safe digital practices and redress pathways—like the RBI's Digital Ombudsman or the Cyber Crime Portal, users remain largely vulnerable and under confident, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where digital trust is still forming. Despite several initiatives already in place, India still struggles with translating the availability of digital financial literacy into active public engagement. Regulators and academic institutions like SEBI, NCFE and NISM have developed accessible e-learning platforms and certification programs—such as the Saa₹thi app, NCFE's targeted modules and the NISM's Investor Awareness Web Modules. These offer structured, credible, and even gamified financial education, covering topics like mutual funds, stock markets, savings, and fraud prevention. Yet, awareness of these resources remains alarmingly low. Even among digitally literate individuals, the uptake is limited—either due to lack of trust, interest, or simply the overwhelming nature of financial jargons. For large sections of the population, especially in semi-urban and rural areas, these platforms remain out of reach due to digital exclusion, language barriers, or lack of localised relevance. The gap between resource availability and user participation reveals that creating content is not enough; we must also create demand, trust, and usability, apart from access. Several countries offer strong examples of how digital financial literacy can be structured, integrated, and sustained. In the United Kingdom, the government-backed Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), along with its MoneyHelper platform, provides a centralized digital hub offering free and impartial financial guidance. It brings together budgeting tools, scam awareness content, and debt advice in one place, while also collaborating with schools to incorporate financial capability into curriculum-based learning. The result is a comprehensive, life-stage approach to financial literacy, supported by both digital access and offline reinforcement. Similarly, Australia has developed an inclusive model through the Moneysmart platform, operated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This portal offers financial education tailored to specific age groups and life stages — from schoolchildren to retirees. Its resources include interactive calculators, goal-based planners, and fraud alert systems — all designed in simple, accessible language. The emphasis is on clarity, safety, and user engagement, with financial decision-making contextualized through real-life scenarios. India can draw valuable lessons from these global models. A unified, government-backed platform — consolidating digital learning resources, grievance redressal portals, helplines, and verified financial tools — can serve as a trusted source amid the current flood of unregulated content. Embedding financial education within formal schooling and higher education, especially using regional languages and culturally relevant examples, can build early awareness and long-term habits. It is equally important that the content reflects real-time risks — updating users on evolving scams, digital payment innovations, and policy shifts. Finally, encouraging deeper collaboration between fintech firms, educators, and regulators can ensure that digital platforms are not just technologically advanced, but also behaviorally intelligent — equipped with built-in nudges, fraud warnings, and default safety mechanisms. To make digital financial education truly effective, we need to move from passive consumption to active engagement. Hybrid models — blending digital tools with in-person mentorship, community coaching, or AI-driven personalisation — can bridge this gap. Schools, colleges, fintech firms, and regulators must co-create programs that combine real-world simulations with culturally relevant case studies and feedback mechanisms. Financial literacy should not be an occasional campaign or an app feature — it must be an ongoing, evolving journey. Digital tools are powerful, but only when paired with critical thinking, trust in verified knowledge, and the ability to act on it. If we want citizens to make informed economic decisions, we must ensure that our approach to promote financial education is not just limited to making it accessible, but also authentic, actionable, and inclusive — with grievance redress and fraud awareness forming its core. For broad basing financial sector participation, we need to move beyond clicks and scrolls, develop true understanding and nuances of financial markets which will help in building a sound and meaningful digital economy. As India envisions a Viksit Bharat — a developed and self-reliant nation by 2047 — financial empowerment through digitalised financial education is central to that goal.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to budget when everything is temporary
Military life makes creating a budget really weird. You're working with fixed income and shifting costs, tax-free benefits, surprise expenses, base access, and blackout dates. You get paid on the 1st and 15th like clockwork—but nothing else feels predictable. And yet, some spouses manage to stay on top of it. Not because they have spreadsheets for fun (although some do), but because they've learned how to build flexible, resilient budgets that can survive the reality of military life. Here's what they've figured out and what can help you do the same. The biggest mistake people make is building a fixed, 'ideal life' budget and then expecting it to hold. It won't. Military paychecks are stable, but military life is not. Start with a core budget—rent, food, gas, and bills—and then build flex zones around items like seasonal expenses, short-term travel, school supplies, or kids' sports. You don't need to forecast the entire year. Just plan for what shifts quarter to quarter. Apps like YNAB (You Need a Budget) and EveryDollar are spouse favorites because they make it easy to reassign funds when life changes without disrupting the entire budget structure. Use whatever works for your brain but build something you can actually update—not just admire once and forget about. Yes, it's full of acronyms. Yes, it looks like a tax form and a riddle had a baby. But your spouse's Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) is where the money lives, and it's not optional. Spouses who stay ahead of their finances know how to read the LES. They check it every month—not just for pay accuracy, but also for changes in allowances, such as BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) and BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence), as well as any deductions or entitlements that shouldn't be there. Print one out. Google each line. Highlight what you don't understand and ask someone who does. This isn't extra credit—it's how you avoid getting underpaid for six months without realizing it. Set bills, savings, and recurring donations to auto-draft on the 1st or 2nd of the month. That way, you're working with a clear picture of what's actually available after the essentials are covered. Then, calendar everything else. Birthdays. Travel. PCS window. Your kid's activity fees that somehow always land the same month as car registration. Budgeting is less about the money and more about awareness. Knowing when an expense hits can make or break your month, even if you technically 'have the funds.' Use Google Calendar. Use sticky notes. Just don't rely on memory. Your brain is already carrying too much. Build a category into your budget called 'margin' or 'oh no' and give it real money. This isn't emergency savings (that's separate). This is for the week your tire blows and your kid's shoes don't fit and your spouse forgets they signed up to bring snacks to something that now requires 80 juice boxes. The number will vary. Some families can swing $200 a month. Some can only do $20. What matters is that it's there, it's yours, and it keeps you from spiraling into panic every time life throws a punch. Tracking expenses sounds miserable, but it's not about judgment. It's about awareness. Use one month to write down everything. No censoring. That $9 coffee? Count it. The five Amazon orders that were each 'only $20'? Add them up. Then, without guilt, look at where your money goes. You're not trying to shame yourself into change. You're trying to see where your default settings are and decide whether they're working. Most spouses who've mastered budgeting didn't get there by being perfect. They just got really honest. It's going to feel awkward for a while, but once you're really clear on where the money is going, you'll understand where you can trim. If you want support beyond apps and best guesses, use your access. Military OneSource offers free financial counseling with real humans who understand how military pay works. So do your base's Personal Financial Readiness Program and most Fleet and Family Support Centers or Army Community Service centers. These aren't judgmental. They're not selling you anything. And you don't have to be in crisis to use them. Sometimes the smartest budgeting move is asking someone to help you make a plan that fits your actual life. Bottom line: Budgeting won't fix the system, but it will protect your peace Military salaries are fixed. The rest of your life isn't. Creating a budget that actually works means planning for what shifts, leaving room for what breaks, and being real about what you need. You're not bad with money. You're just navigating a life that's built on uncertainty. But you can build stability anyway, one calendar alert, one tracked receipt, one adjustment at a time. We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter. These military spouses were unsung heroes of American history 4 milspouse personas you'll meet during deployment 9 Incredible day trips from Stuttgart, Germany for any military family
Time Business News
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Financial Resilience in Uncertain Times
Adapting to financial challenges is an essential skill in today's increasingly complex economic landscape. With fluctuating markets, shifting employment patterns, and the rising cost of living, building financial resilience has never been more important. Financial resilience, put, is the ability to withstand and recover from financial shocks. It's not just about having money in the bank; it's about creating a solid foundation that allows you to weather economic uncertainty while planning for a secure future. This article explores practical tips for strengthening your financial well-being, from saving strategies and debt management to leveraging financial services and tools effectively. Economic uncertainty can strike at any time. Whether it's a global recession, industry downturns, or personal emergencies, financial instability is an issue that impacts people across all income levels. Recent surveys show that nearly 30% of adults in highly developed economies feel unprepared to manage a major financial emergency. While saving money is a critical part of financial planning, the reality is that most people find it challenging to set money aside. Unexpected expenses, lifestyle costs, and increasing debt are common obstacles to saving. Developing financial resilience begins with understanding the connection between income, expenses, and long-term goals. Allocate some time to assess your financial habits. Start by identifying where your money goes each month. This initial step can lay the groundwork for creating a clearer, more effective budget. Using a budget is one of the most effective ways to manage your money. It helps allocate resources to necessities like housing, utilities, and groceries while allowing you to save and invest for the future. Several budgeting tools and apps are available to simplify this process. Free platforms like Mint and Goodbudget provide easy-to-use functionalities that track income and expenses. For those ready to plan more proactively, YNAB (You Need A Budget) offers specialized features that encourage goal-setting and long-term savings strategies. Beyond digital tools, community resources such as local financial workshops and online webinars provide valuable insights. Educational programs often cover topics ranging from basic budgeting to managing more complex financial subjects, such as mortgage planning or retirement funds. These initiatives can empower individuals to make smarter financial decisions that align with their goals. One of the cornerstones of financial resilience is access to reliable banking services. Traditional banks often offer a wide variety of financial solutions, including savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. However, with the rise of online banking, more consumers now prioritize convenience and flexibility over visiting brick-and-mortar branches. Institutions like BMO Harris Bank prove how vital customer-centric banking services remain. Known for its commitment to transparent and accessible solutions, the bank allows individuals to manage their finances through well-structured services effectively. Many customers even check BMO Harris branch hours in advance to schedule meetings with advisors, ensuring their banking experience is tailored to their needs. Similarly, local credit unions and smaller financial institutions enhance accessibility to loans and investment products. By diversifying options, they offer solutions that cater to different financial needs, especially for individuals who may not have access to larger institutions. Debt is a significant barrier to financial resilience for millions of people. Whether it's credit card balances, student loans, or medical bills, high levels of debt can make managing daily expenses more difficult. Establishing a debt management strategy is crucial for adapting to economic pressure while working to become debt-free. Start by understanding the total debt you owe and identify opportunities to consolidate payments. Many financial institutions offer debt consolidation products that reduce multiple high-interest debts into one manageable payment. Explore refinancing your loans for better rates if your credit score has improved since you initially took them out. Organizations like Driveway Finance auto loans provide unique options, such as vehicle financing programs that can help families secure necessary resources without overstretching their budgets. By opting for well-structured financing services, individuals can sustainably manage additional expenses while focusing on their financial health. An emergency fund is one of the most critical elements of financial resilience. This reserve is designed to cover unexpected situations like job loss, medical emergencies, or urgent repairs. Experts recommend saving at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in a liquid and accessible account in case of emergencies. While this may seem like a daunting goal, small and consistent steps will get you there. Begin by setting aside a portion of your income every month, even if it's a modest amount. Automating your savings with recurring bank transfers is a helpful strategy to ensure you stay on track. Overcoming short-term financial struggles is only part of the equation. To build lasting stability, it's essential to think long-term. That means exploring retirement savings plans, insurance options, and investment opportunities. For instance, employer-sponsored retirement accounts such as 401(k)s offer significant advantages through tax benefits and employer matching programs. If your employer does not offer retirement options, consider opening an IRA (Individual Retirement Account). Diversifying your investments through mutual funds, stocks, and bonds can also provide higher long-term returns. However, be sure to consult a financial advisor for guidance tailored to your specific goals and risk tolerance. Insurance is another critical layer of protection that shouldn't be overlooked. Whether it's health, property, or life insurance, ensuring coverage provides peace of mind and protects your finances in the event of unexpected events. Ultimately, achieving financial resilience doesn't happen overnight. It requires discipline, education, and the right tools. From building savings accounts to leveraging the services of organizations like Driveway Finance Corporation, each step contributes to enhancing your financial health. By adopting proactive financial habits and taking advantage of available resources, you can prepare for life's uncertainties while laying the groundwork for a brighter and more secure future. Financial resilience is about taking charge of your circumstances so you're ready not just to survive but to thrive in any financial situation. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
23-06-2025
- Business
How to take care of yourself and your finances when you've experienced a layoff
NEW YORK -- Recent layoffs from technology and media companies and government agencies might have you thinking about job security. Losing your job is a difficult thing to process and you might feel the impact in several parts of your life. But there are things you can do to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety. If you've been laid off, experts recommend that you first take a moment to process and then move on with a plan for your job search. 'A layoff can feel so personal but it's not a reflection of your value or what you contributed. Especially in the U.S., the work we do is so tied to our identity,' said Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist. Here are some expert recommendations to help you take care of your finances and your mental health if you've lost your job: Losing your job can cause a lot of stress and financial anxiety, so it's important that you take time to emotionally process. 'Acknowledge and normalize that they're going to feel a range of emotions, whether it's anger or sadness,' Bryan-Podvin said. Whether you are feeling sadness, shock, anger or even relief, taking a moment to feel those emotions can help you move forward. To make plans for the future, it's essential that you review your current financial situation, said career coach Marlo Lyons. If you have a budget, take a closer look and review whether you have expenses that you can temporarily cut to save money. Lyons recommends that you know how long your severance package will last if you're receiving one. Applying for unemployment benefits as soon as possible can help alleviate some of the financial stress of a layoff. While the amount you get for unemployment might not be as much as your salary, it can help you to stay afloat for some time, Lyons said. The Labor Department has tips on applying for unemployment. Getting laid off from a job can affect your self-esteem, so Bryan-Podvin recommends that you create a list of good qualities about yourself that add to your overall value as a person. Bryan-Podvin calls this a 'non-financial asset list." 'If I were doing a non-financial asset list on myself I might say I'm a pretty good partner and a fun aunt,' she said. When working with her clients, Bryan-Podvin recommends that they create this list to remind them that their self-worth is part of their net worth. If you lose your job, you'll need to be more strategic about your spending, said Jesse Mecham, founder of the money management app YNAB. 'In a layoff, it becomes even more imperative that you treat every dollar with more attention than you have in the past,' Mecham said. Part of YNAB's budgeting strategy is giving each dollar a job, whether it is to pay rent, buy groceries or add to your savings account. When adjusting your spending, Bryan-Podvin also recommends that you approach this with some compassion. Since cutting back can bleed into not doing activities that make you happy, she recommends reminding yourself that this is a temporary pause rather than a permanent change in your lifestyle. While utilizing your credit card to pay for some expenses is almost inevitable, it's best to not completely lean on credit while you're searching for a new job. 'If getting a new job takes them a little longer than they thought, that credit card has just become an anchor for them,' Mecham said. Even though unemployment is temporary, Mecham recommends cutting expenses rather than keeping them at the same level and leaning on credit. Look for community resources, whether that means finding a food bank near you or applying for a temporary hardship program. 'Lots of communities offer temporary hardship programs when it comes to necessary bills, such as electricity or water,' Bryan-Podvin said. offers a benefit finder where you can find available programs and how to apply. As you are applying to new jobs, Lyons recommends that you take some time to assess if your professional goals are still the same. If you're continuing in the same field, Lyons recommends that you make your resume 'forward-looking,' which means showing your future employer what you can do, not just what you have done. 'You want to show the employer what you can do, what unique value you can bring to that particular job that no other candidate can bring because of your previous experience,' Lyons said. Lyons also recommends that you activate your network by reaching out to past colleagues on LinkedIn or attending industry networking events. Online certifications are another great way to make yourself a better candidate, she added. Having a routine can help you take care of your mental health and keep a cadence of applying to jobs. Plan your days so they include eating at your usual time, exercising and applying for jobs for a specific amount of time. 'When we are laid off, unemployment can feel really aimless, especially if it came at us kind of out of nowhere,' Bryan-Podvin said. It's also important to avoid isolating yourself and lean on your support system for emotional support, she added. ___ The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
