The document discusses the importance of financial literacy in America. It notes that the average American family spends more than they earn, many Americans are spending a large portion of their income on debt payments, and bankruptcy filings are at record highs. Additionally, most households will fail to achieve their life goals due to financial illiteracy, which is also passed to future generations. The document then defines financial literacy as having the ability to effectively manage one's finances to reach life goals, and identifies five key areas of personal finance: money and income, money management, spending and debt, savings and investments, and risk management. It provides examples for each area and emphasizes that financial literacy involves lifelong learning and planning for various life milestones and events