To amend the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act to include secondary schools in best practices for teaching financial literacy, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 21, 2026
Bottom line
H.R. 10528 aims to enhance financial literacy education by formally incorporating secondary schools into federal best practice guidelines, ensuring younger students receive foundational financial knowledge.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act to expand the scope of best practices for teaching financial literacy. It specifically includes secondary schools alongside institutions of higher education in the development and dissemination of these best practices. The bill updates the reference date for these practices and outlines specific financial literacy topics for secondary schools, such as budgeting, saving, investing, credit fundamentals, avoiding scams, and understanding postsecondary education financing.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that early financial education is crucial for preparing students for economic independence and responsible decision-making. They contend that by establishing best practices for secondary schools, the bill will standardize and improve the quality of financial literacy instruction nationwide, helping students avoid debt, build savings, and make informed choices about higher education financing before they enter college or the workforce.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that mandating or encouraging federal best practices for secondary school curricula could infringe on local control over education. They may also suggest that while financial literacy is important, adding more topics to an already crowded secondary school curriculum could strain resources or dilute focus on core academic subjects, or that the federal government should not dictate educational content.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions and implications quickly.
Section 1(1)(A) of the bill, amending Section 514(a)(3)(A) of the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act
Expanding Financial Literacy Best Practices to Secondary Schools
This provision broadens the existing federal mandate for developing and disseminating best practices for teaching financial literacy. Previously focused on institutions of higher education, the act will now explicitly include secondary schools in this framework. It also updates the reference date for these best practices from May 24, 2018, to January 1, 2027.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that including secondary schools ensures a more comprehensive and earlier introduction to financial concepts, better preparing students for adult financial responsibilities and post-secondary decisions.
Critics contend
Some might argue that this represents federal overreach into local educational matters, potentially imposing unfunded mandates or diverting resources from other locally determined educational priorities.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the perceived national benefit of standardized financial literacy education and concerns about federal intrusion into state and local control over curriculum.
Section 1(2) of the bill, inserting new subparagraph (B)(ii) into Section 514(a)(3) of the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act
Defining Core Financial Literacy Topics for Secondary Education
This provision outlines specific topics that the best practices for secondary schools must include. These cover fundamental financial skills such as creating budgets, tracking expenses, saving for objectives, understanding investments and financial securities, learning about credit scores and responsible credit card use, developing critical thinking to avoid scams, and comprehending postsecondary education financing options, including student loans.