In today’s economy, where inflation, market volatility, and global economic shifts are the norm, being financially literate is a form of self-defense—a tool to navigate uncertainty and make informed choices. One of the key reasons financial literacy is crucial is because of the democratization of financial tools and services. With the rise of mobile banking apps, robo-advisors, Finance blog cryptocurrency, and online trading platforms, individuals now have more control over their financial futures than ever before. However, this empowerment can backfire without the knowledge to use these tools effectively. Take for instance, the surge of retail investors in the stock market post-pandemic; while some profited, many entered the market with little understanding of risk management or the basics of diversification, resulting in significant losses.