Acorns Celebrates One Million Kids Served with New Financial Wellness Initiative
Acorns, the financial wellness application, has proudly announced a remarkable achievement: serving over one million children across the United States through its recently launched platform, Acorns Early. This app is designed to foster financial literacy among kids and teenagers by offering them practical tools and resources to manage their money effectively, alongside a dedicated debit card tailored for young users.
The Acorns Early initiative is part of a broader drive to enhance financial education among younger generations, which has become increasingly vital. With the global reach of Acorns now extending to a total of over 3.3 million children, it's clear that the need for financial wellness products is both significant and growing. Notably, the company's efforts are making a tangible difference in the lives of families seeking to instill strong financial habits from an early age.
One of the key highlights of this initiative is the release of the first Acorns Money Matters Report™ for Kids, which dives into the financial behaviors and attitudes of Generation Alpha (those born in 2010 and later). This report reveals some intriguing insights, including that this emerging generation wields an estimated $11.3 billion in spending power, showcasing how they are already taking initiative regarding their financial futures. The report indicates that 19% are saving for college, 24% are putting aside money for their first car, and 11% are thinking ahead to a first home—while six percent are even saving for retirement. Such proactive behavior among the youth is remarkable, and it highlights a generational shift towards financial responsibility that is supported by the tools offered by Acorns.
Noah Kerner, the CEO of Acorns, emphasizes the necessity of equipping the next generation with the right tools and knowledge to ensure lifelong financial wellness. The app not only encourages financial responsibility but also incorporates elements of gamification to engage its young users. Children can learn to manage chores, receive allowances, and participate in interactive learning experiences that span a variety of money-related topics. As they transition into their teenage years, the Acorns Early platform continues to support their understanding of budgeting, saving, and spending wisely, all while fostering communication between parents and children about financial matters.
Despite advancements in financial technology, the study highlights a concerning trend: only half of U.S. children from Generation Alpha report receiving any formal financial education in school. This gap underscores the critical role that platforms like Acorns Early can play in teaching kids about money management at home. Interestingly, the report finds that 81% of children trust their parents as their primary source of financial education, overshadowing teachers, public figures, and even celebrities.
The financial anxiety felt by many U.S. adults today is evidently influencing their children. The Acorns report illustrates that nearly one-third of kids use their allowances to help their families financially, with one in five already establishing emergency savings funds. With children keenly aware of their parents' financial worries, this increased sense of responsibility and desire for security may drive them to make smart immediate financial decisions.
Further data from the Acorns Money Matters Report shows that social media serves as an influential platform for financial learning, with 28% of respondents indicating they learn about money management from their social media interactions. Additionally, more than half (63%) of children aged 10-14 report that their parents frequently discuss financial topics, while a notable 36% wish for even more discussions regarding money matters at home.
There is a clear trend towards financial independence among this youthful population. 69% of U.S. kids are either engaged in or thinking about starting side hustles, highlighting a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit. The top motivators for pursuing side jobs include earning extra money for spending (58%), saving for future goals (31%), and acquiring new skills for future employment opportunities (27%).
To explore the full findings of the Acorns Money Matters Report for Kids and to learn more about the Acorns Early offerings, visit acorns.com/moneymatters. Acorns remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering families through financial education, providing tools to support savings and investment at all life stages.
About Acorns: Since its inception in 2014, Acorns has evolved into a global platform dedicated to promoting financial wellness among families. With its comprehensive suite of products designed to cater to users of all ages—from kids to retirees—Acorns continues to make significant strides in shaping the financial future of generations to come.