My personal experience with finances and financial education has been exceptional and beneficial. I have been given multiple resources on how to invest in stocks, budget, and make wise financial decisions. My immediate family has greatly impacted my financial literacy with budgeting tools, assisting with starting to invest in stocks and explaining the importance of excellent credit. As a result, I have successfully been able to take on some financial responsibility by paying a few monthly bills of my own. The biggest challenge was differentiating needs versus wants and avoiding impulsive decisions. Utilizing these essential skills has contributed to my success in purchasing my first car without financing and keeping up with the daily maintenance in addition to saving a monthly amount while only working part-time. In the future, I plan on using these skills to purchase a home and care for myself and a family comfortably. Additionally, I plan to invest in properties and “fixer-upper” homes. I will also educate African Americans on financial literacy and financial independence in efforts to combat financial disparities in the African American population. Initially, I will encourage and teach the same financial skills that my family has taught me to others. Then as my income increases, I plan to disseminate these skills on a larger scale. Undoubtedly, “The African American community has had limited access to building wealth for generations” as stated by Tackling Disparities in Finance for Black and African Americans. The same article also states “The average white family’s wealth is eight times higher than the wealth of an average Black family, according to the Federal Reserve. Systematic inequality, lack of financial literacy, high default rates on student loans, and employment discrimination, among other factors, have led to the racial wealth gap”. Implementing accessible financial programs and disseminating education will contribute to improving African American financial literacy and independence. It will also promote learning finances at an early age within the household and encourage future generations to make wise financial decisions. It may also encourage future generations to establish careers in finance and/or business and educate others on financial literacy. Society may also see a peak in young entrepreneurs and businessmen/women. Furthermore, a personal finance course should be required in all high schools as it may be useful for prominent knowledge and skills. Implementing a personal finance requirement will better equip students with a few core skills to navigate life and adulthood. https://www.moneygeek.com/financial-planning/resources/black-african-american/