Series: Literacy In Wisconsin

The term "literacy" covers more than just the basic ability to read and write. This concept has evolved to cover a broad continuum of skills people need in their lives. Many adults and children struggle with literacy in its various forms, as they navigate the increasingly complex worlds of health care, finance, and technology. Their needs are difficult to quantify, especially when it comes to adult literacy. But Wisconsinites can turn to many resources and organizations to empower themselves through enhanced literacy skills.
 
People who feel their paychecks are not keeping up with everyday expenses may be right — median household income is down for many families across Wisconsin.
Packaged beef
This is a cautionary tale about the importance of social media literacy, involving a company with a limited online profile, the hot-button issue of "pink slime" and a contingent of interested citizens with active social media accounts.
Financial coaching
Financial coaching is a way to help families take steps that are right for them to increase their financial well-being and security.
Home loans and credit monitoring
Although many people use "credit report" and "credit score" interchangeably, the two are not the same.
Financial tools
In the best of worlds, people never stop improving their ability to make smart financial choices. It's a lifelong endeavor, with the financial decisions people face changing as they age and circumstances shift.
Piggy bank
With financial literacy skills, people of all income levels can act — or not — to build their financial capability. They can create and manage a household budget, save money toward goals like buying a house or retirement, or even start a business. Lower- and middle-income families can use financial literacy to increase their overall security.
Credit cards
Around the United States, elementary and secondary schools are seen as appropriate venues for teaching financial literacy and helping students gain skills to reach goals and achieve financial well-being.
Peggy Olive
Four financial strategies can help people use their money to balance their needs with enjoyment of their lives, UW-Extension senior outreach specialist Peggy Olive said in an Aug. 5, 2015, talk at the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs.
Making financial decisions about health insurance can be difficult for people who are unable to understand what's included in their coverage plans.
The lack of data in adult literacy
In many ways, campaigns to improve literacy are more sophisticated than ever. In many ways, campaigns to improve literacy are more sophisticated than ever.