Learning about money can help you make smart decisions and feel more in control of your financial health. Financial literacy means understanding things like spending, saving and planning for the future.
Why financial literacy matters
Being financially literate helps you plan for your goals, such as buying a car, saving for college or just feeling less stressed about bills. Learning more about loans, interest rates and repayment terms can help you avoid costly debt and learn to use credit wisely to build a solid foundation for your financial future.
Basic terms you should know
Understanding basic financial terms is the first step toward financial literacy.
- Budget — a plan for how you’ll spend and save your money over a certain period.
- Credit — allows you to borrow money and pay it back later.
- Credit report — a detailed record of your credit history, including open accounts and any money you owe.
- Credit score — a number that shows how well you manage borrowed money. A higher score can help you qualify for better loan terms and lower insurance rates.
- Debt — money you owe.
- Expenses — things you spend money on.
- Financial goal — something you want to achieve with your money, such as buying a home, building an emergency fund or saving for retirement.
- Income — the money you earn from your job, investments or other sources.
- Savings — the money you choose not to spend now but instead set aside for later.
Tools for managing money
You can get free tools to help you reach your financial goals. Visit PASSport to learn more about the following resources.
SupportLinc is a free benefit for associates who have at least 90 days of continuous employment. It is also open to members of your household and dependents under 26 who do not live with you. In addition to mental health counseling, SupportLinc provides one-on-one financial guidance, planning tools and calculators, and confidential support. Resources and tips are available to help protect you from identity theft. If fraud does occur, you can get a free consultation with a fraud resolution specialist through SupportLinc. In addition, SupportLinc offers a Savings Center with exclusive discounts.
The 401(k) SMART Plan
The 401(k) SMART Plan is a way you can save for retirement. You’re eligible to enroll in the SMART plan 6 months after your hire date, if you’re at least 18 years old. The SMART plan website also gives you access to planning tools, educational materials, calculators and other resources to help with your financial decision-making.
Publix Discount Program
The Publix Discount Program offers you select savings and discounts on a wide variety of items, including travel and entertainment. This program is available to all Publix associates as soon as they’re hired.
Financially Fresh
Financially Fresh is a free program from Publix Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU) that teaches you how to manage your money and make good financial decisions. You can use it to learn about budgeting, credit, debt, saving and investing. When you sign up, you get a dashboard with lessons and tools tailored to your needs and goals. Special programs are also offered throughout the year to help you stay motivated.
Learning about money takes time, but every bit of knowledge you gain helps you better prepare for the future. Taking advantage of programs like SupportLinc, the 401(k) SMART Plan, the Publix Discount Program and Financially Fresh can help you build confidence and reach your goals.
Financial literacy scavenger hunt
Use our financial literacy scavenger hunt to explore the financial tools available to you on PASSport. To be entered into a drawing for a $25 Publix gift card, complete the Microsoft Form online or print the card from publix.org/publixnews and mail the completed card by Aug. 14, 2026, through company mail or U.S. mail to:
Publix News
Attn: Life. Inspired. Financial Literacy Scavenger Hunt Contest Entry
P.O. Box 407
Lakeland, FL 33802-0407
See the official rules.
