Empowering Financial Confidence at the University of South Florida
The Grow Financial Literacy and Planning Clinic at the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business is dedicated to improving financial literacy and financial wellness for students, educators, and the greater Tampa Bay community. Through hands-on coaching, workshops, and classroom engagement, the clinic helps individuals build the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed financial decisions.
Housed in the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance, the clinic is a partnership between USF and Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, combining academic expertise with real-world financial education. Our work supports student success, strengthens K–20 financial education, and prepares the next generation to navigate personal finance with confidence.
The Importance of Financial Literacy in the U.S. and Florida
Financial literacy is essential for long-term financial stability, yet many Americans lack foundational money management skills. National research consistently shows that adults struggle with budgeting, saving, credit, and long-term planning.
National Financial Literacy Statistics
- U.S. adults correctly answer only about 50% of basic financial literacy questions, indicating widespread gaps
in understanding essential financial concepts.
- Nearly half of Americans rate their own financial knowledge as average or below, often citing limited exposure to personal finance education in school.
Financial Literacy in Florida
Florida has taken a major step toward addressing these gaps. In 2022, the state passed the Dorothy L. Hukill Financial Literacy Act, making Florida the largest state to require financial literacy education for high school graduation.
Beginning with students entering 9th grade in the 2023–24 school year, Florida students must complete a half-credit course in personal financial literacy and money management. This law ensures students learn practical skills such as budgeting, credit management, banking, taxes, and saving before entering adulthood.
The Grow Financial Literacy and Planning Clinic supports this statewide effort by providing resources, training, and support for educators and students.
What We Offer
Students
Financial Education for USF Students
In partnership with Bull2Bull Financial Education
The Grow Financial Literacy and Planning Clinic is designed to enhance the financial wellness of USF students. Grounded in academic research and current financial trends, the clinic uses a peer-to-peer education model proven to increase financial awareness and engagement.
Our student-focused services include:
- One-on-one financial coaching sessions focused on budgeting, credit, debt management,
and financial goal-setting
- Educational workshops covering topics such as money management, student loans, credit building, and preparing
for life after graduation
- Campus events and outreach programs that promote financial literacy in an engaging, supportive environment
All services are educational only and are designed to help students build confidence and knowledge around personal finance.
Teachers and Schools
Advancing Financial Literacy in K–12 Classrooms Through the Stavros Center
The Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise and Economic Education leads efforts to support teachers, schools, and education partners in strengthening financial literacy, free enterprise, and economic education across the K–12 curriculum.
Through its partnership with the Grow Financial Literacy and Planning Clinic, the Stavros Center expands its impact by connecting educators with high-quality training, resources, and curriculum support.
In collaboration with local schools and University of South Florida partners, the Stavros Center provides:
- Teacher training programs that equip educators with the tools and confidence to effectively teach financial
literacy and personal finance
- Curriculum development support to help integrate real-world financial concepts into existing coursework
- Educational resources and classroom support for schools across the Tampa Bay area
By empowering educators, the Stavros Center ensures that financial literacy education reaches students early and continues through higher education—building a stronger foundation for lifelong financial well-being.
The USF Student Financial Coaches arrived well-prepared and brought a great energy to my Personal Finance class. They quickly built a rapport with my students, offering bespoke one-on-one interactions with mentors who are closer to their own age.
Brian Wassmuth
Personal Finance teacher at H.B. Plant High School
The Grow Financial Literacy and Planning Clinic presented this week at my GEB 3033 Business Skills and Workplace Practices classes for junior and senior business students. The Student Financial Coaches were not only former students of mine but were extremely professional and were great role models to the students in the classroom. It was important information for the students, and we had a fantastic collaboration of learning. I encourage you to book a session with these excellent Student Financial Coaches.
April Bailey