This month is made for financial literacy. Let’s all take advantage.

By Mindy Nyman

April is National Financial Literacy Month, reminding us all to take our financial health seriously. This month is an opportunity to prioritize our financial futures, whether it means budgeting, saving, investing or avoiding fraud.

Of course, saving and investing are not easy in today’s economy. It is a challenging labor market, and Mainers need to see higher wages and salaries to have more breathing room. The median salary in Maine is just under $61,000, which is below the national average. The number in New Hampshire is nearly $70,000, while Massachusetts exceeds $79,000 on average.

But financial literacy is important no matter our income bracket, and it is possible for us to make incremental improvements. Especially in a digital world of artificial intelligence, we have to be careful about scams and fraud. Using AI, scammers are more sophisticated than ever before, so consumers need to take every email, text message and phone call with a grain of salt. We can no longer assume the best when so many AI-assisted scammers are trying to make life worse.

Nearly three quarters of U.S. adults have experienced an online scam or attack. Most people get scam calls, texts and emails on a weekly basis. I have received my fair share. Online deception has serious costs: This year, Americans are estimated to lose $119 billion to digital scams. Just think about that for a second.

The best way for Mainers to budget, invest, or avoid scams is to lean on expertise. Local banks and credit unions like Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union are willing and able to assist people as they map out their financial futures. Most Mainers are actively looking for financial advice (I’m always open to a new pointer), and it can be found in many places. Friends and family members can be a starting point, but the next step is a financial professional with experience navigating different personal situations and changing economic circumstances.

As local resources, credit unions have no choice but to make financial literacy a top priority. This is especially true for young Mainers who are learning about the economy and their place in it. Since launching in 2004, Maine Credit Unions’ Financial Fitness Fairs have reached more than 80,000 students statewide, helping young people build confidence around budgeting, saving, and other necessities. Some credit unions also offer free4ME checking accounts, which come with no monthly or per-check fees, putting young people on firmer financial footing.

When the stakes are high, financial experts need to be financial partners, giving people more confidence and strengthening Maine’s communities along the way. Healthier finances lead to a stronger economy.

Not only does life bring unique difficulties and threats to financial security, but people are extremely busy. Financial health isn’t always top of mind. Advice is also a dime a dozen, so people have to find experts they can trust. Trusted partners are the first line of defense against economic uncertainty, AI scams, and other challenges. We have to be.

What Mainers need to remember is that financial literacy and health are team efforts. It takes a village, and we need to trust in community — local institutions that have served our cities and towns for decades. This month and every month, remember: We are in this together.

Nyman serves as AVP of member services at Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union