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Abstract:
This article outlines a unique approach to teaching financial resilience through emergency savings and risk management strategies within adult education settings. The Financial Resilience in Action curriculum leverages resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, combining print materials, web-based tools, and experiential learning activities to address critical gaps in financial literacy. Informed by adult learning theory, experiential learning theory, and behavioral economics, the program incorporates culturally relevant case studies, such as financial challenges experienced by immigrants or single parents at various income levels, as well as interactive budgeting worksheets and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Implementation in both a community college and a nontraditional adult education program resulted in significant improvements in participants’ emergency fund establishment (a 76% increase), risk awareness (an 83% improvement in pre- and postassessments), and adoption of automated saving systems (68%). The curriculum’s primary strength is its emphasis on practical application, grounded in a rigorous theoretical framework, using real-world scenarios that reflect participants’ lived experiences, and providing concrete tools for immediate use. This approach bridges the gap between theoretical financial knowledge and practical application, offering adult educators a replicable framework for cultivating genuine financial resilience.