Why Financial Resilience Is the Next Evolution of Financial Literacy

Els Lagrou, author and financial literacy expert joined me on the Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast to talk about why financial literacy alone isn’t enough and how financial resilience, inclusion, and wellbeing must be part of the conversation.

Els explains that even people with strong financial knowledge can experience stress and insecurity if they lack resilience. We explore what it means to absorb financial shocks like job loss or divorce, why shame keeps people from asking for help, and how inclusion ensures everyone can participate fully in financial life.

We also discuss the role of employers, leaders, and technology in supporting better money decisions, and why real progress starts with small actions and consistent habits.

Key Takeaways

🔹 Financial literacy is knowing what to do, while financial resilience is the ability to absorb life’s shocks like job loss, divorce, or illness

🔹 Even people with strong financial knowledge can experience stress if they don’t feel secure or prepared

🔹 Financial stress directly impacts wellbeing, confidence, and participation in everyday life

🔹 Inclusion matters because people who lack resilience often disengage or are left without support

🔹 Shame affects everyone and prevents open, productive conversations about money

🔹 Financial education works best when it focuses on action and habit-building, not just information

🔹 Progress starts with small steps, including making regular “financial appointments” with yourself

🔹 Leaders and CEO’s struggle to talk about money when they don’t have personal experience with money

Financial resilience grows through inclusion, education, and consistent action, not waiting until life forces a decision.

 🎥 Watch this episode below: 

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🎧 Listen to the podcast below or on your favorite podcast app.

Connect with Els Lagrou: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/els-lagrou-8a424659/
• LinkedIn (dagelijiks geld): https://www.linkedin.com/company/dagelijksgeld 
• Website:  www.dagelijksgeld.be

Book:

• Waarom we meer over geld moeten praten – Dagelijks Geld 

Resources mentioned: 

• My Total Compensation Statement - part of The Get Ready Toolkit available at www.tonysteuer.com
• Scams, Digital Literacy, and How to Stay Safe With Your Money with Frances Yong on Get Ready Before Life Happens Podcast

Bio:

Els Lagrou is the inspirator and co-founder of Dagelijks Geld . During her career in the financial sector, she worked for seven years at Wikifin, the financial education program of the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority. Her extensive expertise in financial education and literacy led her to the OECD in Paris, where she led projects on financial literacy, well-being, and resilience in seven different countries. Through the international network on financial education (OECD/INFE), she was able to gather and share knowledge, insights, and best practices with experts from 130 countries.

In 2023, she founded Dagelijks Geld (Daily Money). Previously, she worked as a senior policy analyst and coordinator on financial literacy at the OECD

in the Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affaires. She coordinated the work of the OECD/INFE Technical Assistance project on financial education in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). She provided policy and practical support for strengthening financial literacy and promoting financial well-being.

In collaboration with The Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards (the MAIAs) which celebrate the increasingly important work being done to help people understand money better. Learn more: https://www.maiawards.org. 

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If these conversations help you think differently about money or prepare for life’s what-ifs, your support helps expand financial readiness education and keep this work accessible.

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