About the Initiative for Financial Decision-Making

Stanford’s Initiative for Financial Decision-Making synthesizes research, education, technology, policy, and programs to democratize access to financial education.

Even today, the most basic money management concepts elude millions of people: They pay more than they should to borrow money, have little provision to protect themselves against financial shocks, and plan poorly—if at all—for their financial futures.

At Stanford we have started an unprecedented initiative that promises to transform lives, communities, and society.

As the Initiative scales up over the next 10 years, it will mobilize teaching tools and delivery methods to make financial education accessible on a massive scale. That work is supported by four strategic pillars.

The first is the design and delivery of state-of-the-art personal finance education programs, starting with Stanford students and then gradually expanding nationally and internationally. The second component is the use of technology to expand access to financial education resources, eventually reaching millions of users.

The initiative also harnesses strategic partnerships, communication campaigns, and engagement with decision makers to influence programs and policy. The fourth pillar is focused on reinforcing a rigorous theoretical and empirical foundation for personal finance education and nurturing the next generation of researchers.

The Initiative for Financial Decision-Making—a collaboration among the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), and the Stanford Department of Economics in the School of Humanities and Sciences—is made possible by a generous gift from Helen and Charles R. Schwab, ’59, MBA ’61, and the Charles R. Schwab Foundation for Financial Freedom.

“It is high time that we put a greater emphasis in our country on financial education. It is one of the most important things we can do to help people navigate their financial lives with competence and confidence, and we have left it on the back burner for too long. I know that the Initiative for Financial Decision-Making is going to kick start that process in a big way, starting here at Stanford and rippling out across the country, and I am proud to be able to play a part.”
—Charles R. (“Chuck”) Schwab, ’59, MBA ’61

“Through research and teaching, this cross-Stanford collaboration will guide individuals and communities on a path toward sound financial decision-making. We’re incredibly grateful for the vision and generosity of Chuck Schwab, who is making this powerful new initiative possible.”
—Jonathan Levin, Stanford President

Our Vision

We envision a world in which people are empowered to make informed financial decisions to achieve financial freedom.

Our Mission

Advancing research, teaching, policy, and strategic partnerships to democratize access to financial education and make a positive impact on people’s financial well-being.