Why is financial education important?

Financial education helps you build the confidence and knowledge to make informed financial decisions, whether in your personal life or as a professional adviser. At Simply Academy, our FCA-approved courses are designed to provide both foundational skills and specialist training, helping students and professionals alike succeed in the financial sector.

Here, we outline why it’s so important to have in-depth training in order to take on the specialist role of a financial adviser, and look at what this type of training entails. We also explore the issues of financial education more broadly, and examine how this differs from financial literacy.

What is financial literacy?

Everyone, not just those planning careers in finance, can benefit from being financially literate. This means possessing the knowledge and skills needed to make effective, informed decisions about your finances. It gives you the power to make the most of your money, and potentially to improve your life.

Being financially literate makes you better equipped to perform a whole range of tasks, from seeking out the best deals on products and services to managing your savings.

What is the difference between financial literacy and financial education?

Financial education is often viewed as a more formal type of learning. It usually takes place after secondary school and includes structured courses, qualifications and apprenticeships.

However, the term can also refer to more basic or informal training delivered in schools and adult education settings. In this sense, financial education supports the development of financial literacy – the practical skills needed to manage money effectively.

Starting financial education at a young age can make a significant difference. Research shows that children and young people who receive financial education at school are more likely to:

• Have a bank account
• Save regularly
• Feel confident managing their money

These early habits can lead to stronger financial decision-making in adulthood.

Across the UK, financial education is included in school curriculums in different ways. In England, for example, it is part of the national curriculum at secondary level and is taught through maths and citizenship classes. Pupils learn about topics such as insurance, pensions, savings, budgeting, debt, credit and risk management.

The overall aim is to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to become financially literate adults.

The key thing when it comes to financial education is to make sure you have the knowledge and skills that are relevant to your particular circumstances. Whether you need to manage household finances, run a business or you’re planning a career as a financial adviser, you should take steps to ensure you’re sufficiently clued-up to achieve your aims.

At Simply Academy, we build on these foundations with professional-level financial education courses. Whether you are completing the DipFA® or CeMAP® qualification, or pursuing additional FCA-approved modules, our programmes give you advanced skills that go beyond basic literacy, preparing you for a career as a financial adviser.

What education do you need to be a financial adviser?

Financial advisers help people with some of the most important practical decisions of their lives. Their job is to advise individuals and organisations when it comes to choosing investment, pension, insurance, mortgage and savings products. Given that the stakes are so high, it’s little wonder that there are strict rules in place concerning who can operate as a financial adviser.

In order to work as a trainee financial adviser in the UK, you must hold an industry-recognised qualification as set out by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). One way to do this is to complete a specialist training course. At Simply Academy, we offer a range of FCA-approved training programmes, including the Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA®). If you prefer, there is also the option of studying for qualifications such as DipFA® through an apprenticeship.

Simply Academy courses are structured to guide you step-by-step from introductory knowledge to full professional qualification, combining online learning with expert support. Completing these programmes ensures you are fully prepared to give sound financial advice and progress in your career.

Gaining these qualifications isn’t just an exercise in box ticking. It’s crucial for ensuring that you’re able to provide sound financial advice to your clients.

What are the career opportunities after completing financial education courses?

Completing FCA-approved courses through Simply Academy opens doors to a variety of rewarding careers in financial services. Graduates and trainees can pursue roles such as:

• Financial adviser or planner
• Mortgage adviser
• Pension and retirement consultant
• Wealth and investment manager
• Compliance and risk specialist

Simply Academy students benefit not only from recognised qualifications like the DipFA® and CeMAP® but also from structured support that prepares them for the practical demands of these roles. Many students report faster career progression and access to higher-paying opportunities after completing their courses.

Do I need prior experience in finance to start an FCA-approved course?

One of the most common questions we receive is whether prior financial experience is required to study professional qualifications. The good news is that you don’t need previous experience to enrol in courses like the DipFA® or CeMAP® at Simply Academy.

Courses are designed to guide learners from foundational knowledge to professional competency. Beginners can start with introductory modules, while those with some background in finance can move more quickly through advanced topics. Apprenticeship routes also allow students to gain hands-on experience while studying, making it accessible for anyone motivated to start a career in financial services.

Explore Simply Academy’s FCA-approved courses online or contact us directly today to improve your financial knowledge, advance your career, and gain the confidence to manage complex financial decisions.