In a recent appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box with Andrew Ross Sorkin, John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, kicked off Financial Literacy Month with a powerful message: financial literacy is not just an economic issue—it’s a civil rights issue.
The Real State of Financial Confidence
Chairman Bryant came armed with sobering statistics from a new HOPE Insider survey:
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3 in 4 Americans lack confidence in the stability of the U.S. economy.
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4 out of 5 workers say their income is not keeping up with the cost of living.
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Over 50% of respondents are pessimistic about job growth and housing opportunities.
Bryant emphasized that while the U.S. economy remains heavily consumer-driven—70% of GDP comes from consumer spending—too many Americans are struggling just to keep up. Even households earning six figures aren’t immune. “Half of Americans making $100,000 a year are living paycheck to paycheck. One-third of those making $250,000 are in the same boat,” he noted.
Tariffs, Inflation, and the Cost of Confidence
When asked about the potential economic impact of tariffs and inflation, John was clear: “Tariffs will raise prices. Retailers will have to pass on those costs. And inflation is sticky.” But it’s not just about dollars and cents—it’s about belief. “Whether you’re at the kitchen table or the boardroom table, you need confidence in the market.”
A Business Plan for America
Bryant outlined what he sees as a lost business plan for America: empower the bottom 33% of the population to become capitalists. Historically, this approach helped build the country’s economy and uplift diverse communities, and Bryant believes it can do so again.
“Financial literacy and AI literacy must be priorities between now and 2030,” he said. “We’ve got to teach it K through 12—if not K through college.”
Empowering underserved communities through financial education, Bryant argues, is the most effective way to grow the economy. “You can’t cut your way out of this. But you can grow your way out. Add 2–3% to GDP by helping people help themselves.”
Join the Movement
If you want to help advance financial literacy, Chairman Bryant and Operation HOPE have two exciting opportunities for you during Financial Literacy Month:
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April 4 – Dream Forward: A gathering in Memphis, marking the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, with a bipartisan coalition coming together to focus on economic empowerment. Secure your seat today and check out their thought leadership on how we can uplift our nation’s economy together. Click here to register.
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April 30 – Green Socks Day, a nationwide activation to raise awareness for financial literacy and economic inclusion. Wear your green socks, or purchase a branded Green Socks Day pair, and share your financial literacy journey with the world. Click here to learn more and/or purchase your socks today!
Stay tuned for more from Chairman Bryant and Operation HOPE throughout Financial Literacy Month—and learn how you can participate in Green Socks Day to make financial literacy part of our shared future.