On 25 April 2025, the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE and the OECD Berlin Centre hosted the webinar “Financially Fit – From Strategy to Application” as part of the OECD network of research institutes. The central focus was on how and with which specific measures Germany could strengthen financial education.
“Financial Education” initiative
Elke Baumann of the German Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) opened the event with a keynote on the joint “Financial Education” initiative by the BMF and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The initiative pursues three goals: a national financial education strategy, a central platform to consolidate and connect existing resources, and strengthening research in financial education. Initial successes have already been achieved with the launch of the website “Mit Geld und Verstand” (Using Money and Common Sense) and new research funding guidelines.
In the following discussion, the panelists — Andreas Hackethal (Head of the Pension Finance Lab at SAFE), Lutz Lienenkämper (Board Member of the Deutsche Bundesbank), and Alexander Lorz (Hessian Minister of Finance) — emphasized the importance of tailor-made offers for specific target groups. They cited the Hessenmonitor survey conducted by SAFE on behalf of the state of Hesse, according to which financial topics often cause anxiety among young people, but interest and willingness to learn are high. The panelists call for this motivation to be targeted at “teachable moments,” such as when moving into their first home or starting a career.
Digital learning experiences: The Seasn app
The panelists agreed that targeted options and services, better coordination, and the involvement of civil society and the private sector are essential. They particularly stressed the importance of positive, personal learning experiences to foster a sense of empowerment. With new technologies such as the interactive financial education app Seasn, hands-on formats, and valuable research, the panel saw promising opportunities to embed financial education firmly across all segments of society.
