DENVER, CO, April 09, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Eric Koeplin, founder and CEO of Alpha Principle, has announced a personal pledge aimed at advancing financial literacy among youth in the U.S., encouraging and training them to be better in their long-term financial decision-making.
The pledge reflects Koeplin's long-standing belief that financial knowledge plays a critical role in individual opportunity and community strength. Through his work in investment management and his involvement with organizations such as Economic Literacy Colorado, Koeplin has consistently emphasized the importance of helping people better understand financial systems.
"Financial literacy is one of the most important skills people can develop," Koeplin said. "It helps individuals make better choices and build stronger communities."
The pledge focuses on practical awareness and education rather than market predictions or investment tactics. Koeplin believes the conversation around money should begin with understanding and discipline.
"Markets move quickly, but thoughtful decision-ma
Why Financial Literacy Matters Right Now
Financial education has become increasingly important as individuals face more complex financial choices.
Recent data highlights the urgency of improving financial literacy:
Only 57% of U.S. adults are considered financially literate, according to the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center.
78% of Americans report living paycheck to paycheck, based on recent surveys from payroll and workforce research firms.
Over 60% of adults say money is their leading source of stress, according to national mental health surveys.
Fewer than half of U.S. high school students receive a full personal finance course, according to the Council for Economic Education.
For Koeplin, these numbers reinforce the need for individuals to build stronger financial understanding over time.
"You need a consistent framework," Koeplin said. "When the environment changes, the process helps keep decisions grounded."
Eric Koeplin's Seven Personal Commitments
As part of the pledge, Koeplin is committing to seven ongoing actions designed to encourage financial awareness and improved financial thinking.
Promote financial literacy education through community organizations and public conversations.
Support educational initiatives that help students understand economic systems and financial decision-making.
Encourage long-term thinking in discussions around financial planning and economic responsibility.
Share insights on financial discipline through interviews and written commentary.
Advocate for clear financial communication so individuals can better understand financial concepts and terminology.
Engage with community organizations working to expand economic literacy and financial education.
Maintain a focus on purpose-driven investing, reinforcing the connection between financial decisions and broader community outcomes.
"I've always believed investing should be thoughtful and purposeful," Koeplin said. "Financial success and community impact don't have to exist in separate worlds."
Do-It-Yourself Toolkit: 10 Actions Anyone Can Take
Koeplin's pledge also includes a simple toolkit designed to help individuals strengthen their financial awareness without paying for financial services.
1. Track your spending for one month.
Write down where your money goes each week.
2. Learn one new financial concept each week.
Topics might include interest rates, inflation, or asset allocation.
3. Read one financial news summary each week.
Focus on long-term trends rather than daily headlines.
4. Set a monthly financial review day.
Review accounts, spending, and financial goals.
5. Write down three long-term financial goals.
Clarity often improves decision-making.
6. Reduce one unnecessary expense.
Small changes today can create massive improvements decades later.
7. Discuss financial planning with a trusted family member.
Shared understanding can strengthen long-term planning.
8. Learn about how taxes affect financial decisions.
Tax awareness is a key part of financial literacy.
9. Study how compound growth works over time.
Learn and benefit from the "Rule of 72": https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/ruleof72.asp
10. Teach one financial concept to someone younger than you.
Passing knowledge forward strengthens communities.
"Better understanding leads to better decisions," Koeplin said. "And those decisions compound over time."
30-Day Financial Awareness Tracker
Individuals interested in participating in the pledge can follow this simple 30-day tracker:
Week 1 – Awareness
Track spending each day
Identify one unnecessary expense
Read two articles on financial basics
Week 2 – Learning
Study The Rule of 72 and compound growth
Learn one tax concept
Review personal financial goals
Week 3 – Discipline
Review spending habits
Adjust one financial behavior
Schedule a financial review day
Week 4 – Sharing
Discuss financial planning with family
Share one financial concept with a younger person
Reflect on what you learned during the month
Call to Action
Eric Koeplin is inviting individuals, educators, and community leaders to take the pledge and share the financial literacy toolkit with others.
The goal is simple: encourage thoughtful financial decision-making and strengthen financial knowledge across communities.
"When people understand the systems around them, they make better decisions," Koeplin said. "And those decisions shape the future."
Readers are encouraged to adopt the pledge, share the toolkit, and start conversations about financial literacy in their own communities.
Eric Koeplin is the founder and CEO of Alpha Principle, an investment firm based in Denver, Colorado. He previously served as President and Chief Investment Officer of The Milestone Group and Chairman of the Investment Committee at AdvicePeriod, overseeing billions of dollars in assets. Koeplin has been recognized by Barron's as a Top Financial Advisor and has held leadership roles in organizations including the Young Presidents' Organization, Colorado UpLift, and Economic Literacy Colorado.
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