The 15-year anniversary calls for crystal…crystal clear education, that is!

Guess what? We must be doing something right, because we’re celebrating 15 years in financial literacy! To mark the occasion, we thought we would gift you a few anniversary crystals.

When Money101 began, it focused on teaching the basics of money management, super and planning for a safe and secure financial future. Sure, there’s a lot of advice out there. But it’s hard to know what service or product is right for you unless you understand the basics.

We’ve seen a lot of things during our time; a Royal Commission, education fads that come and go, and new digital technologies. So, today we thought we would reflect on what we think works and what doesn’t. Here’s what we’ve learnt in 15 years.

Here’s what works

1. Education for a broad audience

As Nelson Mandela says, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Money101’s education for designed for everyone: 110 modules across 15 topics cover a wide range of ages and life stages​. To succeed we had to build content that helps everyone. And that’s what we’ve done. We now have the largest range of financial literacy content available. We did it all with our amazing clients, because everyone wants pitch perfect content that’s engaging and fun.

2. Accessible to all users

Something that isn’t always apparent from the get-go is ease of use. Content must be available on all platforms anywhere and at any time. Our content is also not just for the average user, but also for those who are hearing or visually impaired. The experience moving through the module must be the same  for all users. We also cater for different learning styles because some learners like auditory comment and some prefer to read. Let’s face it we’re all different!

3. Keeping content up to date

We’re sticklers for detail and do our utmost to keep on top of industry, super and legislative changes. Not always an easy task but it helps keep us on top of the game!

4. Simplicity is the spice of life

We keep our content jargon-free. Our focus is to keep the learning simple. Overloading a module with too much content can destroy the learning experience. Our content is short and sweet because we want everyone to keep learning!

5. Mix it up

A module is a visual tool. We often deal with the less-than-exciting topics. From learning about the cost of a fur baby to transitioning to retirement – we have it all! It’s important to include different visual elements and experiences. We’re constantly coming up with more interesting ways to do just that and our ever-changing content reflects this.

And…here’s what doesn’t work

1. It should be all about educating, not selling

However good your product or service is, no-one will buy it if they don’t want it or believe they don’t need it. In financial services, it can be a struggle to remove product from the education. Bombarding the user with product doesn’t work. The education needs to provide the learner with the information they need. This will allow them to make informed decisions, based on their own situation and requirements.

2. Getting overwhelmed

The process of creating a financial education offering can be complex. It’s our job to make the process simple. We’ve spent a lot of time getting the process down pat. That way we can make the project as simple as possible for our clients. Our team sticks to deadlines because we’re are focused and experienced. And then everyone feels good when the job is done.

3. Giving a mixed message

Having a clear focus on the educational outcome is important especially in its motive or intent. It’s always tempting to keep changing the educational message. Then before you know it, you could be left with something that’s completely different to what you set out to accomplish. It’s important to know when to remind yourself to use the KISS principle, simple, easy to learn and use.

4. Hiding the goods

Occasionally we find instances where quality education has fallen through the cracks and doesn’t get the attention it deserves. One of the reasons for this is a lack of promotion. Effective education has a place within a solid communications strategy.

What’s the takeaway from this?

We have spent the last 15 years evolving our content and its execution, just as much as we’ve been evolving as a company. We’ve seen many trends come and go. But what remains a constant is the growing need for financial education to help people navigate the complex financial services market.

Due to steady demand from employer groups (notable employers of choice), we’re now offering financial wellbeing packages to corporates. And we’re excited to see more people have access to quality training.

At Money101 we like the challenge and we work hard to help corporates implement non-product financial education. Our clients can be confident that they’re working with the best in the business. We’re certainly not going to tell you what to do. But tell us what you want and we’ll work damn hard to make it happen.