Financial Literacy

The Pitkin County Library offers a variety of resources and events to promote financial literacy among our patrons. 

Financial literacy is defined as the ability to make informed judgments and to take effective actions regarding the current and future use and management of money. It includes understanding financial choices, planning for the future, spending wisely, and managing the challenges associated with life events such as a job loss, saving for retirement, or paying for a child’s education. (Source: Government Accountability Office).

Financial Literacy Events

Financial Book Club

Every other month, we discuss chosen content (book, movie, magazine, Ted Talk...) with a financial flavor. Learn more.

Financial Literacy Month

Each April, we celebrate Financial Literacy Month by offering a variety of resources and materials to introduce participants to the concepts and tasks behind good financial literacy.

Book Recommendations

Discover book recommendations below or join our Financial Literacy Book Club for more reading and book discussion opportunities.

Financial Literacy Resources

The Library has several free resources for financial literacy, including databases and books. View Investment and Finance Databases.

Financial Planning & Maintenance

Financial planning templates are available to download below. 

360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

Created by the American Institute of CPAs, this free program helps individuals understand and manage their personal finances at every stage of life. Offers practical tools, articles, and guidance on budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning.

Annual Credit Report

The official source for free credit reports authorized by federal law. Access reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion once every 12 months to review and monitor your credit history.

Common Cents for Colorado

A statewide financial literacy program designed to help individuals review and set personal financial goals. Offers resources on money management, saving, investing, and debt reduction, based on time-tested principles of financial security.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A U.S. government agency dedicated to ensuring fair treatment by banks, lenders, credit card companies, and other financial institutions. Provides consumer guides on mortgages, credit reports, student loans, and auto loans. Also offers tools for filing complaints and protecting financial health.

Consumer Protection

Easy-to-read government site offering practical advice on everyday consumer issues. Topics include managing money, using credit and loans wisely, protecting your identity, avoiding scams, and making informed financial decisions. A straightforward resource for consumers seeking to protect themselves and their finances.

LawDepot

Available through Libby, LawDepot provides access to thousands of customizable legal forms. Categories include real estate, business, wills, human resources, family law, and more. Forms are tailored to state and county requirements. Access remotely anytime with a library card.

Legal Information Source and NOLO Books

A searchable database of full-text legal reference books and forms. Topics include business law, family law, real estate disputes, immigration and travel, estate planning, and financial management. Features trusted NOLO guides written for non-lawyers. Access remotely anytime with a library card, or within the Library.

Saving for College

Provides clear, accessible information for families on 529 Plans—tax-advantaged savings programs designed to help parents and guardians plan and save for future education expenses.

Women's Institute for Financial Education (WIFE)

Dedicated to empowering women through financial education. Offers resources, workshops, and articles on money management, investing, and financial independence to help women succeed and prosper.

Grants (Individuals and Organizations)

Candid: Foundation Directory Online

The nation’s leading resource for nonprofit funding research. Search a comprehensive database of U.S. grantmakers and their grants to identify potential funders that match your organization’s mission and programs. Includes information on foundations, corporate giving programs, public charities, and grantmaking public charities, along with details on past grants awarded. Access is available only within the Library from any device.

Colorado Grants Guide Online

Colorado’s most comprehensive database of funding sources for nonprofits. Search local foundations, trusts, corporations, government agencies, and religious organizations that provide grants and support to Colorado nonprofits. Includes profiles of funders, application guidelines, and areas of focus. Access is available only within the Library from any device.

Grants.gov

A central database for discovering and applying for federal grants. Designed to connect grant seekers with funding opportunities and enable agencies to manage applications efficiently through one secure portal.

Investing

Morningstar Investment Research Center

A trusted resource for financial research. Includes data and analysis for stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and market indexes. Offers portfolio tracking tools, investment planning resources, and independent ratings to support informed financial decisions. Access remotely anytime with a library card.

Value Line

Trusted resource for investors. Includes financial data on stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and indexes, plus ratings, analysis, and portfolio management tools. Access remotely anytime with a library card, or within the Library.

Taxes

Colorado Tax Forms

The State of Colorado’s official tax resource. Includes downloadable state tax forms, instructions, current sales tax rates, and online filing options. Also provides links to e-file services, tax assistance, and payment information.

Federal Tax Forms

Direct access to U.S. federal tax forms and official IRS publications. Includes downloadable forms, instructions, and filing information for individuals and businesses.

Get Ahead Colorado

A statewide initiative that helps Coloradans maximize their tax credits and refunds. Provides resources on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and other benefits, as well as free tax assistance sites, filing information, and financial literacy tools.