Financial education without financial inclusion is of limited value. That’s why strong financial literacy programs improve not just the knowledge of participants but their financial behavior and, when necessary, their access to financial products, services and markets. Conversely, access to financial products alone without financial literacy is dangerous, as painfully demonstrated by the recent US mortgage crisis. Studies show that prior to the crisis many US homebuyers did not understand the most basic features and consequences of the mortgage agreements they had signed. Only a balanced approach of financial access with financial education assures that an NGO’s efforts to help the underserved will result in true financial empowerment. Back to Who We Serve: NGOs