Mengya Wang, the new personal finance specialist for Oklahoma State University Extension, is on a mission to educate women about financial planning, retirement, and the economic aspects of aging. With her expertise in education and finance, Wang is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of Oklahomans, particularly women and caregivers, by helping them navigate the complexities of personal finance and secure their financial futures.

Unlocking the Power of Financial Literacy

Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap

Wang believes that financial planning is a crucial aspect of life, yet many people struggle to develop a solid financial plan due to a lack of knowledge. Through her role at OSU Extension, she aims to address this gap by providing accessible and practical financial education to the community. "Financial planning is very important. I believe some people don't have a solid financial plan because they simply don't know how to do it," Wang explains. "I love working in Extension because of the outreach possibilities and helping people better understand the importance of financial planning."

Empowering Women and Caregivers

Wang's focus on educating women about finances and the economic aspects of aging is particularly important, as women often face unique financial challenges, such as the impact of divorce or the death of a spouse. "Also, divorce and death of a spouse impact a person financially. I want to empower women in these situations to become more financially aware, so they are more financially secure for the future," she says. Additionally, Wang recognizes the significant role of caregiving and the financial implications it can have. "I want to teach caregivers how they can take care of others while also preparing for their own retirement and focusing on financial well-being."

Fostering Financial Literacy from an Early Age

Wang believes that financial literacy should begin at a young age, as it can have a lasting impact on an individual's financial well-being. "Helping children learn how to handle money, including saving and budgeting, can have a big impact. The more financial education we can provide to children, the better off they'll be later on," she says. Through her work with OSU Extension, Wang hopes to collaborate with schools and provide financial literacy information tailored to elementary students, empowering them to develop healthy financial habits from an early age.

Bridging the Global Divide

Wang's expertise extends beyond the borders of Oklahoma, as she recognizes the need to share her knowledge globally. Her native country, China, does not have a cooperative Extension system, and Wang is exploring ways to leverage her experience to benefit her home country as well. "I love helping people learn about investing and planning for their futures, so this is my dream job. I'm fortunate I get to do something I'm passionate about," she says, underscoring her commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives, both locally and internationally.

A Multifaceted Approach to Financial Empowerment

With her diverse background in education, finance, and gerontology, Mengya Wang brings a unique and comprehensive perspective to her role as a personal finance specialist at OSU Extension. By focusing on educating women, caregivers, and children, she aims to create a ripple effect of financial literacy and security that will benefit individuals, families, and communities across Oklahoma and beyond. Her passion for research and her desire to help people apply findings to improve their lives make her an invaluable asset in the quest for financial empowerment.