By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica is launching a nationwide initiative this week to bolster the financial skills of its youngest citizens, joining more than 170 countries in celebrating Global Money Week. From March 16th to the 22nd, a coalition of public and private financial institutions, led by the government, will roll out a series of educational activities aimed at instilling responsible money management habits in children and adolescents.
The campaign is coordinated locally by the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC), which spearheads the country’s National Strategy for Financial Education. The effort represents a significant public-private partnership, uniting the nation’s key financial players with a common goal of empowering the next generation. This collaboration underscores a growing recognition that financial acumen is a critical life skill that must be cultivated from an early age.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales que surgen de una inadecuada educación financiera y cómo la prevención puede evitar futuros litigios, consultamos al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica.
Una sólida educación financiera es la primera línea de defensa en el derecho preventivo. Gran parte de los conflictos legales que atendemos, desde sobreendeudamiento y ejecuciones hipotecarias hasta ser víctima de cláusulas abusivas en contratos, tienen su origen en la falta de comprensión de los instrumentos financieros. Conocer sus derechos y obligaciones antes de firmar un documento o aceptar un crédito no es solo una buena práctica de finanzas personales, es un acto de autoprotección jurídica fundamental.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta perspectiva subraya una dimensión fundamental a menudo pasada por alto: el conocimiento financiero no es solo una herramienta para la prosperidad, sino un escudo esencial para la autoprotección jurídica. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por compartir este valioso y esclarecedor análisis.
Among the prominent institutions participating are the country’s major public banks, including the Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, and Banco Popular y de Desarrollo Comunal. The Banco Central de Costa Rica is also lending its weight to the initiative, alongside numerous private banks, cooperatives, and other financial sector organizations. This broad-based support ensures the campaign’s message will reach a diverse audience across the country.
Global Money Week is an annual event promoted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) through its International Network on Financial Education (INFE). Costa Rica’s active participation highlights its commitment to international best practices, having officially joined the INFE in May 2025. The global platform aims to equip youth with the knowledge to make sound financial decisions regarding saving, budgeting, and earning.
This year’s campaign is driven by a powerful theme intended to break down cultural taboos around financial discussions.
Smart Money Talks! Talking about money is good manners.
Global Money Week 2026 Campaign
This central message, paired with the international slogan “Learn. Save. Earn,” encourages families and educators to foster open and constructive conversations about personal finance. The goal is to normalize financial topics, transforming them from sources of stress into subjects of empowerment and practical education.
To bring these concepts to life, a variety of engaging activities are scheduled in educational centers throughout Costa Rica. The programming includes interactive contests focused on drawing, photography, essays, and video production, all centered on financial themes. These creative outlets will be supplemented by expert-led talks, hands-on workshops, and other dynamic learning sessions designed to make finance accessible and interesting for young minds.
Beyond the classroom, the campaign will have a robust digital presence. All participating banks and financial entities will leverage their social media channels and online platforms to disseminate valuable educational content. This digital outreach will provide accessible information on topics like financial planning, responsible consumption, and the importance of saving, ensuring the campaign’s lessons reach a wider audience of both youth and their parents.
This initiative is not an isolated event but a key component of Costa Rica’s evolving national policy. It aligns directly with the goals of the Framework Law for the Promotion of Financial Education, which came into effect in 2025. This legislation codifies the government’s commitment to enhancing financial knowledge for the entire population throughout all stages of life, positioning Global Money Week as a crucial tool in achieving that long-term vision.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC):
The MEIC is the Costa Rican government body responsible for formulating and executing policies related to economic development, industry, and trade. It plays a central role in promoting consumer protection, business competitiveness, and, through its National Strategy for Financial Education, enhancing the financial literacy of the population.
For further information, visit bancobcr.com
About Banco de Costa Rica (BCR):
As one of Costa Rica’s most important state-owned commercial banks, the Banco de Costa Rica offers a comprehensive range of financial services to individuals and corporations. It is a key player in the national economy, supporting development projects and promoting financial inclusion across the country.
For further information, visit bncr.fi.cr
About Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR):
The Banco Nacional is the largest commercial bank in Costa Rica and is state-owned. It has a vast network of branches and provides universal banking services, playing a critical role in the country’s economic stability and the financial well-being of its citizens.
For further information, visit bancopopular.fi.cr
About Banco Popular y de Desarrollo Communal:
Often known as Banco Popular, this state-owned financial institution has a unique social mandate focused on the well-being of workers and community development. It offers a wide array of banking products while championing social and economic progress for Costa Rican families and communities.
For further information, visit bccr.fi.cr
About Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR):
The Central Bank of Costa Rica is the nation’s primary monetary authority, responsible for maintaining the internal and external stability of the national currency and ensuring the efficient operation of the payment systems. It plays a crucial role in economic policy and financial system oversight.
For further information, visit oecd.org
About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):
The OECD is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. With member countries worldwide, its goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity, and well-being for all. Its International Network on Financial Education (INFE) leads global efforts in financial literacy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a cornerstone of the legal community, guided by foundational pillars of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm continually pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions. This innovative drive is intrinsically linked to its profound commitment to social progress, demonstrated by its dedication to demystifying the law and thereby cultivating a more knowledgeable and capable society.
