Make It Make Cents: Finance Ministry launches fourth annual Financial Literacy Month sessions

GREAT BAY--Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs is encouraging residents of St. Maarten to take advantage of a series of free educational sessions being organized by the Ministry of Finance as part of Financial Literacy Month 2026, with topics ranging from budgeting, pension planning and income taxes to investing, mortgages and financial resilience in the age of artificial intelligence.

This November marks the fourth annual observance of Financial Literacy Month on St. Maarten, being held under the theme "Make It Make Cents." The initiative is intended to improve financial awareness and provide residents with practical knowledge to manage their income, prepare for unexpected expenses and make informed decisions about their financial future.

Minister Gumbs emphasized that financial literacy involves more than simply earning an income, noting that understanding how to manage money is equally important.

"Too often, we work hard for our money, but we are not always equipped with the knowledge to make that money work for us. Financial literacy is about understanding how to budget, save, invest, plan for retirement, and protect what we have worked so hard to build," the Minister stated.

She also emphasized that financial planning should not be viewed as something exclusively for individuals with substantial incomes.

"Whether you earn minimum wage, operate a small business, are raising a family, or preparing for retirement, financial knowledge is important. You do not have to be wealthy to start planning for your financial future. What matters is taking that first step," Gumbs added.

As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Finance has partnered with professionals and organizations from various financial sectors to deliver seven educational sessions throughout November.

The sessions are intended for students, young adults, working professionals, parents, entrepreneurs and senior citizens, with information designed to address financial matters encountered in everyday life.

The scheduled activities begin on November 17 with a presentation on pension planning by Algemeen Pensioenfonds St. Maarten (APS), followed on November 18 by a session on wills, testaments and mortgages, hosted by Notary Mingo.

On November 19, Laetitia Connor and Tamisha Wigley of NAGICO will address preparing for life's uncertainties, including the importance of financial protection and planning.

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Budgeting will take center stage on November 20, when Shineca Carty, known as Budget Babe, will lead a session on budgeting basics.

The program continues on November 24 with Marlon Kwidama of the Tax Administration, who will provide guidance on filing income taxes.

On November 25, Emilio Kalmera will host a session titled "Investing in Action: From Knowledge to Ownership," focusing on investment knowledge and financial participation.

Kalmera will return on November 26 to address "Financial Resilience in the Age of AI," examining financial preparedness in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

All sessions will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Government Administration Building. Participation is free, although residents are encouraged to register in advance.

Minister Gumbs said one of the primary objectives of Financial Literacy Month is to make financial information easier for residents to understand and apply to their individual circumstances.

"We sometimes use financial terms that sound complicated, but managing your money should not be complicated. We want people to feel comfortable asking questions, whether it is about filing their income taxes, preparing a will, understanding their pension, or simply learning how to stretch their salary until the end of the month," she stated.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of introducing financial education at an early age, particularly as young people begin making decisions about spending, saving and managing their personal finances.

She said developing responsible financial habits can help individuals avoid unnecessary debt, prepare for unexpected expenses and make more informed decisions as they enter adulthood.

"If we want to build a financially stronger Sint Maarten, we must start by educating our people. We must teach our young people the value of saving, the importance of budgeting, and the difference between what we need and what we want," Gumbs stated.

The Minister expressed appreciation to the participating organizations and professionals for contributing their expertise to the initiative.

She encouraged residents to attend at least one session and to invite family members, friends and young people who could benefit from the information.

"Knowledge is power, and financial knowledge can change lives. I encourage everyone to attend at least one of these sessions. Bring a family member, encourage a young person, or invite a friend. The information you receive today may help you avoid financial difficulties tomorrow. Let us work together toward a more financially informed and financially secure Sint Maarten."

Financial Literacy Month 2026 will continue under the message "Make It Make Cents: Because Your Financial Future Matters."

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