Why Financial Literacy Matters After Returning Home from War: Reducing Veteran Homelessness by Improving Money Management

Authors

Eric B. Elbogen, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill / Durham VA Medical Center

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January 30, 2015

Although mental illness and substance abuse are often cited as root causes of veteran homelessness, a sometimes overlooked factor is difficulty with financial literacy. Drawing on his experience running money management groups at the Durham VA and serving as the principal investigator in a study to improve financial literacy in veterans with psychiatric disabilities, the author explains how and why attaining financial stability through proper money management can be the key to ensuring that veterans are able to maintain stable housing.