The Iowa Journal examines financial literacy—what it is, why Americans may have to change their spending and savings habits, and how to navigate today's financial downturn. The current financial crisis has changed our country. The underpinnings of our sense of safety and security have been rocked loose leaving Americans in search of stable ground. Improving financial literacy could provide a much needed lifeline. What do Americans need to know about managing their money in today's economy? Sharing their insights are Dr. Tahira Hira, a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Financial Literacy and Iowa State University professor of personal finance and consumer economics; and Adam Carroll, co-author of the book "Winning the Money Game: A Rule Book to Achieving Financial Success for Young People." James Lynch of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and Jeneane Beck of Iowa Public Radio talk with host Paul Yeager about Iowa legislators response to the troubled state budget, how decisions at the federal level could affect Iowa's budget, and what's left for state legislators to do while they wait for news from the federal government. (27:46)