Washington, D.C., September 21, 2026 — The Digital Sovereignty Alliance (DSA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing clear and ethical public policy, research, and education related to emerging technologies, today announced the conclusion of its Financial Literacy in a Changing Economy focus group session, held September 18, 2026, in Hillsdale, Michigan.
Organized by DSA in collaboration with The Hillsdalian, the interactive session brought together participants for a discussion about personal finance, financial systems, emerging technologies, and the changing tools people use to manage money in their everyday lives.
The focus group was designed to gather qualitative insights for DSA’s ongoing longitudinal research into financial literacy and to help inform weekly publications in The Hillsdalian. As financial systems increasingly incorporate digital technologies, the session examined how individuals understand and navigate both traditional financial concepts and newer tools, including mobile banking, payment applications, automated financial platforms, and digital assets.
The discussion explored participants’ experiences with financial literacy education; approaches to planning, saving, and budgeting; credit, debt, and traditional banking; investing and long-term wealth building; and the growing role of technology in everyday financial decision-making. Participants also discussed their familiarity with digital assets, stablecoins, and decentralized finance, as well as their current and future financial concerns.
Throughout the session, participants shared how they learn about financial products, which tools they rely on, where they encounter uncertainty, and how changes in technology are influencing their financial habits. The conversation also provided an opportunity to identify areas where existing financial education frameworks may not fully reflect the ways consumers now interact with an increasingly digital financial system.
“People are paying bills on their phones, sending money through apps, and getting financial advice from social media,” said Molly Woodman, Senior Policy Advisor at DSA. “Financial education has to catch up to that. We need to hear how people are actually handling their money, including what’s working, what’s confusing, and where technology is helping or getting in the way.”
The session was led by DSA Senior Policy Advisor Molly Woodman, Content Manager Emily Ekshian, and Policy Associate Maghan Lusk. Following the formal discussion, the DSA team remained available to answer additional participant questions.
Through initiatives such as the Financial Literacy in a Changing Economy focus group, DSA remains committed to advancing research and education that reflects how individuals engage with modern financial systems, helping inform discussions around financial literacy, emerging technology, responsible innovation, and digital sovereignty.
About the Digital Sovereignty Alliance
The Digital Sovereignty Alliance (DSA) is a nonprofit social welfare organization committed to advocating for public policies that support ethical innovation in decentralized technologies, blockchain, cryptocurrency, Web3, and artificial intelligence. DSA conducts research, organizes educational events, and promotes policies that prioritize public welfare and digital sovereignty.
Media contact
Maghan Lusk
