‘Selling The Hamptons’ Star Bianca DAlessio Says Financial Literacy Is Failing

The United States is facing a financial literacy crisis, with nearly two-thirds of adults living paycheck to paycheck and only 26 states requiring personal finance education in high school.

Real estate expert Bianca DAlessio, star of “Selling the Hamptons” on HBO Max, has seen firsthand how financial illiteracy creates barriers to homeownership. From buyers blindsided by low credit scores to young professionals miscalculating their affordability, the consequences can be severe — but also avoidable with the right education.

According to DAlessio, CEO and founder of The Masters Division at Nest Seekers International, this isn’t a partisan issue, it’s an American issue. Many young adults are entering the workforce without essential money management skills, leaving them unprepared to navigate mortgages, interest rates or even basic budgeting.

Recent research from Bank of America shows 73% of Gen Z cite money as their biggest stressor, yet most never received financial education.

Many first-time homebuyers, regardless of generation, struggle due to misunderstanding mortgage rates, budgeting, and credit requirements. Fluctuating mortgage rates and rising home prices make financial literacy not just beneficial — but essential.

As an avid volunteer and advocate for women, DAlessio regularly facilitates workshops in New York on topics such as opening a bank account, establishing and using lines of credit responsibly, household budgeting and navigating the financial aid process.

According to DAlessio, financial education in schools is a common-sense solution that can break cycles of debt and create a more secure economic future for all.