In this first leadership interview of our Campfire series, we’re excited to share some very fresh thinking from Tim Flacke, Chief Executive Officer and Cofounder of Commonwealth.  For 30 years he’s focused on solutions that help workers and families in US become more financially secure. Five years ago we talked about what the retirement system would be, if it could be. Today we’re talking about benefits for the future. Will it surprise you to hear the two are linked? 

With a civilian labor force of 4.5 million, Virginia leaders had a lot to think about when they realized a good chunk of those folks didn’t have workplace access to retirement savings. That’s all changing. We talk today with program director Peter Thompson about the present, the future, and what he’s seeing in this new space.

Here’s something we think: it’s hard to have very good financial literacy without some financial experience.

• Until you have a financial account, the financial system will probably be a mystery to you

• Until you have investments, they are probably going to be quite mysterious too