After more than 40 years in financial planning and tax work, Dennis Mitchell Farrah, a Vietnam-era veteran and longtime advocate for trust in accounting, is speaking out about the urgent need for financial literacy and everyday ethics in money management. His message is simple: people don’t need to be accountants to make responsible financial decisions—they just need honesty, education, and consistency.
“Numbers are not the most important part of accounting,” says Farrah. “It’s the trust behind them. People need to understand what their money means and how to use it honestly.”
According to the National Financial Educators Council, more than 57% of U.S. adults say they struggle to manage their finances effectively, and the average household loses over $1,800 per year from financial mistakes or lack of planning. Farrah believes those gaps can be filled not only by education but also by daily habits.
“I came from a poor family, so I know what it’s like to feel lost about money,” he says. “But you don’t have to be rich to be responsible. Start small—keep track of your expenses, ask questions, and never be afraid to learn.”
Farrah built his four-decade career on simple, consistent systems. Known for carrying a small spiral notebook to record ideas and client notes, he believed in learning by doing. “I’d write something down, test it, adjust,” he recalls. “That’s how I built my business. The same method works for life too.”
Now retired in Fishers, Indiana, Farrah stays active in community and charitable causes. He supports local food pantries, donates to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and volunteers with the local Democratic Party. His mission today extends beyond professional success—it’s about helping people gain confidence in everyday financial decision-making.
“I’ve seen people lose peace of mind because they didn’t understand what was on a form,” he says. “That’s not about intelligence—it’s about access. Everyone deserves to understand the basics.”
Experts agree that financial literacy education remains a national concern. A 2024 FINRA study found that only 37% of Americans could correctly answer four out of five basic financial literacy questions. Farrah believes this lack of understanding contributes to larger systemic problems.
“Transparency and education go hand in hand,” he explains. “The more people understand their own money, the less room there is for exploitation or mistakes. It’s good for individuals, and it’s good for the country.”
Farrah also sees a growing role for forensic accounting and transparency in both public and private sectors. “People want accountability,” he says. “It’s encouraging. It shows that trust still matters.”
Learn, Track, Give Back
Farrah’s message is direct: anyone can start improving their financial awareness today. His three-step approach includes:
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Learn something new each week — read one reliable article or watch a tutorial on a financial topic you don’t understand.
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Track your spending — even for a month, to see where your money actually goes.
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Give back when you can — donate, volunteer, or help someone else learn. “When you teach it, you remember it,” he adds.
“Helping my fellow man has always been my goal,” Farrah says. “You don’t have to change the world. Just help one person make sense of their life. That’s what I tried to do, and that’s what anyone can do.”
Farrah’s lifelong principle remains the same: success isn’t just measured in dollars but in trust, knowledge, and community impact. As financial systems grow more complex, he hopes more Americans will slow down, learn the basics, and build the kind of steady habits that defined his career.
About Dennis Farrah
Dennis Mitchell Farrah is a retired financial planner and Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran based in Fishers, Indiana. Over his 40-year career, he specialized in accounting, forensic accounting, and tax planning. Farrah holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Finance from Roger Williams University. In retirement, he remains active in local community and charitable work.
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