This phenomenological study explored the perceptions and expectations of low income adults regarding financial literacy to discover ways to increase attendance in financial literacy programs designs for this cohort. The study utilized interviews with closed-ended questions to establish the participants' backgrounds, then opened-ended questions to obtain in-depth descriptions of personal lived experiences about financial literacy concepts, educational programs, and future expectations from the 20 study participants. The data analysis resulted in three themes (1) participant's characteristics, (2) presentation of financial literacy programs, and (3) access to low income adults. The sub-themes from theme one identify participants' characteristics of belief in self and current time-frame orientation. Theme two, presentation of financial literacy programs, sub-themes recognized three attributes of presentation: information wanted, presentation style, and, environment of financial literacy classes. The third theme, access to low income adults, presented subthemes of access through word of mouth, and advertisement. The first two themes gave rise to recommendations of future development and presentation of financial literacy programs. The third theme provided advertising ideas for financial literacy programs to incorporate information reflecting the benefits to attendees, and sites for advertisement to include locations where the cohort socialize or look for support. The study considered the low-income adults' perspectives regarding financial literacy reversed the existing top down approach of financial program development from what low-income adults need to learn to participate in the mainstream financial sector to what low-income adults want to learn to secure a stable financial future. The research method can be replicated to determine the financial literacy needs of community low income adults. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]