Financial Literacy: An Essential Tool for Informed Consumer Choice?

Annamaria Lusardi ()

No 2008-WP-13, NFI Working Papers from Indiana State University, Scott College of Business, Networks Financial Institute

Abstract: Increasingly, individuals are in charge of their own financial security and are confronted with ever more complex financial instruments. However, there is evidence that many individuals are not well-equipped to make sound saving decisions. This paper demonstrates widespread financial illiteracy among the U.S. population, particularly among specific demographic groups. Those with low education, women, African Americans, and Hispanics display particularly low levels of literacy. Financial literacy impacts financial decision-making. Failure to plan for retirement, lack of participation in the stock market, and poor borrowing behavior can all be linked to ignorance of basic financial concepts. While financial education programs can result in improved saving behavior and financial decision-making, much can be done to improve these programs’ effectiveness.

Keywords: Financial Decision-Making; Financial Illiteracy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D14 D91 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 29 pages
Date: 2008-10
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (111)

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Working Paper: Financial Literacy: An Essential Tool for Informed Consumer Choice? (2008)
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