Document Type
Working Paper
Date of this Version
1-1-2015
Abstract
This paper reviews what we have learned about financial literacy and its relationship to financial decision-making around the world. Using three simple questions, we have surveyed people in many countries to determine whether they have the fundamental knowledge of finance needed to function as effective economic decision makers. We show that levels of financial literacy are low not only in the United States, but also in many other countries, including those with well-developed financial markets. Moreover, financial illiteracy is particularly acute for some demographic groups, especially women and the less-educated. These findings are important since financial literacy is linked to borrowing, saving, and spending patterns. We also offer new evidence on financial literacy among high school students, drawing on the newly-released Programme for International Student Assessment implemented in 18 countries. Last, we discuss the implications of this research for policy.
Keywords
Financial literacy, financial decision-making, financial education
JEL Code
D91
Working Paper Number
WP2015-01
Copyright/Permission Statement
All findings, interpretations, and conclusions of this paper represent the views of the authors and not those of the Wharton School or the Pension Research Council. © 2015 Pension Research Council of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful for support provided by the Pension Research Council and Boettner Center at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Date Posted: 12 March 2019