Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/25554 
Year of Publication: 
2008
Series/Report no.: 
CFS Working Paper No. 2008/19
Publisher: 
Goethe University Frankfurt, Center for Financial Studies (CFS), Frankfurt a. M.
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.
Subjects: 
Financial Literacy
Financial Education
Saving Decisions
JEL: 
D14
D91
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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