Financial literacy: How it affects the choices families make about their finances

Abstract

The current economic environment has fostered a major concern about Americans financial security, especially for those who lack the skills and resources to withstand the financial market downswings. Financial literacy is an essential tool in aiding individuals makes informed choices about their finances. Financial Literacy as a construct is a fairly new development, financial education as an antidote to poor financial decision making is not. Financial literacy programs in schools are aimed at improving financial literacy from an early age. Financial Literacy as a construct is a fairly new development, financial education as an antidote to poor financial decision making is not. Policy initiatives to improve the quality of personal financial decision making through financial education started in the last century, when states mandated inclusion of financial education topics in schools from K-12 educational curriculum.