Working Paper: NBER ID: w18952
Authors: Annamaria Lusardi; Olivia S. Mitchell
Abstract: In this paper, we undertake an assessment of the rapidly growing body of research on financial literacy. We start with an overview of theoretical research which casts financial knowledge as a form of investment in human capital. Endogenizing financial knowledge has important implications for welfare as well as policies intended to enhance levels of financial knowledge in the larger population. Next, we draw on recent surveys to establish how much (or how little) people know and identify the least financially savvy population subgroups. This is followed by an examination of the impact of financial literacy on economic decision-making in the United States and elsewhere. While the literature is still growing, conclusions may be drawn about the effects and consequences of financial illiteracy and what works to remedy these gaps. A final section offers thoughts on what remains to be learned if researchers are to better inform theoretical and empirical models as well as public policy.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: D91
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Financial Literacy (G53) | Better Financial Choices (G51) |
| Low Financial Literacy (G53) | Poor Financial Decisions (G51) |
| Financial Education Programs (G53) | Behavioral Changes (D91) |
| Enhancing Financial Literacy (G53) | Substantial Welfare Improvements (I38) |
| Financial Literacy (G53) | Human Capital Investment (J24) |
| Financial Literacy (G53) | Economic Decision-Making (D87) |