The Importance of Financial Literacy: Opening a New Field

Abstract

We undertake an assessment of our two decades of research on financial literacy, building on our empirical research and theoretical work casting financial knowledge as a form of investment in human capital. We also draw on recent data to determine who is the most – and least – financially savvy in the United States, and we highlight the similarity of our results in other countries. A number of convincing studies is now available, from which we draw conclusions about the effects and consequences of financial illiteracy, and what can be done to fill these gaps. We conclude by offering our thoughts on implications for teaching, financial literacy programs, and future research.

Keywords: Financial education, inflation, wealth inequality, saving, debt, stock market participation

JEL Classification: G53, D14, D91