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Young Adults and Their Finances: An International Comparative Study on Applied Financial Literacy

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  • Andreas Oehler
  • Matthias Horn
  • Stefan Wendt
  • Lucia A. Reisch
  • Thomas J. Walker

Abstract

Recent years have brought a gradual shift of responsibility for pension provisions, financial planning, health care and various insurances from governmental institutions and firms to individuals. To tackle this challenge, individuals need applied financial literacy and not merely theoretical knowledge about financial products and mechanisms that does not reflect real†life situations. We survey 448 business students in Canada, Denmark, Germany and Iceland to examine how financial literacy is expressed in their financial portfolios. We contrast these findings with the respondents' own expectations and needs. The results show that most respondents exhibit good financial literacy as well as a realistic assessment of risk and return and their impact on (financial) well†being.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Oehler & Matthias Horn & Stefan Wendt & Lucia A. Reisch & Thomas J. Walker, 2018. "Young Adults and Their Finances: An International Comparative Study on Applied Financial Literacy," Economic Notes, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA, vol. 47(2-3), pages 305-330, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecnote:v:47:y:2018:i:2-3:p:305-330
    DOI: 10.1111/ecno.12110
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Carolina Guerini & Donato Masciandaro, 2023. "Financial Education between Market and State: Private Commitment, Conflicts of Interest and Public Certification," BAFFI CAREFIN Working Papers 23213, BAFFI CAREFIN, Centre for Applied Research on International Markets Banking Finance and Regulation, Universita' Bocconi, Milano, Italy.
    2. Schneider, Julian & Oehler, Andreas, 2021. "Competition for visibility: When do (FX) signal providers employ lotteries?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    3. Andreas Oehler & Julian Schneider, 2022. "Gambling with lottery stocks?," Journal of Asset Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 23(6), pages 477-503, October.
    4. Steve Agnew & Valerie A. Sotardi, 2024. "The Impact of Pocket Money and Term Time Employment on the Financial Confidence of Adolescents in New Zealand," Working Papers in Economics 24/10, University of Canterbury, Department of Economics and Finance.
    5. Thomas A. Hanson, 2022. "Family Communication, Privacy Orientation, & Financial Literacy: A Survey of U.S. College Students," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-13, November.

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