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The effects of financial literacy training: Evidence from a field experiment in German high schools

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  • Winter, Joachim
  • Lührmann, Melanie
  • Serra Garcia, Marta

Abstract

We report the results of a field experiment evaluating the impact of financial literacy training on teenagers between 14 and 16 years in German high schools. After the training, treated teenagers exhibit a significant increase in both interest in financial matters and self-assessed knowledge relative to the control group. We also find a strong decrease in the prevalence of impulse purchases after the training, suggesting that teenagers become more sovereign consumers. Our data reveals strong gender differences in financial matters already before adulthood: Girls show less interest in and self-assessed knowledge about financial matters, and are less likely to save.

Suggested Citation

  • Winter, Joachim & Lührmann, Melanie & Serra Garcia, Marta, 2013. "The effects of financial literacy training: Evidence from a field experiment in German high schools," VfS Annual Conference 2013 (Duesseldorf): Competition Policy and Regulation in a Global Economic Order 79744, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc13:79744
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments

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