Financial Literacy and Retirement Preparedness: Evidence and Implications for Financial Education Programs

TitleFinancial Literacy and Retirement Preparedness: Evidence and Implications for Financial Education Programs
Publication TypeReport
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsLusardi, A, Mitchell, OS
Series TitleMichigan Retirement Research Center Publication
InstitutionMichigan Retirement Research Center, University of Michigan
CityAnn Arbor, MI
Call Numbernewpubs20070125_Lusardi-Mitchell_wp144
KeywordsNet Worth and Assets, Retirement Planning and Satisfaction
Abstract

Economists are beginning to investigate the causes and consequences of financial illiteracy to better understand why retirement planning is lacking and why so many households arrive close to retirement with little or no wealth. Our review reveals that many households are unfamiliar with even the most basic economic concepts needed to make saving and investment decisions. Such financial illiteracy is widespread: the young and older people in the United States and other countries appear woefully under-informed about basic financial computations, with serious implications for saving, retirement planning, mortgages, and other decisions. In response, governments and several nonprofit organizations have undertaken initiatives to enhance financial literacy. The experience of other countries, including a saving campaign in Japan as well as the Swedish pension privatization program, offers insights into possible roles for financial literacy and saving programs.

DOI10.2145/20070104
Endnote Keywords

Financial Management/Retirement Planning/Investments

Endnote ID

17030

Citation Key5644