Relationships between state mandates for financial education and young adults’ financial literacy and capability

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationships between financial literacy and financial capability rates of 18-24-year-olds and formal financial education in public K-12 schools. Though much has been studied about financial education, financial literacy, and financial capability, there are few clear answers about the relationships among the three. This study unpacked associations and relationships between financial education in public K-12 schools and young adults’ financial literacy and financial capability. Using extant data from national surveys about financial literacy and financial capability in 2015 and 2018, this study determined there was rarely a significant difference in young adults’ financial literacy and financial capability as related to the level of financial education they received in high school. Such information is important because it can reveal the differences in outcomes of various levels of formal financial education; this information can be used to shape policies and implementation that will provide the greatest positive impact for individuals and, in turn, the nation.

Keywords

• educational leadership
• financial literacy
• financial capability
• financial education
• education policy