Annals of the University of Oradea: Economic Science (Jul 2016)
FINANCIAL LITERACY OF STUDENTS IN BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS HIGHER EDUCATION
Abstract
Alongside the numerous negative effects of the 2008 economic crisis, we can emphasize perhaps one positive aspect: one consequence of the crisis has been that attention has been paid to the low level of financial literacy among the population and the importance of financial education. Research into financial literacy has given priority to young people, because in order to be able to avoid a crisis similar to the lows of 2008, the next generation must at least have a high level of financial literacy. Therefore, this study focuses on an analysis of the financial literacy of young people. In our primary research we wanted to describe the financial literacy of Hungarian university students of economics and business, and to show any difference in this area compared to 'average' young people not receiving this type of education. We also looked at how economic and financial knowledge acquired in high school influences the financial literacy of students. In our research questionnaire we focused on the three components of financial literacy developed by the OECD in 2010: financial knowledge, financial behaviours, and attitudes to and preferences regarding financial matters. Our results show that the financial knowledge of those involved in economic and business education is at about the same level as the financial knowledge of 'average' young people; however, financial and economic education in high school has a positive effect on students’ financial literacy. In our analysis of financial behaviour, we came to the conclusion that the factors influencing economics and business students’ choice of a bank are almost identical to those of 'average' young people. In addition, similarities were discovered in borrowing, as well as in the willingness to finance everyday consumer goods through loans. However, in terms of the selection of savings provision and financial products, economics and business students are characterized by more conscious behaviour compared to their 'average' counterparts. Furthermore, it was found that the financial attitude of all the tested students as well as of 'average' young people is above the average, but this is not manifest in their behaviour regarding savings, so any measures taken in the future to improve the financial literacy of the general public should focus in particular on this component.
