Researchers Examine Childhood Financial Education

Brookings, The Journal of Consumer Affairs
Friday, April 3, 2015

A special issue of The Journal of Consumer Affairs examines the effect of financial education programs on the financial inclusion and well-being of children. Contributors find that even children as young as three years old can benefit from financial education, which might be as simple as teaching children the value of delayed gratification. By age five, children are capable of applying savings behaviors to money. Children in grades four and five were able to retain lessons on financial knowledge, behavior and attitudes after even modest financial lessons. Among the authors’ recommendations are involving parents in their children's financial education and leveraging teachable moments – such as when teens receive their first paycheck.