Group items tagged

Thaler discusses the "financial literacy crisis" facing most Americans. Today, a record number of Americans are inept when it comes to financial literacy and as a result accumulate large sums of debt and fail to plan for the future. The author explains that Americans get into trouble because current financial systems such as credit cards are not user-friendly. To counter this escalating problem, researchers believe financial programs should be created that provide consumers with basic financial knowledge and assist them in making good choices. Finally, parents must begin teaching financial literacy to their children at a young age and not keep the subject a private matter. Thaler's argument that new financial programs should be created is logical given the current crisis situation he identifies, but he fails to outline a way to do so. Norvilitis, Jill, Michelle Merwin, Timothy Osberg, Patricia Roehling, Paul Young, and Michele Kamas. " Personaility Factors, Money Attitueds, Financial Knowledge, and Credit-Card Debt in College Students." Journal of Applied Social Psychology. 36.6: 1395-1414. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO Roeschh Lib., U of Dayton. 17 March. 2009

A survey conducted in 2004 by bankrate.com shows that the average United States citizen scored just 66 percent on a financial literacy test. The test was based upon twelve basic financial topics that were considered fundamental knowledge that all people in a capitalistic society should know. Individuals, who were not determined to be financially literate, stated that they were aware of their problem but never sought help. Individuals who were determined as most financially literate and most financially illiterate showed common characteristics, none which included any connection to gender.

Davis' study of the necessity for financial literacy is interesting and examines the cost benefit ananlysis for financial literacy courses. The study is done with Texas PTA parents and their willingness to allocate additional funds for financial classes. Davis addressses the growing problem of American students and their lack of finacial knowledge. Overall a valuable article to examine the publics willingness to provide funding for financial education

Synder outlines an initiative by CPAs around the country to promote financial literacy and improve Americans' wellbeing. Examples of the programs include a one-day workshop for high school seniors to discuss subjects such as credit cards, owning a home and buying a car. The goal is to bring real world applications to teach students about financial literacy. The programs also aim to help military personnel and their families when a parent is deployed, or a unique situation arises that impacts their finances. The author effectively demonstrates how CPAs across the country are taking action to aid in the development of healthy financial habits. Unfortunately, there is no information regarding the effectiveness of these programs and more information is needed.

This article focuses on the financial education of American consumers. The researchers have labeled Americans as having excess debt, poor retirement planning and insufficient savings. They believe one answer to the financial problems facing Americans has to do with the amount of financial information available. In some cases credit cards provide too much information and technical terms which may confuse the consumer. On the other hand when there is too little information the consumer may not be able to make proper choices.

Morton, Heather. "Private Efforts To Help Financial Literacy." State Legislatures 33.5 (May 2007): 24-24. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Roesch Lib., U. of Dayton, Dayton, OH. 16 Mar. 2009.

The article focuses on the hard work of some financial institutions to help improve financial education in the U.S. These include money skills, and interative curriculum created by the American Financial Services Association Education Foundation, the Credit Union National Association, together with the National Endowment for Financial Education, and Visa, with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

The Author suggests that many of Americans Financial difficulties are brought about as a result of a lack of self-regulation. A lack of financial literacy can hit lower-income families the hardest because of their ability to be exploited. Consumers with lack of financial knowledge find themselves caught up in short term benefits rather than long term benefits. Proper knowledge of strategies would enable many individuals to avoid problems and better prepare themselves for the future by protecting themselves in the present.

The Author suggests that many of Americans Financial difficulties are brought about as a result of a lack of self-regulation. A lack of financial literacy can hit lower-income families the hardest because of their ability to be exploited. Consumers with lack of financial knowledge find themselves caught up in short term benefits rather than long term benefits. Proper knowledge of strategies would enable many individuals to avoid problems and better prepare themselves for the future by protecting themselves in the present.

Americans are not the only people facing a financial literacy crisis according to this article. The Canadian governments new budget calls for the creation of financial programs. During the recent economic crisis many Canadians have amassed debt and the government aims to quell this trend. The United States government is also trying to implement similar programs for its citizens.

Ian B. Davidson discusses the importance of financial literacy and how American society has gradually shifted from a "save now, buy later society" into a "buy now, save later society." He discusses the accelerating rate of bankruptcies as well as family breakups and growing welfare in the U.S. Davidson discusses a program that he sponsors at Montana State University that allows students to manage a $50,000 portfolio. The effectiveness of this program speaks for itself because its returns are continually much higher than the average Dow Jones returns.

Ian B. Davidson discusses the importance of financial literacy and how American society has gradually shifted from a "save now, buy later society" into a "buy now, save later society." He discusses the accelerating rate of bankruptcies as well as family breakups and growing welfare in the U.S. Davidson discusses a program that he sponsors at Montana State University that allows students to manage a $50,000 portfolio. The effectiveness of this program speaks for itself because its returns are continually much higher than the average Dow Jones returns.

The article focuses on the hard work of some financial institutions to help improve financial education in the U.S. These include money skills, and interative curriculum created by the American Financial Services Association Education Foundation, the Credit Union National Association, together with the National Endowment for Financial Education, and Visa, with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Using Financial Education Curriculum for Teens Today's American teenagers are regarded as "financially illiterate," and lacking sufficient knowledge of personal finance and an understanding of money. The authors examine the effectiveness of the Money Talks program implemented in several California schools. The Money Talks program was designed to inform students about financial subjects relevant to them. The study proved the program had a positive effect on students by administering a post-test and comparing it with one taken before the course

It is shocking to see the statistic that almost 2/3 of individuals over the age of 50, still in the working environment, have not thought about their retirement. This failure to plan has lead Americans to financial illiteracy. Almost half of people in the workforce are unaware of pension and retirement funds that they as employees qualify for. The author suggests requiring proper planning aid information upon new employee orientation, educational programs as well as a personal incentive for individuals to think and plan for the future.

This article, available in PDF format through EBSCO, discusses the problem of "financial aliteracy." Most Americans have limited knowledge of strategies for saving and investing. This is a timely topic, given the current problems on Wall Street.

EBSCOhost (ebscohost.com) serves thousands of libraries and other institutions with premium content in every subject area. Free LISTA: LibraryResearch.com