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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

Financially literate people are imperative to an economy because they make good financial decisions that help stimulate the economy. The author emphasizes the need for individuals (especially low income families to write out a written budget monthly. Consumers should establish emergency funds, practice good saving habits and have knowledge of investment funds. Through the surveys conducted in the article there is a correlation between knowledge of financial practices with and financial achievement. The author emphasizes the need to expand on ones' personal financial knowledge in a way befitting to the individual.

Financially literate people are imperative to an economy because they make good financial decisions that help stimulate the economy. The author emphasizes the need for individuals (especially low income families to write out a written budget monthly. Consumers should establish emergency funds, practice good saving habits and have knowledge of investment funds. Through the surveys conducted in the article there is a correlation between knowledge of financial practices with and financial achievement. The author emphasizes the need to expand on ones' personal financial knowledge in a way befitting to the individual.

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.

An increasingly complex and challenging financial world is facing our nation's youth. Elizabeth Johnson takes a look at the disadvantages that our lower income youth have in regards to financial knowledge and access to learning. Though there has been a rising awareness of the importance of financial literacy among the youth, there needs to be an equal interest in our disadvantaged youth and the access that they are given to improve their financial literacy. The paper addresses building financial capability through learning by doing. It also shares several innovative ideas such as having youth-ran school banking programs. In addition it talks about the successes of Junior Achievement programs addressing economic concepts.

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.

Palmer, Kimberly. "The Best Inheritance of All." U.S. News & World Report 144.18 (2008), 70-70. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Roesch Lib., U. of Dayton, Dayton, OH. 14 Mar. 2009.

Palmer discusses the positive impact that her mother's financial advise made on her life. In addition the article also references a study that suggests that Parents that teach their kids about the positive impact that money management can have on their lives can help them made better informed decisions as adults. Many parents lack the knowledge of financial literacy themselves and therefore their children grow up knowing very little about the importance financial literacy. The lack of financial literacy knowledge among the youth has caused unease and has inspired new programs designed to help parents teach their children.

Palmer discusses the positive impact that her mother's financial advise made on her life. In addition the article also references a study that suggests that Parents that teach their kids about the positive impact that money management can have on their lives can help them made better informed decisions as adults. Many parents lack the knowledge of financial literacy themselves and therefore their children grow up knowing very little about the importance financial literacy. The lack of financial literacy knowledge among the youth has caused unease and has inspired new programs designed to help parents teach their children.

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

Expansion of the internet and market innovation have lead to national economies and the deregulation of banking with a changing economy. In an ever changing economy like the United States individuals must constantly keep updated and improve their level of financial literacy, be aware of changes in personal finances and demography and obtain current knowledge of mortgage lending practices. Financial literacy programs such as first time homebuyer programs, basic financial literacy programs, and savings initiatives have been established through private and public funding to increase the financial literacy of the public. The effectiveness of some of these programs has not been concluded, however, individuals have stated that after completing the programs they felt much more confident in making investments.

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

Article from Kansas City Gazette. Describes a bill proposal to increase financial knowledge in the US. The problem specifically lies with young adults and college students. It provides statistics as well as some startling facts to the problems with credit card debt and financial literacy.

The article discusses financial-literacy programs at universities and colleges in the United States. Programs like Texas Tech University's help its students master the basics of budgeting, saving, and not buying what they can't afford. These programs are especially important as colleges grapple with rising costs and an economic downturn in the country. The author states that financial literacy affects student retention, productivity, and mental health, and may also generate good will in a time when colleges are being criticized for repeatedly raising tuition, fees, and housing costs. (From the EBSCO abstract.)

The article focuses on the problem of college debt and knowledge about financial terms. It also goes into discussion of what some universities are doing to help this problem by offering classes/seminars. Valuable article.

A 20 page survey on the impact of financial literacy classes and survey results. The surveyor examines results from every state and uses many detailed questions. His surveys included results by race, gender, and location along with many others. The stastics are starteling and valuable for research on financial literacy.

Mandell and Lewis explain that young adults possess insufficient knowledge when it comes to the world of personal finance. This assertion is not new and many researchers have come to a similar conclusion, but the two authors believe young adults in other countries such as Japan and Australia lack financial literacy. Their study focused on whether teenagers lack of motivation inhibited their assimilation of information during finance classes. the researchers believe teens just don't believe financial literacy is important. Their study included five national surveys, with results broken down by different demographics such as sex, race and family income.

Presents an interview with Elisabeth Donati, executive director of Creative Wealth International. The interview is used to reveal the many deficiencies in financial knowledge that young people face upon entering the working world. This source uses real life examples from Elizabeth's own experience to illustrate the incredible need for some form a financial education.

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.

Discusses the importance of future savings such as retirement funds. The article also discusses common reasons for failed retirement plans. The source is a good reference point to compare the different issues facing adults and young people.

A psychological article about college students and financial management. The study examines debt and spending habits of students and how that may of occured. Their are statistics of demographics, financial classes, and even personality types and their relationship to debt. Could provide a good viewpoint of sociological and psychology factors for research.