Investigating the Level of Financial Literacy of University Students

Abstract

Considering that the quality of financial decisions taken by individuals depends on their financial knowledge, abilities and attitudes, it is possible to state that the well-being of a population depends on how financially literate it is. In this context, the aim of this study was to measure the financial literacy level of university students in north of Mexico. The research method used was the survey and the data collected were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. As results, it was possible to confirm that financial attitudes of university students of north of Mexico influence their financial behavior. However, it was not confirmed that financial knowledge of these students impacts their financial behavior. As a high relationship between financial attitudes, financial behavior and financial knowledge of analyzed individuals was not found, it is concluded that the level of financial literacy of university students in the north of Mexico is low. It implies in the necessity to invest in financial literacy programs that could help this population to better manage their resources, what would certainly impact on its savings and consumption decisions, and retirement planning.