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Annotated Bibliography: Financial Literacy and Its Impact on Youth 

  1. Lusardi, A., & Mitchell, O. S. (2014). The Economic Importance of Financial Literacy: Theory and Evidence. Journal of Economic Literature, 52(1), 5-44.
    This article explores the critical role financial literacy plays in individual decision-making, focusing on long-term economic security. It provides evidence on how financial education helps individuals save more, avoid high-interest debt, and invest wisely. The findings talks aboujt the importance of starting financial literacy early, particularly for young people, to establish habits like budgeting and saving that compound into financial security.

  2. Sherraden, M. S., Johnson, L., Guo, B., & Elliott, W. (2011). Financial Capability in Children: Effects of Participation in a School-Based Financial Education and Savings Program. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 32(3), 385-399.
    This study evaluates the impact of financial education in schools, specifically programs that combine education with practical savings mechanisms. It highlights how interactive and applied methods—such as creating savings accounts—encourage financial habits among youth, demonstrating the effectiveness of hands-on, real-life simulations in financial education.

  3. OECD (2020). PISA 2018 Results (Volume IV): Are Students Smart About Money?. OECD Publishing.
    This report examines global trends in financial literacy among young people, linking cultural and societal influences to financial behaviors. It discusses how family practices, peer norms, and societal expectations shape financial decision-making, and it offers policy recommendations for integrating financial education into national curricula to reduce income inequality and promote economic mobility.

  4. Beverly, S., & Sherraden, M. (1999). Institutional Determinants of Saving: Implications for Low-Income Households and Public Policy. Journal of Socio-Economics, 28(4), 457-473.
    This paper explores how access to financial education and resources influences savings behavior across socioeconomic groups. It argues that disparities in financial knowledge contribute to income inequality and limited economic mobility. Recommendations include providing marginalized communities with targeted financial education programs to level the playing field.

  5. Elliehausen, G. (2010). Impacts of Financial Literacy and Access to Financial Services on Household Economic Stability. The Journal of Consumer Affairs, 44(3), 435-466.
    This article examines the impact of financial literacy and technological innovations, such as fintech apps, on financial behaviors among younger generations. It highlights how technology enables financial inclusion by offering tools for budgeting, saving, and investing, especially for underserved groups, thus influencing positive financial outcomes.

  6. Drever, A. I., Odders-White, E., Kalish, C. W., Else-Quest, N. M., Hoagland, E. M., & Nelms, E. N. (2015). Foundations of Financial Well-Being: Insights into the Role of Executive Function, Financial Socialization, and Experience-Based Learning in Childhood and Youth. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 49(1), 13-38.
    This article focuses on how financial habits develop through cultural, societal, and familial influences. It emphasizes the role of parents and early socialization in shaping financial attitudes, habits, and literacy, suggesting that foundational skills formed during youth are critical to long-term financial stability.

  7. Mandell, L., & Klein, L. S. (2009). The Impact of Financial Literacy Education on Subsequent Financial Behavior. Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning, 20(1), 15-24.
    This research assesses the long-term effectiveness of financial literacy programs. It highlights the importance of tailored educational strategies, such as storytelling and tech-savvy tools, in engaging young audiences and improving financial decision-making, particularly in savings, investing, and retirement planning.

  8. Van Rooij, M., Lusardi, A., & Alessie, R. (2011). Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning in the Netherlands. Journal of Economic Psychology, 32(4), 593-608.
    This paper connects financial literacy to retirement planning, showing how understanding principles like compounding interest and diversification helps individuals make informed decisions about long-term investments. It advocates for accessible financial education as a means of empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures.