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The effective and efficient management of personal finances is critical for everyone, particularly in a world where uncertainties prevail. Owing to continuous change, new financial challenges frequently confront individuals that culminate ultimately in uncertainties concerning individuals’ financial position and future. Having low levels of debt, an active savings and retirement plan, as well as following an expenditure plan, will lead to financial wellness, which demonstrates an active state of financial wealth. A comprehensive financial plan makes individuals attentive when dealing with financial issues, and acts as a guide when making financial decisions. Owing to insufficient financial literacy and skills, personal financial management is challenging and often results in erroneous financial decisions. Financial knowledge forms the basis for financial skills and competence, which are influenced by personal attitudes in both spending and saving. Therefore, in order to plan effectively, and control and manage financial risks and opportunities in the future, financial skills and abilities are essential. Adequate financial knowledge and skills lead to effective personal financial management and sound financial decisions in the short-term as well as in the long-term. Planning for financial independence should start as early as possible during the financial life cycle, usually at 18 years of age. Students are a rewarding market for financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies, pension funds and brokerage companies, potentially leading the way forward to establish brand-loyalty throughout adulthood. However, the lack of financial management and planning experience, as well as financial literacy and financial skills, make students particularly susceptible to the aggressive marketing tactics of financial institutions, which may be harmful to students’ financial freedom. As such, financial institutions and professionals have to gauge effective ways to convey financial knowledge and product information to a target market to deliver improved financial service as well as understand the relevant consumer behavioural aspects of a target market when developing marketing strategies. Published literature on the South African Generation Y consumer behaviour is limited and none that is focused specifically on attitudes towards personal financial planning, financial literacy and perceived personal financial management skills of the significantly sized black Generation Y cohort. This cohort is defined as individuals born between 1986 and 2005. In South Africa, Generation Y individuals accounted for 38 present of the South African population, with the black Generation Y individuals representing 83 present of this generational cohort. Additionally, the black Generation Y cohort of South Africa account for approximately 32 present of the total population, resulting in a highly salient market segment. Of particular interest to marketers and professionals, including financial institutions and those involved in financial management, especially financial planning, are those individuals attaining tertiary qualifications, and as such they are likely to enjoy higher earnings and a higher social standing, which together is likely to make them opinion leaders and trendsetters amongst their peers. The primary objective of this study was to investigate black Generation Y students’ knowledge of and attitudes towards personal financial management within the South African context. The target population, relevant to this study, was defined as full-time undergraduate black Generation Y students, aged between 18 and 24 years, enrolled at South African registered public higher education institutions (HEIs). From the sampling frame, comprising 23 registered South African public HEIs, one traditional university and one university of technology located in the Gauteng province, were selected using a judgement sampling method. A convenience sample of 400 full-time black Generation Y students, who were enrolled at these two South African HEIs during 2013, was drawn for this study. To conduct this study, a structured format was applied where lecturers of the applicable classes were contacted and permission was requested to carry out the survey. Thereafter, during the scheduled class times of the full-time undergraduate students, hand delivered self-administered questionnaires were distributed for completion, which were collected thereafter. The students’ attitudes towards personal financial planning were measured on a six-point Likert scale, whereby participants were requested to indicate the extent of their agreement/disagreement with items pertaining to personal financial planning. The students’ financial literacy was measured, using multiple-choice questions, whereby the students were asked to choose one of the four alternatives provided. The students’ perceived personal financial management skills were measured on a six-point Likert scale, whereby the participants were requested to indicate the extent of their agreement/disagreement with items pertaining to personal financial management skills. Additionally, certain demographical data were requested from the participants. The findings of this study indicate that South African black Generation Y students exhibit a positive attitude towards personal financial planning, have low levels of financial literacy and perceive themselves as being equipped with having the necessary personal financial management skills. More specifically, students’ attitudes towards estate planning were ranked the highest, whereas attitudes towards the financial planning process were raked the lowest. In terms of financial literacy, students scored the highest in general financial knowledge and the lowest in spending related financial literacy questions. Students’ perceptions towards decision-making skills were rated the highest, whereas stress management skills were rated the lowest. Insights gained from this study will help academics, government, financial institutions and other economic role players understand current black Generation Y consumers’ attitudes towards personal financial planning, their level of financial literacy and their perceived personal financial management skills. / MCom (Business Management), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

There seems to be a definite need for financial literacy education and training, especially under young people. The lack of financial literacy seems to be from a lack of sufficient financial education. A lack in personal financial skills seems to be an international problem. The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the financial literacy competencies of university students, and to make recommendations on improving their competencies, if necessary. Financial literacy was defined as: "a financially literate individual should have a positive attitude towards his/her finances and learning, the understanding to take control of his/her own finances; the ability to discern good from bad financial decisions, and the skills to make it practical." The advantages of being financially literate seem to be overwhelming. Financial education or training seems to have a positive effect on individuals. The timing of financial literacy education, what and how to provide financial literacy education about, seems to play a vital role. It seems to have a positive impact if this training is provided early in life. There seems to be certain topics that form a vital part when compiling a personal finance curriculum, such as financial planning, budgeting, credit, investments and retirement A questionnaire was completed by third-year students from the North-West University's Potchefstroom Campus. Respondents in this study indicated that they viewed learning more about personal finance as important. Also, the respondents in this study do not appear to be financially competent in all areas. They lacked knowledge in the fields of banking, taxation, financial planning, interest rates, inflation and legal matters in terms of financial matters. Students from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences performed best and students from the Faculty of Health Sciences performed worst. Students who did a short course in personal finance had an advantage and students who were only exposed to this at school level performed worst. The challenge to educate scholars and students to be responsible, economic participants is great and a call is made to role players to attend to this as soon as possible. / Thesis (M.Com. (Forensic Accountancy))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

There seems to be a definite need for financial literacy education and training, especially under young people. The lack of financial literacy seems to be from a lack of sufficient financial education. A lack in personal financial skills seems to be an international problem. The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the financial literacy competencies of university students, and to make recommendations on improving their competencies, if necessary. Financial literacy was defined as: "a financially literate individual should have a positive attitude towards his/her finances and learning, the understanding to take control of his/her own finances; the ability to discern good from bad financial decisions, and the skills to make it practical." The advantages of being financially literate seem to be overwhelming. Financial education or training seems to have a positive effect on individuals. The timing of financial literacy education, what and how to provide financial literacy education about, seems to play a vital role. It seems to have a positive impact if this training is provided early in life. There seems to be certain topics that form a vital part when compiling a personal finance curriculum, such as financial planning, budgeting, credit, investments and retirement A questionnaire was completed by third-year students from the North-West University's Potchefstroom Campus. Respondents in this study indicated that they viewed learning more about personal finance as important. Also, the respondents in this study do not appear to be financially competent in all areas. They lacked knowledge in the fields of banking, taxation, financial planning, interest rates, inflation and legal matters in terms of financial matters. Students from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences performed best and students from the Faculty of Health Sciences performed worst. Students who did a short course in personal finance had an advantage and students who were only exposed to this at school level performed worst. The challenge to educate scholars and students to be responsible, economic participants is great and a call is made to role players to attend to this as soon as possible. / Thesis (M.Com. (Forensic Accountancy))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Finansiell förmåga är kunskap om finansiella koncept och produkter, samt förmågan att kunna applicera den i verkligheten. Många studier, såväl nationella som internationella, har visat att flertalet individer har bristande kunskaper inom området. Problemet som uppstår är den direkta påverkan det har på ekonomiskt och finansiellt beslutsfattande. I studien undersöks om ekonomiutbildning på universitetsnivå ökar den finansiella förmågan och därmed bidrar till mer välgrundade ekonomiska beslut. Vidare studeras även räknefärdighet och dess koppling till utbildning och finansiell förmåga då tidigare forskning behandlat dessa faktorer tillsammans. Med hjälp av en enkätundersökning som delats ut till ekonomistudenter på Karlstads universitet har detta studerats. Respondenterna delades upp i två grupper i syfte om att kartlägga utbildningens betydelse. Studenter som precis påbörjat sin ekonomiutbildning och studenters som befann sig i slutet av utbildningen. Resultatet visade att individer som studerat ekonomi har en bättre finansiell förmåga. Ekonomiutbildning hade även en positiv effekt på räknefärdighet, deltagande på aktiemarknaden samt långsiktigt sparande. / Financial literacy is knowledge of financial concepts and products, as well as the ability to apply it in real life. Several studies have shown that most individuals have insufficient knowledge in the field. The problem that arises is the direct impact this has on financial decision-making. The study examines whether economic education increases financial literacy and thus contributes too more informed financial decisions. Furthermore, it studies numeracy and its relationship to education and financial literacy as previous research addressed these factors together. To explore this, a questionnaire was distributed to economic students at Karlstad University. The respondents were divided into two groups in order to identify the role of education. Students who just have started their economic education and individuals who have studied economics for at least three years. The results show that a student who has study economics has better financial literacy. Education in economic also had a positive effect on numeracy, participation in the stock market and long-term savings.

Finansmarknaden har visat sig ha stor effekt på länders ekonomier. I den globaliserade värld vi idag lever i innebär det att en kris i ett land kan sprida sig till resten av världen. Detta var vad som hände under finanskrisen 2008–2009. Då uppstod en kris i USA med grund i ett flertal faktorer. Bidragande faktorer var bland annat en generös utlåningspolitik och en tickande bostadsbubbla. Sveriges bostadsmarknad har under en lång tid präglats av stigande bostadspriser och historiskt låga räntor. Detta har, tillsammans med amorteringskravet, skapat spekulationer kring ökade räntor och fallande bostadspriser. Trots spekulationer och förändringar på marknaden, finner vi ingen tydlig förklaring till hur dessa händelser skulle påverka bolånetagare i Sverige. Några menar att bolånetagare i Sverige är väl rustade för en finansiell förändring, medan några hävdar att det skulle påverka vissa bolånetagare i högre utsträckning. Studiens teoretiska grund är huvudsakligen tre teorier, dessa är flockbeteende (herd behavior), finansiell förståelse (financial literacy) samt asymmetrisk information (asymmetric information). Studiens syfte uppfylldes genom att vi med stöd från dessa teorier undersökte hur bolånehandläggare i jämförelse med andra låntagare i Sverige påverkas vid finansiella förändringar. Studiens hypoteser testades utifrån insamlad primärdata från respektive grupp. Datat analyserades sedan genom MWU-tester, Multipla regressioner samt Chi2-tester. Vi finner utifrån resultatet att bolånehandläggarna är den grupp som skulle kunna hantera en finansiell förändring i form av en räntehöjning bättre. Det påvisades dock ingen signifikant skillnad mellan hur en bolånehandläggare, i jämförelse med andra låntagare skulle påverkas vid ett prisfall på bostadsmarknaden. Det kunde dock påträffas stöd för att bolånetagare generellt är högt belånade i Sverige. Vilket kan leda till att de skulle påverkas om ett framtida fall i bostadspriserna sker. Skillnaden vid påverkan av en räntehöjning mellan grupperna kunde förklaras med stöd från studiens teorier. Det visade sig att bolånehandläggarna är den grupp som inte följer flockbeteendet i samma utsträckning, har en bättre finansiell förståelse samt ett informationsövertag gentemot andra låntagare. Dessa resultat ger en insikt i vad som avgör hur bolånetagare i Sverige påverkas av finansiella förändringar på bostadsmarknaden. Det redogörs även för vad bolånetagarna kan göra för att minska denna påverkan. Då studien jämför två grupper av bolånetagare visar resultatet tydligt vad som skiljer grupperna åt i beteende, finansiell kunskap samt informationsinhämtning. Dessa resultat är därför viktiga i vägledande syfte för bolånetagare i Sverige.

L’objectif de cette thèse est d’examiner à la fois les dimensions de l’offre et de la demande relatives à l’inclusion financière. Cette recherche présente un ensemble complet de preuves empiriques concernant l’accès aux services financiers, aux niveaux macro et micro-économiques. Le troisième chapitre fournit une exploration de cette hypothèse essentielle. En utilisant des données structurelles par pays, il montre les effets de l’inclusion financière sur la réduction de la pauvreté et des inégalités. En outre, il montre les effets bénéfiques des nouvelles technologies sur l’extension de l’inclusion financière et la réduction de la pauvreté. Le quatrième chapitre soutient que la culture financière est un déterminant important de l’inclusion financière des ménages et du bien-être. Basé sur des données d’enquête, il suggère en outre que l’accès aux nouvelles technologies et leur utilisation augmente la probabilité de l’inclusion financière. L’objectif du cinquième chapitre est de déterminer si l’adoption des nouvelles technologies favorise l’inclusion financière des PMEs au Pakistan. L’analyse révèle une association entre l’adoption des NTIC et l’accès de la firme aux services financiers, ce qui implique que les firmes qui ont un meilleur accès ou une utilisation plus intense des nouvelles technologies sont susceptibles de tirer de plus grands avantages des marchés financiers que les autres.Cette recherche contribue à la littérature sur l’accès aux services financiers en étendant l’examen de plusieurs dimensions significatives et complémente les études sur l’impact de la profondeur financière, de la stabilité financière et de la culture financière. / The aim of this PhD dissertation is to examine both the supply and demand sideof financial inclusion. This research presents a comprehensive set of evidence regarding financial access at macro and micro levels. This thesis blends three essays where the third chapter provides insights on the crucial linkages between new technologies, financial inclusion and poverty. Findings have shown poverty and inequality reducing effects of financial inclusion based on cross country data. Moreover, it shows beneficial effects of new technologies in expansion of financial inclusion and poverty reduction. Fourth chapter argues that financial literacy is an important determinant of households’ financial inclusion and welfare. Based on primary data it further suggests that the access toand use of new technologies increase the likelihood of financial inclusion. The objective of fifth chapter is to determine whether the adoption of new technologies promotes financial inclusion for SMEs in Pakistan. The analysis indicates the association between information and communication technologies (ICT) adoption and firm’s access to finance,implying that firms with greater access to and use of new technologies are more likely to benefit from financial markets compared with the others. This research contributes to the literature on access to finance in a more extensive way by examining relatively modern dimensions such as ICTs, digital finance and mobile money. Moreover, this dissertation concentrates on the effects of financial development and ICT on poverty and inequality which is understudied branch in conventional finance-growth nexus.

This dissertation aims to address the importance of financial literacy within the capability approach framework in the context of microfinance institutions’ clients in Indonesia, by raising four main issues. The first touches on financial capability and specifically focuses on its conceptualisation, predictors, and relationship with quality of life. A participatory method was employed to understand whether financial literacy is viewed as an important element of financial capability. An index of financial capability was built to investigate factors predicting financial capability and the relationship between financial capability and quality of life. The results suggest that socio-demographic discrepancies in financial capability exist, and financial capability is relevant for the improvement of quality of life. The remaining three issues centre on the instrumental value of financial literacy. In the second part, it is proposed that financial literacy is a relevant conversion factor. Within the capability approach literature itself, there is a lack of empirical discussion on conversion factors. It can be concluded that financial literacy is associated positively with conversion rate efficiency. The third research topic examined is the role of financial literacy in household financial decision-making authority. Previous studies have used household decision-making authority as a reflection of agency, which is an important building block of the capability approach. This thesis focuses on financial decision making, which is often perceived as “difficult”, “boring”, and “full of uncertainties”. It is suggested that the relationship between financial literacy and household financial decision-making authority is complex and contingent upon various factors. The role of financial literacy in the relationship between financial decision-making authority and subjective well-being is the last topic investigated in this dissertation. While decision-making authority has been argued as a reflection of human agency and source of power within households, it can also be perceived as a burden. These two interpretations of authority lead to an unclear relationship between household financial decision-making authority and subjective well-being. While a negative relationship between household financial decision-making authority and subjective well-being can be found among those with low levels of financial literacy, a similar correlation is absent among those who score high in financial literacy. This suggests that skills are important for people to value agency.

One of the more pressing long-term concerns for parents of children with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD), such as autism, is financial management (Abbott & Marriott, 2012). Few of these people ever manage to attain a level of financial literacy that allows them to become fully independent. Value, in it’s current form, is just too abstract for many (Cheak-Zamora, et al. 2017). This problem is augmented by our financial institutions, who have neglected to offer these groups any form of accessible financial products, rendering any aspirations of becoming “financially independent” by these groups, as unattainable. This is detrimental to their well-being and sense of self. (Abbott & Marriott, 2012). With this in light, this thesis will firstly highlight the obstacles faced by these groups in achieving financial independence, secondly, it will present a new paradigm through which to look at value. A paradigm that understands that money isn’t about a number, but rather the complex social interactions that that govern our liberties as members of society. Finally, this thesis will present an example of a new breed of fiancial system, Olive. Making use of emerging distributed technologies, Olive presents a system that enables us to produce products that recognises the spectrum of needs and abilities our community contains.

The aim of the diploma thesis is to explore the activities of the countries of the European Union in the district of financial literacy and to draw conclusions and eventually recommendations for the Czech Republic. At first, activities were detected in the district of financial literacy of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Austria and New Zealand and consequently were drew conclusions. Severally countries have developed many projects for improving financial literacy, but financial literacy isn´t still equally high in these countries, as it was showed by research PISA 2012. Next, questionaire relevant to financial institutions was applied to inhabitants of South Bohemia. The research was evaluated graphically and statistically. For statistical evaluation was used test assessment of independence Chi-quadrat for contingent table. The results of own research are very disturbing. Inhabitants of South Bohemia lack knowledge of important financial notions, they don´t know the difference between debit and credit cards and they don´t know, what is the APRC. One of the important results of the questionaire includes trust of the people to staff of the branches of banks or insurance companies. These people would contacted with most respondents in the case of dissatisfaction with the course of financial services. Contrariwise, people behave distrust to financial advisors, a few respondents use their services. The results of research correspond to the general level of financial literacy in the Czech Republic, which was discovered by general methods based on researches of Czech National Bank or PISA before now.