Financial Literacy and Financial Fragility in Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between Mexicans’ financial fragility and the following variables: financial literacy, savings, assets owning, financial shocks, financial education, and financial inclusion. Likewise, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics associated with financial fragility are identified. The dichotomous Probit model is used for the analysis, estimated with data from the 2021 National Survey of Financial Inclusion. The results show that financial literacy, savings (formal and informal), financial education and possession of assets are negatively related to the probability of being financially fragile. High income and holding formal and informal savings are the most robust predictors of financial fragility, with a marginal effect of -9.40%, -5.34% and -5.27%, respectively. The probability of being considered financially fragile is related to low income and a low educational level, plus having overspent in the last year. The findings can be useful for financial education strategies design, to provide the population financial training in resources administration and protection against income decrease.