A Literacia Financeira: Uma Revisão de Literatura

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on the topic of financial literacy and to understand which investigation lines and evaluation items are referred to in international studies on the subject. At the article’s beginning, the studies related to the definition of financial literacy are compiled, and a distinction between financial education and financial alphabetization is performed. Posteriorly, studies on the importance of financial literacy and its impact on families’ economic and financial decisions and on improving their economic security and financial well-being are referenced. Finally, the items on financial literacy which were studied are presented and analysed. It is clear that people with a higher literacy level make better financial decisions for their families and that financial ignorance conveys significant costs. It is concluded that countries should implement measures to support citizens’ training, in order to improve their financial literacy.