Developing the financial literacy of young adults : insights from the banking industry and business educators

Abstract

Financial literacy is perceived as a life skill that connects academic and practical knowledge to enhance financial attitudes and behaviours (e.g. Spotton Visano, 2018, 2019; Ek-Udofia, 2017). Research evidence from the OECD, however, suggests that financial education is not provided in adequate and equitable ways to all students. This study explores how financial literacy influences financial behaviours and attitudes of young people in Malta. It also identifies ways of improving the provision of financial education that is relevant to the needs of young people. A qualitative research approach is adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with six bank officials and five business education teachers. These interviews aim to provide insights into the current trends of young adults’ consumption of financial products and to pedagogies that facilitate the teaching and learning of financial literacy skills. The results of this study indicate that poor financial literacy of young people in Malta is reflected in the growing tendency to seek immediate gratification. This is evidenced by an over-reliance on credit facilities and the reluctance to save for the future. To address these deficiencies, this study recommends that financial education needs to be included within the compulsory secondary school curriculum through a programme that seeks to connect academic concepts to practical and transferable skills which will be of relevance to Malta’s future citizens.