Perceived and Actual Financial Literacy

Perceived and actual financial literacy in Slovakia was examined via standard questions used in international surveys. Levels of perceived competence were well-related to actual knowledge of basic financial concepts, such as inflation, compound interest, time value of money and investment costs and socio-demographic variables (education, gender). Psychological variables (risk tolerance levels) impacted perceived financial knowledge indirectly, via willingness to invest in risky classes of financial products.