Bringing Voluntary Financial Education in Emerging Economy: Role of Financial Socialization During Elementary Years

The level of financial literacy tends to be low in children, while information and financial education for children are very limited, especially in developing countries without mandatory financial education in schools. This study examined the effects of a classroom financial education program on financial knowledge. We used “Financial Intelligence Curriculum” designed for elementary school students from grade 1–6, focusing on the need and want, priority needs, income, spending, saving, and sharing. Using experimental method with pre-post-test and control group design, we found that the treatment group who received financial education has improved financial knowledge relative to the control group. The study provides evidence that elementary school students are appropriate targets for financial education and that it is necessary to develop mechanisms for effective learning to improve financial capability at an early age.