The Dynamics of Financial Literacy Within the Framework of Personal Finance: an Analysis Among Turkish University Students

Abstract

Poor financial choices could have a number of negative consequences for young people. Financially illiterate graduates might be subject to various financial or judicial enforcements, such as bankruptcy, mortgage crises or financial frauds. In order to protect young adults from the costly consequences of financial illiteracy, the evaluation of financial literacy must be analyzed for transforming them into financially knowledgeable individuals by the help of financial education. The main purpose of this study is to reveal the special characteristics that influence the financial literacy of university students, as well as to evaluate their financial literacy level. Results show that university students do not have adequate knowledge on personal finance and financial management, in other words they need to enhance their financial literacy in order to protect their financial security at the medium and long run. In addition, the most important factors that affect the overall personal financial literacy of university students within the framework of the survey are class rank, age, family's income level, and students' discussion potential with their parents about financial matters.