Financial literacy in Europe

More about the book

Financial education is a pressing issue for developed countries, with organizations like the OECD, World Bank, and EU Commission leading initiatives alongside national governments. As financial services become integral for living, education, housing, and retirement planning, consumers face the challenge of making decisions in uncertain conditions. They must navigate complex products offered by various providers, often prioritizing their own interests, which introduces new risks and market distortions. This report, authored by researchers from the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, and Italy, provides an overview of what constitutes effective financial education in these nations. Unlike professional education or marketing efforts focused on financial literacy, this report emphasizes the consumer perspective. It aims to empower individuals to optimize their income and expenditures, enhancing personal welfare through informed use of financial services while avoiding over-indebtedness and income loss due to inadequate products or their misuse.