How Does Parental Education Affect Consumer Financial Literacy? Evidence from the USA

Abstract

This study explores the impact of parental education on consumer financial literacy, while simultaneously scrutinizing the mediating role of early financial education in this nexus. Leveraging the insights garnered from the 2021 National Financial Capability Survey, this inquiry employs the techniques of OLS and ordered probit regression to posit that parental education exerts a significant and positive influence on consumer financial literacy. Additionally, the investigation unveils that early financial education functions as a partial mediator in the linkage between parental education and the extent of consumer financial literacy. The findings indicate that early financial education can contribute to bridging the divide between parental financial literacy levels, thereby affording all children the opportunity to acquire financial knowledge and skills. This research underscores the importance of investing in early financial education as a pivotal means to augment financial literacy and foster broader financial inclusion.