More U.S. adults have a very low level of financial literacy than in any year since 2017, the first year of the Personal Finance (P-Fin) Index, a joint initiative of the TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC) at the George Washington University School of Business.

The P-Fin Index is an annual barometer of financial literacy based on a 28-question survey, according to a news release Key findings this year include:

  • Adults correctly answered only one-half of the questions, on average, a troubling figure that has remained stagnant over time.
  • More adults (23%) than any year of the survey could not correctly answer more than 7 of the 28 questions.
  • Comprehending risk remains the area where functional knowledge tends to be lowest; only around one-third of these questions were answered correctly.

Study

The 2022 index was fielded in January and includes more than 3,500 responses from four race and ethnic groups and five generations. Asian Americans were oversampled for the first time with the 2022 P-Fin Index, along with Black and Hispanic Americans. The novel data shows that financial literacy levels among Asian Americans and Whites tend to be equal, with both groups correctly answering about 55% of the questions. Black and Hispanic Americans each correctly answered about 35%.

“While this year’s Personal Finance Index is concerning, it must be noted that systemic factors and issues keep the economic playing field uneven for far too many Americans,” said TIAA Institute Senior Economist Paul Yakoboski in the news release. “As we work to improve financial literacy for all, we know that there are also demographic differences that can help or hinder those looking to achieve financial wellness, such as age, overall education levels and income distributions.”

Examination

Examining financial literacy across ages shows that it tends to be particularly low among those in early adulthood. Gen Z and Gen Y correctly answered only about 45% of the survey questions.

“The consistently low financial literacy levels among U.S. adults and, particularly, among the most vulnerable demographic subgroups is troubling,” said Annamaria Lusardi, University Professor at GW and GFLEC’s academic director in the news release. “These findings are a call to action! With financial literacy month underway, I want to invite everyone to join us in the effort to improve financial literacy and financial wellbeing for all.”

The P-Fin Index underscores the importance of financial literacy for financial well-being, showing that people with a very low level (compared to those with a very high level) are:

  • 6 times more likely to have difficulty making ends meet.
  • 3 times more likely to be debt constrained.
  • 3 times more likely to be unable to cope with a $2,000 financial shock.
  • 4 times more likely to spend more than 10 hours a week on issues related to personal finances.

Financial literacy matters even controlling for other factors, like income. In sum, while not a cure-all, increased financial literacy can lead to improved financial practices that benefit even those with modest or limited resources.

The full report can be found here.

Methodology

[1] As of Dec. 31, 2020. Based on data in PLANSPONSOR’s 403(b) Market Survey, which was published in August 2021.
[2] As of December 31, 2021 assets under management across Nuveen Investments affiliates and TIAA investment management teams are $1,375 trillion.

Source: TIAA Institute