Financial literacy and education research priorities

Twenty-nine scholars from public and private universities, non-profit organizations, and the federal government participated in a National Research Symposium on Financial Literacy and Education in October 2008 in Washington, DC. The purpose was to identify critical research questions that could inform outcomes-based financial education, relevant public policy, and effective practice leading to personal and family financial literacy. Following the symposium, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released a comprehensive report. This paper summarizes the key findings and recommendations from the report and how researchers can use this information to extend the breadth and depth of research in the area of financial literacy and education.