Inmate perceptions of financial education needs: Suggestions for financial educators

Recently, national attention has turned to the need for increased financial education, particularly for low-income populations. Incarcerated individuals represent a growing low-income group with unique needs that could likely benefit from financial education. However, few studies have examined the specific financial education needs of inmates, particularly from their own perspectives. Through qualitative interviews with 12 men incarcerated in a Midwestern county jail and using grounded theory methodology for data analysis, this study identifies their self-perceived financial education needs as well as perceived barriers to receiving financial education while incarcerated. Implications for financial educators are also discussed.