The Perception and Knowledge of Financial Risk of the Portuguese

Abstract

This study will help academics, researchers, and professionals to better understand how the Portuguese population perceives financial risk. Thus, the main objective of this study is to analyse and compare the perception and knowledge of financial risk by the Portuguese. The methodology used is quantitative, and the measurement instrument consists of three parts: financial risk perception, financial risk knowledge and sociodemographic characterization of the participants. The sample is composed of 830 Portuguese individuals, over 18 years old. The results demonstrate that financial risk perception is a one-dimensional measurement and that there are low levels of both perception and knowledge of financial risk. It can also be concluded that the Portuguese individuals have a higher level of financial risk perception, when compared to financial risk knowledge, and it is men who have higher levels of perception and knowledge of financial risk. Thus, this study contributes to the literature on financial risk by presenting empirical evidence and relevant conclusions, and it is therefore expected that it will help to improve the perception and knowledge of the financial risk of the Portuguese and, consequently, their financial decisions and financial well-being. Therefore, the study fills a gap, since there are no studies in Portugal that assess the perception and knowledge of financial risk of the Portuguese.