The level of knowledge of financial literacy and risk of the Portuguese

Abstract

The themes of financial literacy and financial risk have been the subject of systematic study in recent decades, as inescapable variables that characterize the individual‘s financial performance, and it also emerges as a factor for maintaining social well-being. The purpose of the present study is to study the level of knowledge of literacy and financial risk of the Portuguese and to ascertain whether sociodemographic and professional variables interfere in the levels of literacy and financial risk knowledge. The methodology used is quantitative, and the measurement instrument is based on a questionnaire survey that assesses the levels of knowledge of literacy and financial risk. The sample consists of 830 Portuguese individuals, from different regions in mainland Portugal, over 18 years of age. The results show that Portuguese individuals have a higher level of knowledge of financial literacy than financial risk, the levels of knowledge of financial literacy are satisfactory and the levels of knowledge of financial risk are low. It is also noteworthy that individuals who have a educational background in the area of management or similar have higher average levels of knowledge of financial literacy. With increasing age and level of training there is also an increment in the levels of knowledge about financial literacy and on the best way to manage financial risk. So, there is a need for financial education initiatives that involve all the contributors to financial knowledge.