Abstract

This study examined the level of financial literacy and confidence in making own financial decisions college students in US and Japan. A total of 575 undergraduate students, 359 undergraduate students in Sacramento, the state capitol of California, and 216 undergraduate students in Aichi prefecture, located near the center of the Japanese main island, participated in this study. Financial literacy was measured by two instruments: Survey of Personal Financial Literacy Among College Students in Jump$tart and the three questions developed by Lusardi and Mitchell. The US collegiate students selected for this study demonstrated a better understanding of financial literacy compared to Japanese counterparts in both measurement instruments. Nearly a half of Japanese students in this study did not feel that they were ready to make their own financial decisions. Their lack of confidence in making financial decision was regrettably reflected on their poor performance in the financial literacy test. These findings highlight the need for a wholistic approach to financial education in Japan.

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