The relationship between family socialization and financial behaviors in college students

Abstract

This pilot study examined the relationship between family financial skills and behaviors and the financial behaviors and skills of college students. The goal of this study was to see if findings from Gudmunson and Danes (2011) who developed family financial socialization theory, would be replicated among SUNY New Paltz college students. Fifty-nine college students were surveyed using items from Jorgenson and Salva’s (2007) College Student Financial Literacy Survey (CSFLS). A correlational study was conducted; results suggested a positive, weak relationship; as family financial skills increased, financial skills increased. Overall results were not statistically significant; family financial interactions were not associated with the financial behaviors of college students. While no associations were identified at the variable level, at the item level, several associations were identified in the expected direction. Self- reported ability to manage one’s own finances was associated with learning about and observing financial management from parents/guardians. Self-reported ability to manage one’s own finances was associated with observing parents/guardians save money. Furthermore, among the 37 students who reported having one or more credit cards, family saving was negatively associated with owing money on one’s own credit cards. This research suggests the importance of family communication about financial skills and behaviors to encourage better financial behaviors in young adults.