K.B.P.I.M.S.R., SATARA MBA PROJECT
SHIVAJI UNIVERSITY, KOLHAPUR 19
financial literacy – if these markets are to expand operate efficiently. The substantial
growth of international transactions during the last decade, resulting from new
technologies and the growing international mobility of individuals, makes the
improvement in financial literacy, increasingly, an international concern.
Financial literacy can make a difference not only in the quality of life that
individuals can afford, but also the integrity and quality of markets. It can provide
individuals with basic tools for budgeting, help them to acquire the discipline to save
and thus, ensure that they can enjoy a dignified life after retirement. Financially
educated consumers, in turn, can benefit the economy by encouraging genuine
competition, forcing the service providers to innovate and improve their levels of
efficiency. Financial literacy is the process by which investors improve their
understanding of financial markets, products, concepts and risks. Through
information and objective advice, they develop the skills and confidence to become
more aware of financial risks and opportunities and make informed choices to
improve their financial position.
3.3 Definitions:
The possession of knowledge and understanding of financial matters. Financial
literacy is mainly used in connection with personal finance matters. Financial
literacy often entails the knowledge of properly making decisions pertaining to
certain personal finance areas like real estate, insurance, investing, saving (especially
for college), tax planning and retirement. It also involves intimate knowledge of
financial concepts like compound interest, financial planning, the mechanics of a
credit card, advantageous savings methods, consumer rights, time value of money
etc.
1
Financial literacy is the ability to understand how money works in the world: how
someone manages to earn or make it, how that person manages it, how he/she invests
it and how that person donates it to help others. It refers to the set of skills and
knowledge that allows an individual to make informed and effective decisions with
all of their financial resources.
2
3.4 Importance of Financial Literacy
1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_literacy#cite_note‐1
2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_literacy#cite_note‐1; Investopedia explains ‘Financial
literacy’.