Improving Financial Literacy For Low-Income Communities Through Financial Coaching

Abstract

Low-income communities are often trapped in unstable financial conditions, so effective financial management is key to improving their well-being. Financial training can provide an understanding of these risks and teach how to avoid them, as well as recognise legitimate and profitable financial products and how to budget, manage debt or utilise financial products wisely. The theoretical study of financial coaching can be built upon several key theories covering aspects of education, economics and behavioural psychology. This article combines participatory action (PAR) and community-based research approaches to improve public financial capability through financial training programmes. The results of this service show that financial training has a positive and sustainable impact on improving public financial capacity. However, it should be noted that the performance of this outcome is also the result of co-operation between researchers, stakeholders, and affected communities. Through improved understanding, skills, and access to appropriate financial products, communities can achieve a more prosperous and financially independent life. In addition, a change in attitude towards being smarter when managing finances is a major consequence of this service. Given the increased wise attitude towards understanding, skills and fundraising, we expect that the community will better manage their finances, reduce the risk of financial difficulties, and increase participation in formal financial services.