Financial education intervention to promote financial well-being in low income mothers

Abstract Background Financial well-being has only recently been acknowledged as a social determinant of health. This study explored a framework for delivering financial education to low-income, primarily Hispanic mothers. Methods A financial education intervention was developed for low-income mother...

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Main Authors: Radha Bhattacharya, Rachel Lobo, Jennifer Barrows, Jennifer Hayakawa, Michelle Lubahn
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-05-01
Series:Discover Education
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00473-y
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author Radha Bhattacharya
Rachel Lobo
Jennifer Barrows
Jennifer Hayakawa
Michelle Lubahn
author_facet Radha Bhattacharya
Rachel Lobo
Jennifer Barrows
Jennifer Hayakawa
Michelle Lubahn
author_sort Radha Bhattacharya
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Financial well-being has only recently been acknowledged as a social determinant of health. This study explored a framework for delivering financial education to low-income, primarily Hispanic mothers. Methods A financial education intervention was developed for low-income mothers of infants based on formative data gathered from focus groups, cognitive interviews, and a pilot survey. Participants attended five weekly 30 min classes taught in small groups using a virtual format. Self-reported surveys were administered at baseline and post-intervention to explore associations between financial well-being and baseline demographic and financial characteristics, examine factors associated with financial education class attendance, and evaluate associations between financial education, mothers’ financial outcomes, and financial well-being. Results Of the 56 participants enrolled in the study from March 2021 to February 2022, 18 attended at least one class and 15 completed the post-intervention survey. Financial confidence and behavior were positively associated with financial well-being (p = 0.00). Attitude toward saving predicted financial behavior (p = 0.00). Common barriers to attendance included lack of time and the need for childcare. Following financial education, participants reported feeling more comfortable going to a bank to inquire about a product or service (p = 0.0001) and greater ability to make financial decisions new to them (p =0 .03). While overall financial well-being did not change, the ability to handle a major expense improved (p =0.004). Discussion Given the limited time that new mothers can dedicate to financial education, the goals of such programs should focus on building confidence in making informed financial decisions and fostering a positive attitude toward saving.
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spelling doaj-art-ce057bbb08ce4b80aa0164b7ca001d292025-08-20T03:52:20ZengSpringerDiscover Education2731-55252025-05-014111810.1007/s44217-025-00473-yFinancial education intervention to promote financial well-being in low income mothersRadha Bhattacharya0Rachel Lobo1Jennifer Barrows2Jennifer Hayakawa3Michelle Lubahn4Department of Economics, Director, Center for Economic Education, College of Business and Economics, California State University FullertonCollege of Business and Economics, California State University FullertonNursing Research and Innovation, Children’s Hospital of Orange CountyNursing Research and Innovation, Children’s Hospital of Orange CountyCommunity Education Manager, Children’s Hospital of Orange CountyAbstract Background Financial well-being has only recently been acknowledged as a social determinant of health. This study explored a framework for delivering financial education to low-income, primarily Hispanic mothers. Methods A financial education intervention was developed for low-income mothers of infants based on formative data gathered from focus groups, cognitive interviews, and a pilot survey. Participants attended five weekly 30 min classes taught in small groups using a virtual format. Self-reported surveys were administered at baseline and post-intervention to explore associations between financial well-being and baseline demographic and financial characteristics, examine factors associated with financial education class attendance, and evaluate associations between financial education, mothers’ financial outcomes, and financial well-being. Results Of the 56 participants enrolled in the study from March 2021 to February 2022, 18 attended at least one class and 15 completed the post-intervention survey. Financial confidence and behavior were positively associated with financial well-being (p = 0.00). Attitude toward saving predicted financial behavior (p = 0.00). Common barriers to attendance included lack of time and the need for childcare. Following financial education, participants reported feeling more comfortable going to a bank to inquire about a product or service (p = 0.0001) and greater ability to make financial decisions new to them (p =0 .03). While overall financial well-being did not change, the ability to handle a major expense improved (p =0.004). Discussion Given the limited time that new mothers can dedicate to financial education, the goals of such programs should focus on building confidence in making informed financial decisions and fostering a positive attitude toward saving.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00473-yFinancial literacyFinancial knowledgeFinancial healthSocial determinants of healthMinority women
spellingShingle Radha Bhattacharya
Rachel Lobo
Jennifer Barrows
Jennifer Hayakawa
Michelle Lubahn
Financial education intervention to promote financial well-being in low income mothers
Discover Education
Financial literacy
Financial knowledge
Financial health
Social determinants of health
Minority women
title Financial education intervention to promote financial well-being in low income mothers
title_full Financial education intervention to promote financial well-being in low income mothers
title_fullStr Financial education intervention to promote financial well-being in low income mothers
title_full_unstemmed Financial education intervention to promote financial well-being in low income mothers
title_short Financial education intervention to promote financial well-being in low income mothers
title_sort financial education intervention to promote financial well being in low income mothers
topic Financial literacy
Financial knowledge
Financial health
Social determinants of health
Minority women
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00473-y
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