
Call for Papers: The Journal of Consumer Affairs and the Financial Literacy and Education
Commission Special Issue: Starting Early for Financial Success
As the promotion of high-quality academic research is an important component of effective financial education and
interventions, the Journal of Consumer Affairs and the FLEC invite submissions for a special issue: “Starting Early for
Financial Success: Capability into Action.” Papers are sought that rigorously explore the connection between financial
education and capability interventions, and measurable changes in financial behavior and outcomes. The goal is to advance
the knowledge of policy makers that comprise the FLEC, and the wider financial education field’s, understanding of what
kinds of financial capability interventions can both measurably improve an individual’s theoretical ability to make informed
financial decisions (increasing their knowledge and skills) and actually lead to action, or changes in financial behavior that
lead to improved financial outcomes. Given the mission of the FLEC, we are particularly interested in research that generates
new learning and insights to fuel innovations in policy and practice that will increase financial capability of American
households. To facilitate the transfer of these insights between academics and policymakers, the authors of articles selected
for the special issue will likely be invited to Washington, D.C. to present their findings to a FLEC symposium in 2014.
Submission deadline: March 16, 2014
The FLEC has identified Starting Early for Financial Success as a strategic focus for the coming years and so the papers
should have implications for improving financial well-being by starting early at key moments throughout the life course. While
FLEC is particularly interested in research related to children and young adults, we also welcome research submissions
focused on adults, as long as they have implications for effective approaches to developing financial capability early in life.
Research topics might include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Evaluations of the delivery of financial education for youth and adults that identify effective approaches, delivery channels,
and other factors (such as the interaction of knowledge, products, and behaviors) that enhance effectiveness.
• Optimal combinations of financial information, advice, regulation, disclosure, and delivery mechanisms, including default
options, and their impact on starting and maintaining positive financial habits.
• Assessments of interventions that help parents, teachers, and other adult caregivers effectively communicate on financial
topics with children and youth.
• How peer learning and peer effects impact the financial knowledge and actions of children, youth and young adults.
• Types of knowledge that best motivate and facilitate financial action, and how such knowledge is acquired.
• School-based financial capability programs (e.g. personal finance instruction, bank at school programs, etc.).
• Preparing youth, their families and adult students to make informed decisions about financing post-secondary education.
• Helping young adults plan for their futures, save for retirement
and other long term goals, and/or successfully manage their
credit and debt.
• Exploring how games and simulations, on-line learning
platforms, mobile applications, and other technology-based
financial education and information tools can be used to
deliver effective financial knowledge and skills.
• Evaluations of metrics, survey questions, and methodologies
to measure financial capability, behavior, and well-being
outcomes.
Federal government-driven interventions to promote financial
capability and potential approaches to improve their effectiveness.
Researchers across fields such as economics, public policy,
consumer sciences, education, business, marketing, social work,
sociology, behavioral psychology and decision-making or other
related fields are encouraged to submit articles. For more details,
visit: http://www.treasury.gov/ resource-center/financial-
education/Documents/FLEC%20Special%20Issue %20Call%20
for%20Papers%