Introduction to A Research Agenda for Consumer Financial Behavior

This chapter provides an overview of research on consumer financial behavior. Consumer financial behavior is defined as any behavior relevant to money management performed by consumers (individuals and families). Conceptually, financial behavior is an important component of financial capability. Financial capability is the consumer ability to apply appropriate financial knowledge, perform desirable financial behavior, and take available financial opportunities for achieving financial wellbeing. Financial capability in turn contributes to consumer financial wellbeing and overall wellbeing. This chapter provides conceptual discussions on the definition, categorization, antecedents, and outcomes of financial behavior. It also briefly mentions topics of all chapters in this book. At end of the chapter, research questions on consumer financial behavior for future research are proposed from the perspective of the book editors.