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Unpacking financial (dis)engagement of young adults transitioning into the workforce: An investigation of financial habit clusters

Author

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  • Harrison, Jennifer L.
  • Sinnewe, Elisabeth
  • Westermann, Steffen
  • Nicholson, Gavin

Abstract

We cluster 519 young Australian adults entering the full-time workforce across financial habits associated with an individual's investment activity, credit use, and savings ability. We identified three distinct groups: Financial Explorers, who engage broadly with an array of financial habits; Habitual Savers, who report traditional saving practices but avoid investing and using debt; and the Disengaged, who show little engagement with their finances beyond comparing prices when making a purchase. Results indicate that these groupings are influenced by more than financial literacy alone. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior, we find that normative beliefs and perceived behavioral control are important mediators between personality traits, financial stress, and financial habits. These findings suggest that financial interventions should be tailored to different behavioral patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Harrison, Jennifer L. & Sinnewe, Elisabeth & Westermann, Steffen & Nicholson, Gavin, 2026. "Unpacking financial (dis)engagement of young adults transitioning into the workforce: An investigation of financial habit clusters," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:96:y:2026:i:c:s0927538x26000132
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pacfin.2026.103067
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