The financial socialization individuals receive is associated not only with their future financial wellbeing but also relational, mental, and physical wellbeing. This paper is a review of the literature on financial socialization, especially papers published between 2010 and 2019 in the Journal of Family and Economic Issues. We first review family financial socialization theory and then review empirical documentation for the theory, organized by (a) family socialization processes (e.g., parent financial modeling, parent-child financial discussion, and experiential learning as three primary methods of financial socialization) and (b) financial socialization outcomes (e.g., financial attitudes, financial knowledge, financial behaviors, and financial wellbeing). Finally, we discuss future directions for the field.

Most financial socialization research focuses on two methods of learning: modeling and discussion. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore experiential learning as a third potential method of financial socialization used by parents. Specifically, we explored what children learned about finances through experiential learning and why parents used experiential learning as a financial socialization method. We used a multigenerational sample of emerging adults (ages 18-30 years) and their parents and grandparents (N = 115). Analyses revealed three core what themes (Working Hard, Managing Money, and Spending Wisely) and three core why themes (Learning Financial Skills, Acquiring Financial Values, and Becoming Financially Independent) related to experiential learning. These findings have implications for parents, researchers, and educators. In sum, we propose that experiential learning should be regarded as a principal method of financial socialization and should be considered in theory building, research, and pedagogy.

This multigenerational, qualitative research study explores family financial discussion processes that may lead to better financial preparation for emerging adults. Interviews were conducted with 90 emerging adults from three universities as well as 17 of their parents and 8 of their grandparents. Qualitative analyses revealed two major themes associated with family financial discussion processes. In parent-initiated discussions, principles were taught primarily through vertically structured (top-down) delivery. Three concepts reported across all three generations of respondents included (a) sharing financial experiences, (b) involving children in decisions, and (c) engaging in age-appropriate conversations. In child-initiated discussions, analyses revealed that financial principles were often taught in interactive, conversational, horizontal, and organic ways. Analyses identified two recurring concepts or contexts: (a) children asking financial questions and (b) child-initiated, age-appropriate conversations. These results highlight healthy processes for family financial discussion that may better prepare emerging adults for financial adulthood and reduce financial instability.