A workplace and gender-related perspective on financial planning information sources and knowledge outcomes

Abstract

This paper examines financial learning in the workplace through employer provided, self-directed financial learning media, such as newsletters, print publications, software, and the Internet. Indepen­ dent variables of interest also include an employee's use of family, friends, and co-workers as financial planning sources. The paper addresses whether the use of the personal sources relates to the use of the financial learning media, whether the media utilization affects an employee's financial knowledge, and whether genders influences these relationships. Results suggest that the social network influences utilization of employer-provided financial learning media which, in tum, increases actual retirement­ specific and self-reported financial knowledge. Differences by gender appear for a number of variables.