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How Financial Literacy Impacts on KiwiSaver Decisions?

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Whole thesis(656.51 KB)

Date

2014

Authors

Supervisor

Gilbert, Aaron
Hyde, Ken
Tourani-Rad, Alireza

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Master of Philosophy

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

In this study, I examine the impact of financial literacy on not only general retirement awareness but also on concrete KiwiSaver decisions. An internet-based survey was undertaken to recruit a sample of 167 adults from staff at the Auckland University of Technology. The empirical results show that more financially literate respondents are not necessarily more likely to prepare for retirement. However, there is a positive impact of financial literacy on KiwiSaver decision in terms of fee awareness, scheme allocation, contribution rates and fund risks. In particular, more financial literate people will consider fees charged by scheme providers, choose their own KiwiSaver scheme, prefer higher contribution rates and invest in risky funds. As a result, they are more likely to make decisions that provide greater potential KiwiSaver returns to their retirement. However, there is concern about member’s abilities on controlling the risks in the pursuit of high returns and investing in n funds that have levels of risk and expected returns that are considered appropriate for their ages. Moreover, respondents with higher financial literacy are more likely to seek superior information and make better informed KiwiSaver decisions.

Description

Keywords

Financial literacy, Retirement planning, KiwiSaver

Source

DOI

Publisher's version

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Permanent link

https://hdl.handle.net/10292/7408

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Masters Theses