Overview

Abstract (English)

There is a large and sophisticated industry of financial professionals available to give financial information and advice to Canadians who can afford their services, but Canadians with low or modest incomes and wealth lack the means to purchase that help. What’s more, sometimes mainstream information and advice from financial services can be inaccurate or inappropriate for vulnerable clients. financial literacy research, practice and policy with respect to vulnerable groups in Canada has advanced considerably since Social and Enterprise Development Innovations (SEDI) released its initial report on this topic, financial Capability and Poverty, in 2004 (SEDI, 2004). This report draws on a review of academic and applied research, program evaluation findings, as well as insights from experienced community practitioners. It assesses what we currently know about the impacts and limitations of financial literacy programs for vulnerable Canadians and highlights the next set of research, policy and practice questions. This review was commissioned by the Canadian Centre for financial Literacy (CCFL), a division of SEDI, to inform and stimulate a policy dialogue about community-based financial literacy programming as a meaningful support for vulnerable Canadians.

Abstract (French)

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