Influence of Financial Literacy and Investment Pattern on Decision Making Behaviour Among Working Women

Abstract

Financial literacy is getting universal recognition all over the world. Despite of the fact that India has large population, fast growing economy, there is a dire need of vibrant and stable financial system. So to formulate and implement national strategy, financial education or financial literacy for women has gained greater importance in recent years. Traditionally, women were primarily responsible for daily maintenance activities, which include household budgeting, bill paying. Presentlywomen s financial potential is not up to the mark due to lack of confidence with regard to money management and investment avenues. Women are deprived of the opportunities to implement their knowledge to either understand the Financial matters or are regarded as incompetent compared to their spouses in financial issues. Today s women are empowered and educated, hence, must be provided with the sufficient knowledge of the relevant financial tools available in the market so they can attain their Financial potential. It mainly refers to knowledge and understanding of financial concepts and therefore, having the ability to make informed, confident and effective monetary decisions. Thus Financial literacy has become important these days in India The necessity of financial literacy has emerged out more in developing countries like India due to the existence of informal financial system, unemployment, uncertainty in income, and resource poor people. The importance of Financial literacy is considered more in India as it adjunct in promotion of financial inclusion, which will eventually result in developing a stable financial environment. The insufficient financial knowledge creates a burden on the country in the form of higher cost of financial security and lesser prosperity. Inadequate knowledge about basic finance results in making unproductive investment decisions. Financial Literacy improves individual s capability to ensure economic security for their families.