Financial Literacy of Secondary School Teachers: Evidence from Croatia

Financial literacy, encompassing the knowledge and skills required for informed financial decision-making, is critical in today’s complex economies. Teachers play a central role in imparting these skills to students, yet their financial literacy remains understudied. The aim of this study was to assess the financial literacy of secondary school teachers in Croatia, their interest in teaching financial education, and their perspectives on integrating it into the curriculum. Data were collected from 282 teachers using an online survey that included questions on financial knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes, as well as interest in financial education. Findings reveal that while educators demonstrate moderate financial knowledge, their attitudes and behaviors toward long-term financial planning, require significant improvement. Economics teachers exhibited superior knowledge compared to their peers in other disciplines. Most participants advocated for integrating financial literacy into the curriculum, highlighting the need for systematic teacher training and resource development. These results underscore the dual necessity of equipping educators with financial literacy and embedding financial education into Croatia’s formal education system, contributing to a financially resilient society.