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Evaluation of the Development of Financial Literacy in Mexico: A Qualitative Study from Complex Thinking with Pre-University Students

Abstract:

This study evaluated the financial literacy of Mexican students in their final year of upper secondary education, identifying the knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes that guide their decisions about money management, financial services, and products. Using a qualitative approach with focus groups and grounded theory, we analyzed the experiences of 174 students (101 women and 73 men) from eight public and private institutions in Guadalajara, Mexico City, Hidalgo, and Nuevo León. Findings highlight the need for stronger, institutionally embedded financial education to foster informed decision-making, encouraging planning, saving, budgeting, debt avoidance, and long-term financial stability and responsible investing among new generations.