Sophie Roussin, Marcel Boucher
Union des consommateurs
2014
Consumers need to be well informed and educated financially, but they also need to be assured that the information that's presented to them by experts in these matters is honest and transparent, that they can trust it and that it will actually improve their ability to make informed choices. Does a consumer trying to raise his level of financial literacy obtain adequate information, whatever the sources he consults? Are the credibility and impartiality, essential to sound financial education, presented by financial institutions as well as by the more independent actors on the market? Financial literacy shortcomings of consumers are grouped into three main categories: budget, credit and savings. Union des consommateurs (UC)’s study focused on the credibility of the sources and content of financial education available online in those key aspects. UC analysed eleven websites where these issues are addressed by financial institutions, government bodies and community organizations. Their assessment was based on various credibility criteria for the websites identified in the literature, and they submitted a sample of those websites to discussion groups.
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OCA Funded ResearchThis research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.
Union des consommateurs 7000 Parc Ave, Suite 201 Montreal, QC H3N 1X1
Source: Consumer Policy Research Database