Financial culture plays a crucial role in ensuring individual well-being, social stability and sustainable economic development. In modern conditions, young people face an increasing variety of financial products and services, which requires not only basic financial knowledge but also well-developed financial behaviour and decision-making skills. In Ukraine, the issue of financial culture formation among youth has become particularly acute due to economic instability, digitalisation of financial services and the challenges caused by the full-scale war. The purpose of the article is to assess the current level of financial culture among young people in Ukraine based on statistical data and to identify opportunities for improving financial education through the implementation of foreign experience. The study is based on the analysis of national and international surveys conducted according to the OECD methodology, including data from USAID-supported research and recent assessments of financial competence among Ukrainian school students. The results indicate that despite a gradual increase in the overall financial literacy index, young people aged 18–24 demonstrate the lowest level of financial knowledge and skills compared to other age groups. Significant disparities are also observed depending on income level, education, place of residence and access to financial services. The article highlights that insufficient financial culture limits young people’s ability to manage personal finances effectively, withstand financial shocks and plan for the long term. Special attention is paid to international practices of financial education, including national strategies, school-based programs, business initiatives and digital learning platforms implemented in developed and emerging economies. The study concludes that adapting successful foreign approaches to Ukrainian realities requires a comprehensive, multi-level policy involving the state, educational institutions, financial sector participants and families. Strengthening financial culture among youth is considered a key prerequisite for enhancing financial resilience and long-term socio-economic development in Ukraine.
Author Biographies
Oksana Podlevska, National University of Water and Environmental Engineering, Rivne
Candidate of Economics (Ph.D.), Associate Professor
Yuliana Krasovska, National University of Water and Environmental Engineering, Rivne
Candidate of Economics (Ph.D.), Associate Professor
