The American dream is alive and well among
girls, according to a new report by the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI),
which reveals that girls feel optimistic about their financial futures, yet are
less than fully knowledgeable about essential financial principles and
instruments, from using credit cards to establishing good credit. And just 12
percent of the girls surveyed say they feel confident in making financial
decisions.
The study, Having
It All:Girls and Financial Literacy, comes out at a time of continued
economic uncertainty. The country’s recovery from the 2009 recession has been
marked by slow economic growth and high unemployment, as well as increasing
concern over the costs of a college education and the unprecedented levels of
student loan indebtedness.
The study, which surveyed 1,040 girls ages 8 to 17, found
that girls are averse to debt. However, in order to avoid debt, these girls say
they need more education about how credit works. In fact, nearly 4 in 10 girls
say they don’t know how to use a credit card, only 38 percent know what a
credit score is, and just 37 percent know how credit card interest and fees
work. Perhaps not surprisingly, a vast majority (90 percent) say that it is
important for them to learn how to manage their money.
“Despite the recession and economic uncertainty, girls
are bullish about their financial futures,” said Trish Coghlan, CEO of the Girl
Scouts of North-Central Alabama.“Some 88 percent say they are likely to make
more money than their parents, and nearly all girls say it is likely that they
will have jobs or careers they enjoy (98 percent), be able to provide for their
families (96%), and own their own homes (95 percent) one day.”
This generation of girls is financially empowered and
independent. A great majority feel gender is no barrier to what they can
accomplish financially, and they envision a future family structure where they
are fully engaged in financial decision making and planning. When it comes to
financial capability, 7 in 10 girls say both men and women are equally likely
to be financially responsible (73 percent) or in a lot of debt (72 percent).
Girl Scouts
offers a financial empowerment program that ensures girls have the
opportunities to build their business sense and hone their financial literacy
skills. Girls build on these skills as they progress through the K−12
curriculum to become knowledgeable, confident, and self-reliant participants in
a global economy. Whether a girl is working to earn the Financing My Future badge
or the Money Manager badge, she is developing financial savvy, business skills,
and innovative thinking.
The Girl
Scout Research Institute (www.girlscouts.org/research), formed in 2000, is a vital
extension of Girl Scouts of the USA's commitment to addressing the complex and
ever-changing needs of girls. Comprised of a dedicated staff and advisors who
are experts in child development, academia, government, business, and the
not-for-profit sector, the institute conducts original research, evaluation,
and outcomes-measurement studies; releases critical facts and findings; and
provides resources essential for the advancement of the well-being and safety
of girls living in today's world. The GSRI also informs program, public policy,
and advocacy for Girl Scouting.
