Publication Date
5-26-2016
Summary
In this working paper, we report on a field experiment articulating financial information via cellphone text messages and financial decisions among low-income youth in Colombia. For twelve months, youth accountholders are randomly assigned to receive either: (a) monthly financial education messages, (b) monthly savings reminders, (c) semimonthly reminders, or (d) control. After 12 months, account balances in monthly and semimonthly reminders groups increase by 28% and 43%, respectively, relative to controls. Financial education messages do not increase balances. Over two thirds of balance increases in reminder groups are net savings. Savings effects of reminders last eight months after youth stop receiving messages.
Document Type
Working Paper
Category
Child and Youth Development
Subarea
Global Asset Building
Original Citation
Rodríguez, C., & Saavedra, J. E. (2016). Nudging youth to develop savings habits: Experimental evidence using SMS messages (CSD Working Paper No. 16-19). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.
Project
YouthSave
Keywords
financial education, youth, savings
Recommended Citation
Rodríguez, C., & Saavedra, J. E. (2016). Nudging youth to develop savings habits: Experimental evidence using SMS messages (CSD Working Paper No. 16-19). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7QV3M1D