Successful national financial literacy strategies and programmes should be based on comparable data that enables economies to benchmark themselves, identify common patterns, and work together to find solutions for measuring and improving financial literacy.

The OECD has developed methodologies and coordinates regular international surveys to collect comparable data on the financial literacy of adults, young people, and owners of micro and small businesses.  Most recently, the OECD released the results of the PISA financial literacy assessment of 15-year-old students.

Fostering co-operation across all relevant national stakeholders in order to develop effective financial education programmes is key to improve individuals’ financial well-being. This is the role of national strategies for financial literacy.

The OECD International Network on Financial Education develops implementation guidance and technical assistance projects to support countries in their efforts to implement national strategies and empower consumers financially. 

Different demographic groups may have unique financial challenges and priorities, so customised educational initiatives can address their specific needs effectively. The OECD recommends developing targeted financial education programmes tailored to the needs of specific population groups, such as young adults, seniors, immigrants, low-income individuals, and vulnerable populations. For example, programmes targeting young adults may focus on budgeting, saving, and managing debt, while programmes for seniors may cover retirement planning and financial fraud prevention.