Financial Education Program Evaluation

• Main Authors: Diana Burk, Jean M. Lown, Lisa K. Boyce
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mississippi State University 2014-02-01
• Series: Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
• Subjects: financial education; program evaluation; retirement
• Online Access: http://media.wix.com/ugd/c8fe6e_3e7325606017433f92f726f1c17c237d.pdf

This study illustrates the process of program evaluation using a logic model. Guided by the Transtheoretical Model of Change and a logic model, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a Retirement and Savings Seminar by measuring participant (n = 54) satisfaction, financial knowledge, financial confidence, and financial behavior change compared to a similar group of 134 non-participants. Participants were very satisfied with the seminar. Their financial knowledge and confidence scores significantly increased from pretest to posttest. Financial knowledge and confidence scores improved more than the comparison group while controlling for group differences in age, income, and pretest scores. Two months later, participants were more likely than the comparison group to have adopted positive financial behaviors as measured by the Financial Preparedness for Retirement Scale. Financial educators can use this study as a model for planning, conducting, and evaluating their programs.