Flourishing and Floundering Financially in Emerging Adulthood A Handbook

Financial independence and financial well-being are primary goals for many emerging adults and are often viewed as markers of adulthood. However, many emerging adults throughout the world are struggling financially due to a complex economy and a lack of financial literacy. For example, in the United States more than half of emerging adults live with their parents out of financial necessity and student loan debt has reached unprecedented levels. These financial struggles can be detrimental to emerging adults' physical and mental health and are associated with delayed marriage and parenthood. Flourishing and Floundering Financially in Emerging Adulthood describes the financial floundering that can occur in emerging adulthood and illuminates research-based pathways to financial flourishing. The book features 20 chapters written by experts on various facets of emerging adults' financial literacy, financial considerations specific to emerging adulthood (e.g., college and student loans), the ways in which sociodemographic characteristics are linked to emerging adults' financial literacy, and ways to improve emerging adults' financial literacy. Based on reviewed research, each chapter includes practical tips and suggestions for practitioners and emerging adults to improve financial well-being at this critical life stage.