| Abstract: |
We conducted a randomized controlled trial where 3,000 9th grade students
coming from 78 high schools received a financial education course at different
points of the year. Right after the treatment, test performance increased by
16% of one standard deviation, treated youths were more likely to become
involved in financial matters at home and showed more patience in hypothetical
saving choices. In an incentivized saving task conducted three months after,
treated students made more patient choices than a control group of 10th
graders. Within randomization strata, the main impacts are also statistically
significant in public schools, which over-represent disadvantaged students. |