A NEEDS ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISOR STAFF AT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY IN THE NORTH- WEST PROVINCE THOKOZILE MANGALI NHLAPO Mini-dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration at the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus .... Supervisor: Professor Samuel Lubbe May 2015 I 'f Page 1 of 82 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I give all the honour and glory to my Heavenly Father for carrying me throughout my MBA studies. He has never forsaken me nor left me throughout my studies, Hebrews 13:5. I would like to give thanks and my full appreciation to my father, the late Simon Mashobane Nhlapo who has made it possible for me to be where I am today, as well as to my family and relatives who have had a great impact on my life. My special thanks to all my children, my husband for giving of their time to be with me. To my elder son, Katlego, thanks for assisting Mom in difficult times with your baby brother, Omoratile. Professor Samuel Lubbe, my supervisor, for his support, invaluable guidance, and a demand for high standard work; thank you very much. Many thanks to my editor Antoinette Bisschoff for the technical editing of the document. To my colleagues at IOIAD, TISA, and GSSSD divisions of the DTI, many thanks for participating in my survey questionnaires and to the Director-General, Lionel October, thanks for granting permission to conduct my research within the Department of Trade and Industry. To my special friend, Busisiwe Radebe, you have been my pillar of strength. I am blessed to have a friend like you. My Senior Manager, Donald Mabusela, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to study and realise my potential. To my MBA Gauteng syndicate group, thank you for all your assistance, guidance, sharing and building me up throughout the two years. To all those special people who contributed at various stages of this research, and are not mentioned in this acknowledgement, I thank you all. Page 2 of 82 DECLARATION I declare that the mini-dissertation is my own work, which I submit in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus. It has not been previously submitted by me for a degree at this university or any other university. Date: .................. ..... . Thokozile Mangali Nhlapo Page 3 of 82 -----------------------~-~· ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to conduct an analysis of financial literacy at the Department of Trade and Industry, as well as to determine the level of financial literacy and the financial behaviour among the Trade and Industry employees. A significant amount of research has been conducted that focuses on financial literacy at high schools and colleges. Researchers were more concerned with an educational basis and less attention was given to financial literacy in the workplace. An extensive literature review and knowledge search was done with the view of understanding the theoretical concepts of financial literacy and the effects of financial literacy in the workplace. In addition various financial methods were discussed, and managerial guidelines were developed to highlight the research findings. The study used a quantitative research methodology, with the emphasis on a quantitative research methodology to draw conclusions. A sample of 100 was drawn from a population of 150. A questionnaire was personally administered and distributed to three divisions within the DTI. Key words: financial literacy, financial behaviour, personal financial management, financial education, staff Page 4of 82 Contents DECLARATION .................................................................................................................... 3 ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................... 4 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY .......................... ... .. . 7 1.1 Introduction ............................................... .... ............................ ..... ..........7 1.2 Background of the study ............................... ............... ............... ................. 8 1.3 Statement of the problem ............................................ ................................ 9 1.4 Research Objectives. ................................................................................. 10 1.5 Significance of the study ............ ..... ....................................... ..... ....... ........ 11 1.6 Scope of the study .......................................... ................. .......................... 12 1.7 Definition of concepts ................................................................................ 12 1.8 Plan of the study ............. ........ .. .. ... .......... .. ................................................ 13 1.9 Summary ........................ .......................................................................... 14 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FOUNDATION ... .......... 14 2.1 Introduction .......... ....... ..... ............................. ............................................. 14 2.2 Studies focused on financial literacy .......................................................... 15 2.3 Defining Financial Literacy ................................. .............. .. ........... ... .......... 16 2.4 Lack of Financial Literacy ................... ....... t. ..... N.~iv\··········· 18 2.5 Need for Financial Literacy ............ ....... ...... .. ..~ ,~. ................... ~ ........... 19 2.6 Personal Financial Management ....................................................... ........ 21 2.7 Social Economic Impact of Financial Literacy ......................................... . 28 2.8 Limitations of Training Programme ... .......... ......... .. ...................... .............. 29 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............... ..................................................... 32 3.1 Introduction ...................... ... .... ... ................... ............................................. 32 3.2 Research design ........................................................................................ 32 3.3 Population and Sampling ........ ................ ................................................... 33 3.4 Data Collection ................................... ....................................................... 35 3.5 Reliability, Validity and Trustworthiness .................................................... 39 3.6 Analysis of data ........................................................... .... ............. .. ........... 40 Page 5 of 82 ~-------------------- ---- -------~~----------~ 3. 7 Ethical consideration ........ .. ........ ................. ........... ................ ....... ......... ... . 43 3.8 Summary .. .............. .... ... .... ......... .. .... ........... ...... ......... .. ....... ......... ......... .... 43 CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DATA ANALYSIS ........................ .. ... .............. 44 4.1 Introduction ..... ... .. ... .............. ... ............... .. ... ...... .. .. .... ............ ......... .. ... .. ....... ...... 44 4.2 Response Rate .................................................................................. ... ............... 44 4.3 Demographics .......................... ..................... .. ..................... ... ... ........ ................. 45 4.4 Results of the investigation ...... ........... ......... .. ... .................. .. ... .... .. ... ........... ...... 47 4.5 Measures of Association .. ................ .................. ....... ... ........ ......... ..... ................. 60 4.6 Correlation ........................................................................................................... 61 4.7 Conclusion ................................ .. ..... .. .... ............ ............................... .................. 63 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION OF MAIN FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........ ......... ... ........... ..... ............ ......... ....... ................ .. ..................... 64 5.1 Introduction .............. ... ..... .... ... ......... .. .... ....... .... ....... .............. ... ....... ......... . 64 5.2 Summary of the Study ..... ...... .. ..... ........... ... ............................................... 64 5.3 Response to the Research Questions .... ....... ........ ................ ....... ... .... ...... 64 5.4 Limitations ..................... ................ ... .. ..... .......................................... ........ 69 5.5 Managerial guidelines ........ .. ... ....... .................................................. .......... 69 5.6 Conclusion ......... ..... .... ... .... .. ................ ....... ....... ... ........ ........ .... .. ....... ... .... . 71 References ..... ...... ................ .. ............ .. ........ .......................... .. ..................................... ... .. 72 Appendix A: Research Questionnaire ............ ......... ... ................ .... ......... ....... .... ................. 77 RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE ............................................................................ ......... ... .. 77 Page 6 of 82 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 1.1 Introduction Financial literacy has been prioritised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Department for Internal Development (DFID), the World Bank and the Consultative Group to assist the Poorest (CGAP), to reduce financial illiteracy, improve savings for countries, and utilise money in a responsible way. The OECD has conducted surveys of financial literacy in twelve countries and the results common to all the surveys are the low level of financial understanding among consumers. Australia was found to be the lowest in terms of the level of financial literacy and education. Claxton (2008:16) defined financial literacy as the ability to understand the implications of key financial decisions and to manage money through budgeting, saving, investing, and protecting assets. Financial literacy is know1edge and understanding of financial concepts and risks, and the skills, motivation and confidence to apply such knowledge and understanding in order to make effective decisions across a range of financial contexts, to improve the financial well-being of individuals and society, and to enable participation in economic life (OECD/PISA, 2012:13). The researcher acknowledges a similar topic with a different focus that was previously done, namely Financial literacy: an interface between financial information and decision makers in organisations. The objective of this article is to investigate how individual decision makers in organisations perceive the financial literacy construct, as well as how it is perceived by the various economic sectors and decision-making levels. The research problem focuses specifically on the complexity of the financial literacy construct with regard to its role in organisations (Gouws & Shuttleworth, 2009: 141,144). Page 7 of 82 1.2 Background of the study The primary goal of any employee financial literacy is to provide the necessary advice and supporting services to assist employees in accomplishing savings and investment objectives. In an article published in the Citizen newspaper (2011: July 14), the fonner South African Minister of Finance, Minister Pravin Gordhan, speaking at the launch of savings month mentioned that "South Africa should learn some lessons on saving from countries like China, and Russia. South Africa gross savings rate of 52% and Russia 22%, Brazil in 2010 was 17%, India 30.7% in 2007-2008" In recent years developed and emerging countries and economies have become increasingly concerned about the level of financial literacy of their citizens. Concern was also heightened by the financial crisis, with the recognition that lack of financial literacy was one of the factors contributing to ill-infonned financial decisions and that these decisions could, in turn, have tremendous negative spill-over (OECD/INFE: 2009). Many employers now pay careful attention to a growing number of personal factors about workers that affect job productivity, such as substance abuse counselling, flexi-time, child-care facilities and wel lness programmes (Gannan, 1997:1 ). Financial education will improve the lives of employees in respect of acquiring knowledge on financial markets, personal financial planning, and employees learn to be savers rather than spenders. Employees are aware that death, disability, and dread diseases can occur at any time without warning. Studies found that a large number of South Africans do not consider financial planning as a priority. Individuals do not save, invest and plan for their retirement. Personal financial planning is critical for the well-being of individuals and will lead to financial independence. According to Swart (2010:5), personal financial planning involves the detennination of immediate, short-, medium- and long-term goals by means of a personal financial planning process based on one's own identified lifestyle, phases of the lifecycle, risks and needs in all the various personal financial planning areas in order to be able to retire with financial independence. Page 8 of 82 The study will focus on the need analysis of financial literacy for the Trade and Industry Advisor (TIA) staff at the Department of Trade and Industry. The target group are level 8 position in the DTI establishment. 1.3 Statement of the problem A significant amount of research has been conducted that focuses on financial literacy at high schools and colleges and less emphasis has been placed on financial literacy in the workplace. The research will attempt to focus on the need analysis of financial literacy in the workplace at the DTI. A survey conducted in the Sunday Times (2011, June 19) has found that over 100 000 government employees in just four of the nine provinces and 18 of the 34 national departments had more than R45 million docked from their salaries in garnishee orders. South Africa is faced with challenges of consumers who do not plan for the future. Consumers probably do not plan because of the lack of financial literacy. Swart (2010, 6) describes personal financial planning in terms of a money skills wheel. The money skills wheel consists of six areas: basic planning, budgeting, debUfinancing, retirement. investments, and starting a new business. Little is done by employers to educate their employees on the importance of financial literacy. Statistics prove that government employees are highly indebted, surviving from hand to mouth, and disposable income remains insufficient to meet their daily demands. Employees are being garnished for outstanding debts and the money is paid by Finance departments to the credit providers. Workplace financial education could help employees to better manage their personal finances and improve their financial well-being. A significant number of employers are currently providing financial education programmes to help employees manage their retirement plan (Employee Benefits Research Institute, 2004). Low levels of financial literacy impact negatively on the organisation. Employees with inadequate knowledge of finance are likely to make poor financial decisions on products offered by financial institutions. The effect of poor decision making results into lower productivity, drug abuse, suicide, high absenteeism at work, low levels of concentration, displeasing interpersonal skills, alcoholism and depression. The purpose of this research is to do a need analysis for financial literacy at the Department of Trade and Industry, as well as to determine the level of financial literacy and the financial behaviour among the Trade and Industry Advisor staff. The Trade and Industry Advisor post is mostly the entry level of graduates employed at the DTI. The Page 9 of 82 employees on level 8 are often targeted by financial institutions as they gain entry to employment. Financial institutions offer credit cards, personal loans, revolving loans, temporary short-term loans and overdraft facilities to new employees. Little is done to ensure that new employees understand the financial risk involved in the financial loan packages offered by financial institutions. During the induction programme offered by the government, less emphasis is placed on the subject of financial literacy. The need analysis of the cause and effect of financial literacy should drive the organisation to act on the findings. 1.4 Research Objectives Cooper and Schindler (2003: 146) define research design as the plan and structure of an investigation so conceived as to obtain answers to research questions. The study seeks to explore and determine the need analysis for financial literacy for a group of employees at level 8 employed by the DTI. The objective of this research questions the need to determine the following: • the financial literacy level • financial behaviour • Need analysis for financial literacy This will be achieved by first doing a literature review and then using the questionnaire method. Proposals for an effective development of the financial literacy training depend on the end results. The questionnaires will be circulated to the trade and industry advisor staff from the three divisions within the DTI, namely Industry Development Incentive Administration (IDIAD), Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA) and Group Systems and Support Services (GSSSD). The researcher aims to distribute 150 questionnaires and anticipating receiving at least 100 complete questionnaires. Sampling randomly focuses on the three divisions within the DTI. Distribution of the questionnaire will be in the three divisions of the DTI, targeting trade and industry advisor staff in level 8 posts. The questionnaires will be collected daily for a period of seven days. Follow-up will be done depending on whether a sufficient number of responses were received in order to do statistical analysis. Page 10 of 82 Participants will be made aware of the aims and objectives of the research. The information supplied will be treated with utmost confidentiality and anonymity. The participants have a right to withdraw from the survey if they so wish. Completed questionnaires will be collected personally. The participants will be informed of the collection dates. The research will take into consideration the demographics of the DTI society. 1.5 Significance of the study The study will contribute towards empowering employees of the DTI with knowledge in respect of financial literacy and if possible change the financial attitude and financial behaviour of individuals. The study will also focus on promoting skills development amongst employees. Depending on the outcome of the feedback received from questionnaires, this study will assist the management to offer training relevant to employees. Organisations, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) and Personal Finance Employee Education (PFEE) Outreach Project play a significant role in promoting financial literacy in the United States and other European countries. Section 29(1) of the Constitution stipulates that everyone has the right: (a) to a basic education, including adult basic education; and (b) further education, which the state, through reasonable measures must make progressively available and accessible. Little has been done in South Africa to emphasize the importance of financial literacy. There are four broad motivations for employers to offer personal finance employee education: (a) productivity losses, (b) genuine negative costs to employers, (c) poor participation of employees in employer-provided pension plans, and (d) threats of class action lawsuits from employees and former employees. Further, the cost when employers do nothing is high (Garman, 1997:1). Page 11 of 82 1.6 Scope of the study The focus of the study is on determining need analysis of financial literacy for the Trade and Industry Advisor in the Department of Trade and Industry. The study targeted employees in level 8 posts from the Department of Trade and Industry's Trade and Industry Advisor (TIA). 1.7 Definition of concepts 1.7.1 Need : According to the Oxford Dictionary (2012), the word 'need' in modern English, there are two quite distinct uses for the verb. In the first place is used a normal verb meaning require second, it is the one of a small class of verb called modals which cannot stand alone without another verb and do not take normal verb endings or normal negative construction. 1.7.2 Literacy : Literacy is not merely a cognitive skill of reading, writing and arithmetic, it also helps in the acquisition of learning and life skills that, when strengthened by usage and application throughout people's lives, leads to forms of individual, community and societal development that are sustainable (UNESCO, 2009). ll NWu _/ JBRAR)'J 1. 7. 3 Financial Literacy : Financial literacy is knowledge and understanding of financial concepts and risks, and the skills, motivation and confidence to apply such knowledge and understanding in order to make effective decisions across a range of financial contexts, to improve the financial well-being of individuals and society, and to enable participation in economic life (PISA, 2012:1 3). 1. 7.4 Advisor Staff: The Trade and Industry Advisor (TIA) staff are the staff in level 8 posts in the Department of Trade and Industry. Page 12 of 82 1.7.5 Department ofTrade The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is one of the national and Industry: Government departments. The organisation has six divisions and agencies. The core themes of the DTI are industrial development, trade, export and investment, broadening participation, regulation and administration and co- ordination. The DTI Agencies are clustered into three categories: Specialist Services Agencies, Regulatory Agencies and Finance and Small Business Development Agencies. 1.8 Plan of the study According to Mouton and Marais (1992:176) this resembles a research plan in which the researcher indicates what he/she plans to do and how he/she plans to go about doing it. The first chapter of the research paper provides an overview of the problem, the nature of the problem and the research objectives of the research, followed by a summary. The chapter will lead the research to conduct a literature review with the aim of addressing the research objectives. The second chapter will consist of a literature review, which seeks to determine the understanding of financial literacy, the financial behaviour of individuals, the need for financial literacy, different models of financial literacy will be articulated, followed by socio-economic impact offinancial literacy. The chapter will be summarised. Chapter three provides an overview of the research methodology. Based on the literature review, data will be collected and processed. The research strategy will be formulated. Data will be collected in the form of a questionnaire. Questionnaires will be hand-delivered and sent by electronic mail. Once the data is collected, analysis will follow, using tables and graphs. Chapter four contains data generated and analysed and a discussion of the findings. The data will be analysed in five categories: the biographical information, understanding of financial literacy, determining financial behaviour, need analysis of financial literacy and closed questions. Page 13 of 82 In Chapter five the findings are summarised in terms of the research objectives and conclusions are drawn based on the research objectives. Recommendations and limitations are highlighted. 1.9 Summary The research proposal shows the path along which the research is going to unfold. The literature in the literature review has been assessed and analyses done. A research methodology was designed. The researcher will collect and analyse the data and progress with the data to get findings and implement the proposed campaign for financial education. Ethical considerations will be observed by the researcher. Brynard and Hanekom (1997:4) state that a researcher should at all times and under all circumstances report the truth, and should never present the truth in a biased manner. This concludes this chapter and leads to chapter 2 in which the literature will be reviewed. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FOUNDATION 2.1 Introduction The aim of this chapter is to review the literature regarding the theoretical concepts of financial literacy. Financial literacy has become increasingly important in both developed and developing countries. International organisations have come together to educate the world about financial literacy. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Department for Internal Development (DFID) and the World Bank have joined forces with the aim of providing financial education. These international organizations realize a need to educate people in financial literacy, to promote healthy financial lifestyles, to encourage savings for countries and to reduce the financial burdens of the consumers. Financial literacy plays a significant role in changing the financial status of people to healthy levels. Financial education empowers individuals to do personal financial planning that will promote savings, reduce and/or discourage debts and with money management skills, individuals learn to differentiate between a need and a want and make informed decisions. Page 14 of 82 The Department of Trade and Industry (the DTI) has six (6) divisions and its Agencies. One of the divisions, the Industrial Development Incentive Administration {IDIAD) administers incentive programmes. Incentive programmes offer financial assistance to manufacturers of products or services prioritised by the DTI. The incentive programmes involve money, money that should be budgeted and accounted for in tenns of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Handling taxpayers' money without the knowledge and understanding of finances is a huge risk for the Department. Financial education should commence with the Trade and Industry Advisor (TIA) staff at the DTI. The PFMA requires officials who handle public funds to be responsible and accountable. In an attempt to achieve the objective of the PFMA, the Trade and Industry Advisor staff (TIA) at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) should be financially literate to overcome the challenges of making informed decisions regarding their financial matters. Statistics prove that government staff are over-indebted, surviving from hand to mouth, and have insufficient disposable income to meet the day-to-day and monthly obligations. Various researchers have undertaken studies on financial literacy focusing on colleges and high schools. Limited research has been done that focuses on financial literacy in the workplace, hence the research on analysis of the need for a financial literacy programme for the Trade and Industry Advisor staff at the Department of Trade and Industry. The TIA staff are the entry-level graduates entering the labour market at the DTI. 2.2 Studies focused on financial literacy The Jump$Start Coalition Survey first began measuring financial literacy in 1997. Financial literacy was literally unknown at that time. The first survey was done amongst 1 509 high school seniors from 63 high schools, followed by college students. The Jump$Start survey was designed and administered by Lewis Mandell. Mandell (1997) reports an average correct score of 57% in the areas of income, money management, savings and retirement, and spending. His conclusion is that students are leaving schools without the ability to make critical decisions affecting their lives. Researchers have found financial literacy to be a challenge to our society. A survey has been conducted amongst high school children, in colleges and universities and it has been found that many participants lack financial Page 15 of 82 education. It is envisaged that high school students consistently find that they are not receiving a good education in personal financial matters. The researchers Volpe, Chen and Pavlicko (1998:90, 92) conducted a survey on personal financial literacy, the relationship between literacy and the students' characteristics, and the impact of literacy on students' opinions and decisions. The overall mean percentage of the correct scores is 52.87%, indicating in a survey involving 924 college students from thirteen colleges that on average the participants answered only about half of the survey questions correctly. The findings suggested that college students' knowledge on personal finance is inadequate. A survey was conducted amongst college students • to determine the knowledge of personal investment; • to determine in what areas investment illiteracy is most evident among college students; and • to determine the relationship between illiteracy, gender, academic discipline and experience. Danes and Hira (1987) surveyed 323 college students on their knowledge of debt management (credit cards and personal loans), insurance, money management, financial management, and record keeping. They concluded that college students are not literate in personal finance. The survey reported that consumers believe that financial information is difficult to find and understand (OECD, 2005: 98). 2.3 Defining Financial Literacy The Oxford Dictionary (2012) defines financial as means connected with money and finance, and literacy means read and write. According to Brown, Saunders, Beresford (2006: 181) literacy is a metaphor that involves the ability to read and comprehend financial information, whether presented as text or pictures, in other words, the ability to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company's balance sheet, income statement, and cash fiow statement. Brown, et al. (2006: 181) attest that reading and writing are skills necessary for the attainment of literacy. To be literate is not only to be able to read and write but also to understand that which has been read or written. Page 16 of 82 Financial literacy is the ability to understand the implications of key financial decisions and to manage money through budgeting, saving, investing and protecting assets (Claxton, 2008:16). Hogarth (2002:15) describes financial literacy in behavioural terms stating that financially literate individuals are: knowledgeable, educated and informed on the issues of managing money and assets, understand the basic concepts underlying the management of money and assets and use that knowledge and understanding to plan and implement their financial decisions. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) defines financial literacy as the ability to effectively evaluate and manage one's finances in order to make prudent decisions toward reaching life goals and achieve financial well-being (AICPA, 2008:5). The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 2005: 26) defines financial literacy as the process by which financial consumers/investors improve their understanding of financial products and concepts, through information, instruction and/or objective advice, develop the skills and confidence to become more aware of financial risks and opportunities, make informed choices, know where to go for help, and take other effective actions to improve their financial well-being. The financial literacy phenomenon involves the haphazard use of the term financial literacy; secondly, it relates to the perception that financial literacy involves two separate systems, namely the information system and the human behaviour system, which means that it is not regarded as a single encompassing process. Financial literacy can be regarded as the interface facilitating a high degree of understanding between the financial information system and the human behaviour system (Gouws & Shuttleworth, 2009:144, 147). The financial literacy definitions have similarities and authors are in agreement that the definition of financial literacy includes interpreting financial information, money management and the ability to read and write and the importance of consumers being aware of the financial risk. The researcher will do a need analysis of financial literacy amongst the DTI staff at a TIA level and propose a development inteNention that a financial literacy programme be designed should a need arise on the main findings. Page 17 of 82 2.4 Lack of Financial Literacy If consumers are not aware they need information, they will not seek it out. Policymakers therefore need to think about the best ways to reach these consumers and convince them that they need financial education (OECD, 2005:45). The survey conducted by OECD indicated that many consumers have little knowledge about common financial products and lack information on such basic financial issues as the relationship between risk and return. An individual who lacks financial literacy will not be in a position to make informed decisions, such as opening a bank cheque account. The information below clearly indicates that a financial literate individual will be able to make an informed decision and choose to open a gold cheque account at a bank with competitive rates. Bank Type of Account Annual Fees Standard Bank Gold Cheque R 95.00 ASSA Gold Cheque R98.00 Nedbank Gold Cheque R 99.00 FNB Gold Cheque R49.00 Nwu Table 1 ;l .J.BRARYI Source: Own Research Lack of financial literacy poses a risk to the organisation and to individuals. Risk management involves financial planning for a crisis or problem through the use of insurance: health insurance for sickness, home and automobile insurance for accidents or replacement, and life insurance for death (Claxton, 2008:1 8) If one does not plan for the future, risk will not be manageable. Hopkin (2010:13) states that risk may have positive or negative outcomes or may simply result in uncertainty. The importance of risk management should not be seen Page 18 of 82 as relating only to organisations; risk also affects individuals . . Financial literacy prepares consumers for the future. A financially literate consumer thinks ahead and plans for the future. Financial literacy is relevant for the poor and the rich. Getting rich is common sense requiring only simply maths. According to Trump and Kiyosaki (2011 :76) mentioned that because millions of people lack financial resources they expect the government to solve their financial problems or to take care of them. The staff should realise a need for financial literacy to maintain a healthy financial status, financial independence and economic freedom. 2.5 Need for Financial Literacy The need for financial literacy has become significant with the deregulation of financial markets and the easier access to credit as financial institutions compete strongly with each other for a market share, the rapid growth in development and marketing of financial products, and the Government's encouragement for people to take more responsibility for their retirement incomes (Marcelin & Abraham, 2006:2). The OECD, the U.K Department for International Development (DFID), and the World Bank Group introduced the topic of financial literacy and discussed its relevance for developing countries. These organisations are promoting financial literacy in developing and emerging markets because of the positive direct impact this can have on access to finance and savings, which in turn supports livelihoods, economic growth, sound financial systems and poverty reduction (Miller, Godfrey & Levesque and Stark, 2009:3). The primary goal of any employee education programme is to provide the necessary advice and supporting services to assist employees in accomplishing savings and investment objectives. According to the Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, speaking at the launch of savings month 201 1, mentioned that "South Africa should learn some lessons on saving from countries, such as China, India and Russia. South Africa's gross savings rate equated to 16% of GDP in 2009, compared to China's 52%, India's 37% and Russia 22% in the same year, South Africans do not see the need or the importance of saving". Living with credit has become a norm to many individuals. Page 19 of 82 According to the SA Reserve Bank Quarterly Bulletin (March 2012), South Africa's gross saving as a percentage of gross domestic product increased marginally from 15.6% in the third quarter of 2011 to 16.3% in the fourth quarter. The country's annual saving ratio declined marginally from 16.6 % in 2010 to 16.4% in 2011, despite the increase in gross saving. In his State of the Nation Address (2012), the President of South Africa states the intention to encourage voluntary savings, and that consideration is being given to the introduction of tax-exempt short- and medium-term savings products. The proposal is that individuals should be permitted to save up to R30 000 a year, with a lifetime limit of RS00 000 in registered savings or investment products that would be free of tax on interest, dividends or capital gains. TIA staff should be taught to be savers and be discouraged from unnecessary spending. Due to a lack of financial education and awareness, employees are not looking to the future to improve their financial independence. Trump and Kiyosaki (2011 :51) attest to the fact that money does not make you rich. Knowledge makes you rich and knowledge is derived from a process. Fees for many products in the financial sector remain too high. High costs in savings products undermine the national objective of getting people to save more. The financial industry must take more urgent steps to reduce costs and introduce more appropriate and transparent saving and investment products, including annuities. Many consumers in the country and internationally are in debt and survive on the money that belongs to the financial institutions. Financial institutions have been lending money recklessly to consumers and failed to conduct affordability tests before lending. Kayosaki (2011:108) states that there is good debt and bad debt. The purpose of getting financially smart is to know when to use debt and when not to. The world economy was shattered by the so-called subprime credit crisis in the US that came about in September- October 2008. It led to the failure of several banks in the US and other countries, and a serious credit shortage ensued. Economic confidence disappeared, durable consumer expenditure and residential (and other) investment Page20 of 82 dropped (Fourie & Burger, 2010:128). Financial literacy is important to individuals and the organisation in order to make informed decisions. Individuals should be encouraged to save and move away from creating unnecessary debt, such as that by means of credit cards, personal loans, temporary short-term revolving loans and overdrafts. In order to promote the effective management of revenue, expenditure, assets and liabilities, public officials should possess particular skills and competencies. These require new training priorities in an increasingly commercialised training environment (Fourie, 2002:124). Financial literacy should actually start at home. Children should be taught at an early stage to identify their need and want and be able to separate the two. Parents have an important role to play in ensuring financial literacy is learnt at an early stage. Children should learn budgeting skills and savings at an early stage. Recent studies about the financial knowledge of teens indicate that they are transitioning into the adult financial world ill prepared to function efficiently. The knowledge will be transferred from one generation to the next generation. Children will learn at an early age to understand the value of money and the importance of financial planning. Failure to manage money matters results in household conflicts, unfulfilled dreams, divorces among couples and an unhappy life. 2.6 Personal Financial Management Personal financial management is an important concept that affects everyone Swart (2010:4) mentions that knowledge of personal financial management enables each individual and household to make better and more informed decisions. Page 21 of 82 enonal • J_1 IDa.u. - • According to Vahidov (2010:79), personal financial management involves a number of important tasks, such as planning and budgeting, cash flow control, investment, taxation and insurance. Personal Financial Management Investing Taxes Table 2 Source: Vahidov, R. (2010:79) Realising the importance of personal investment, more people are seeking help from financial planners. Many companies have started offering investment education to employees (Volpe, Chen and Pavlicko, 1996:86). Consumers are reluctant to invest and Trump & Kiyosaki (2011: 131, 136) suggest there are three reasons why most people think investing is risky, namely: • they have very little financial education; • they invest in investments where they have no control - investments, such as Page 22 of 82 savings, stocks, bonds and mutual funds; and • they take investment advice from salespeople, who also have no control over the investment. 2.6.1 Personal Financial Planning According to Swart (2010:5), personal financial planning involves the determination of immediate, short-, medium- and long-term goals by means of a personal financial planning process based on one's own identified lifestyle, phase(s) of the life cycle, risks and needs in all the various personal financial planning areas in order to be able to retire with financial independence. The importance of personal investment decisions cannot be overemphasised because they have a direct impact on people's quality of life (Volpe, et al. 1996:96). Personal financial planning includes investment planning, career planning, estate planning, retirement planning, income tax planning, healthcare planning, business planning, protection planning, family planning and credit planning. If a consumer buys a property, financial literacy comes into play. The consumer needs to have the knowledge of the interest rates offered by the lenders, estate agency fees, valuation costs, transfer duty, transportation costs, conveyancers' fees and other expenses related to the buying of the house. Hopkin (2010:242) states that there is a relationship between personal risk appetite and lifestyle decisions. Individuals will need to take lifestyle decisions based on risk appetite, risk exposure and risk capacity. Today's society is faced with many dread diseases; some of these diseases come untimely without any proper financial planning. Financial planning has its own limitations depending on the status of the individual. The planning depends on classes for the family and society in general. Some consumers ignore financial planning because of the following factors: • lack of financial education; Page 23 of 82 • high unemployment; • no comparative advantage in interest rates; • high costs of doing business with the banks; • not taught in school; and • high standard living after high school education. Raijas (2011 :3) states that personal financial management starts with personal financial planning. Personal planning is about managing household affairs. Managing the household involves planning. Managing involves planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The rational view of money management is that it is a process including planning, information search, decision making, implementation, and control. Knowledge of money matters is a prerequisite for efficient personal financial management and planning. Planning involves short-term, medium- and long-term planning. Short-term planning is the ability to have disposable income to meet one's day-to-day needs. Medium-term planning allows an individual to plan for buying a car, house, and for children's education. Long-term planning is having financial independence: for a properly planned future. Long- term planning is aimed at saving in pension funds, retirement annuity funds, and investments. Personal planning is defined as the organisation of an individual's financial and personal data for the purpose of developing a strategic plan to constructively manage income, assets and liabilities. Personal financial planning is about planning your life, your finances and taking responsibility and being accountable. Money management within families is a demanding task where sound knowledge and various skills are needed. In practice, money management is influenced by various factors, such as socio-economic status, marital status and the family's phase of life (Raijas, 2011 :2). Page 24 of 82 Swart (2002:5) describes the six parts of the wheel, which focus on six areas that include the following: • Basic planning • Budgeting • Debt/Financing • Retirement • Investments • Start a new business Page 25 of 82 Koowi1& and und«!t~ the....,,_. of _.,."'8 i>"'""'~ financos KoooTe and_,....,~ the imocrtn:e of • llnovMi t ptr,onel bud&e.l Mduni;felsundlllH U...•Por• • lviowi-.i and ooderst~ lhe rules ftft tinte of persooal financial cilann!nc 1,_ ~" \ appl'.,Tt11i for e k>an to buy a l\oust: or u r Un& on ad ~:;> . ~"f t~. ~a • ·A. nalyq -·· -~- -RESULTS ~ Kn"""s and understar>6na 1i>e ~ ~ ~ ..-.,ortanceofuYing • QualflY of life (t. ~ , • Knowina and undersr,nd,:,g .,.ys Managing personal finances ~ toSIM? ~ • Sett-management "1t, '1! 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