Most people first learn attitudes and behaviors about money management at home, from their parents. This early environment shapes beliefs about saving, spending, debt, and value around money, which then carry into adulthood.

Key takeaways

• Family socialization sets the foundation: parents’ money habits, conversations, and expectations influence children’s financial attitudes and initial behaviors.

• Formal and informal education reinforce or modify these early lessons: school programs and financial literacy initiatives can build knowledge and skills that either supplement or challenge parental lessons.

• Teachable moments matter: life transitions (starting a job, planning for retirement, or experiencing a major financial event) are when people are most receptive to changing money habits.

• Financial attitudes affect behaviors: stronger, more informed attitudes, developed through family socialization and education, predict healthier money management practices.

If you want, I can pull concise summaries from specific sources or tailor this to a particular age group (children, teens, college students, or adults) with citations.