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PurposeThis study aims to examine the literature on consumer financial capability. By analyzing the research trends, theories, definitions and themes, the literature on financial capability is synthesized, and agenda for future research is suggested. A framework is presented that portrays the antecedents as well as the outcomes of financial capability and their interlinkages.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a systematic approach, the review is based on 215 articles published during January 2007 and–March 2022, retrieved from Scopus. It presents the definitions and theories of financial capability, publication trends, influential articles, prominent authors, prolific journals and countries publishing on financial capability. Using bibliographic coupling, the intellectual structure of the topic is explored, along with offering a framework through content analysis.FindingsThe bibliographic coupling analysis identifies four major clusters of research themes and capability theory appeared to be the most prominent theory. The synthesis draws upon five conceptual definitions of financial capability. Based on the discussion, in this review, financial capability is defined as an individual ability to apply appropriate financial knowledge, perform desirable financial behaviors and take available financial opportunities for achieving financial well-being. A conceptual framework delineates the synthesized literature and propositions based on this framework and relevant research are proposed. Finally, directions for future research are discussed.Originality/valueThis paper is an attempt to offer a comprehensive synthesis of the scholarship on financial capability and its conceptualization. It further proposes an extensive future research agenda. The study has implications for financial services providers relating to retail bank marketing.

PurposeThe intent of this study is to aggregate, in a measurable form, the results of previous studies on the association between personal financial management behavior (PFMB) and six psychological factors, which are financial attitude, financial self-efficacy, self-control, materialism, internal locus of control (LOC), and external LOC.Design/methodology/approachA stack of 32 research documents that investigated 52 relationships between various psychological variables and PFMB was analyzed using the meta-analysis technique. Along with the overall meta-analysis, a comprehensive subgroup analysis was also undertaken counseled to determine whether the results contrast on account of the age group of the sample and the economy of the country to which the sample belongs.FindingsThe overall meta-analysis findings do not support the association between PFMB and the various explanatory variables except for the significant positive association with self-control. In contrast, a subgroup study revealed that self-control (positively) and materialism (negatively) were found to be significantly associated with PFMB among adults. The association between internal LOC and PFMB is significant and positive among the young. Interestingly, self-control appeared to be significantly and positively associated with PFMB in developed countries. In developing countries, financial attitude, financial self-efficacy and internal LOC are significantly and positively associated with PFMB.Originality/valueDistinct from other review papers, this meta-analysis quantitatively cumulates and reconciles the conflicting findings on the linkage between psychological predictors and PFMB. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis on the topic.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the current state of research on Personal Financial Management Behavior (PFMB), with a prime focus on its antecedents and the consequences. By analyzing the research trends, methods, determinants and outcomes, the PFMB literature is synthesized, and agenda for future research is suggested. A framework is presented that portrays PFMB's antecedents and consequences and further specification of the mediation and moderation linkages.Design/methodology/approachThe review is based on 160 articles published during 1970–2020. It follows a systematic approach and presents the definitions and theories of PFMB, publication trends based on time, region, sample population, research designs, data collection and analysis techniques, along with antecedents and outcomes through content analysis.FindingsThe synthesis draws upon various factors affecting PFMB, such as demographics, socio-economic, psychological, social, cultural, financial experience, financial literacy (FL) and technological factors. The prominent outcomes of PFMB include financial satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, quality of life, financial success, happiness, financial vulnerability/resilience and financial well-being. The future research agenda sums up the recommendations in the form of research questions on variables and their linkages, followed by methodological advancements.Originality/valueThis paper covers the scholarly work done in this area in the past 51 years. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt to offer a most comprehensive and collective scholarship of this subject. It further gives an extensive future research agenda.