Financial education: a perceptive comparison of public and private High School students

Abstract

This article aims to understand the perceptions, approaches and practices of financial education in public and private schools, based on the existing differences that contingently impact the development of financial skills. Methodologically, this is a qualitative and descriptive case study, with data collected through an online questionnaire applied to high school students from a public and a private school, both located in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul. results revealed that the majority of students are 17 years old and their family income varies more widely in public education and is higher in private. Public school students tend to plan their expenses better, and savings are more effective in this group. However, financial management can be improved in both contexts, and in these educational environments there must be the development of more robust financial skills with clearer guidance on investment practices.