Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning: A Global Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Influential Contributions

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on financial literacy and retirement planning from 2010 to April 2025. Drawing on 507 open-access journal articles sourced from the Dimensions.ai database, it explores the evolution, influence, and thematic structure of academic contributions in this field. Using VOSviewer for mapping co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and citation patterns, the analysis highlights the increasing scholarly focus on financial capability, aging populations, and retirement preparedness. Results reveal a sharp rise in publications and citations after 2016, peaking in 2023, driven by global pension reforms and heightened awareness following financial crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom emerge as leading contributors, while scholars such as Lusardi and Post dominate high-impact research. Institutions like George Washington University and Netspar show exceptional citation performance. The study also identifies core journals, such as the Journal of Pension Economics and Finance, shaping academic discourse. Emerging research themes include behavioral finance, digital inclusion, and financial education. By mapping influential contributions and collaborative patterns, this paper offers valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and educators aiming to enhance retirement readiness through improved financial literacy. The findings underscore the field's growing relevance in global policy and personal financial planning.