Beyond the basics: a longitudinal study of financial literacy development in young women alumni of the invest in girls program

Abstract This longitudinal qualitative study examines the impact of the Invest in Girls (IIG) financial literacy program on young women's financial knowledge, behavior, and skills in the USA. We conducted 98 interviews over four years with program alumnae and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. The study reveals a clear progression in financial literacy skills as participants transitioned from high school through college. Key findings include the evolving importance of budgeting skills—from basic tracking methods to sophisticated digital tools—a progression from basic financial concepts to complex real-world applications, and a persistent need for practical, in-depth tax education. The study highlights the importance of adapting financial literacy programs to meet young women's changing developmental needs. These insights inform the design of developmentally appropriate financial literacy programs that can respond to participants' evolving educational needs. This paper adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ).