Data visualization for improving financial literacy: A systematic review

Financial literacy empowers individuals to make informed and effective financial decisions, improving their overall financial well-being and security. However, for many people understanding financial concepts can be daunting and only half of US adults are considered financially literate. Data visualization simplifies these concepts, making them accessible and engaging for learners of all ages. This systematic review analyzes 37 research papers exploring the use of data visualization and visual analytics in financial education and literacy enhancement. We classify these studies into five key areas: (1) the evolution of visualization use across time and space, (2) motivations for using visualization tools, (3) the financial topics addressed and instructional approaches used, (4) the types of tools and technologies applied, and (5) how the effectiveness of teaching interventions was evaluated. Furthermore, we identify research gaps and highlight opportunities for advancing financial literacy. Our findings offer practical insights for educators and professionals to effectively utilize or design visual tools for financial literacy. • This systematic review provides the first structured synthesis of data visualization in financial literacy education, analyzing 37 studies by addressing five key research questions on its historical development, research motivations, financial education pedagogy, visualization technologies, and intervention evaluation. • We identify critical research gaps, including the need for more interactive and adaptive visualization tools, broader audience inclusion beyond students, and stronger empirical validation of visualization effectiveness. These findings offer practical guidance for educators, researchers, and tool developers to enhance financial literacy education.