Do Personality Traits and Career Interests Influence Students’ Financial Well-being?

This study explores the influence of personality traits and vocational interests on students' financial well-being, specifically within the context of the transition from education to entering the labour market. The research utilizes the Big Five personality traits model and the RIASEC vocational interests’ model to assess through a cross-sectional regression the impact of these factors on the financial perceptions of young adults. Subjective financial well-being, measured through the MSFWBS (Multidimensional Subjective Financial Well-Being Scale), includes dimensions such as financial satisfaction, financial control, financial autonomy, and financial stress. The paper seeks to identify the relationships between career interests and personality traits on students' subjective financial well-being, focusing on how these factors shape students' perceptions of their financial resources and their ability to handle financial challenges. Additionally, vocational interests play a significant role in understanding the career and financial decisions of young adults, influencing their long-term economic stability and attitudes toward financial planning. This article aims to contribute to the broader understanding of how personality traits and vocational factors interact to influence subjective financial well-being. The findings will have important implications for the development of educational policies and financial counselling programs, designed to support students in effectively managing their financial resources and preparing for future financial independence. By examining these relationships, the study can guide efforts to improve financial literacy and well-being among emerging adults, facilitating a smoother transition into adulthood and financial autonomy.