Nudging better financial habits in young adults through digital cues

Overview

In the context of a growing cost of living crisis, many young adults are experiencing financial stress while navigating key life transitions such as starting university, moving out of home, or entering the workforce. These transitional periods present valuable but often missed opportunities to engage young people with tools and strategies that build long-term financial capability. Behaviourally-informed digital interventions - such as timely nudges and relatable role model messages - may help support better financial habits and confidence during these critical windows.

Research activities

• Design and implement a behaviourally-informed intervention using digital cues (e.g. SMS or app-based nudges).
• Conduct a mixed-methods study, including a randomised trial and follow-up surveys/interviews.
• Analyse financial capability outcomes and behavioural change.

Outcomes

The project aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of personalised digital nudges in improving financial habits, contributing evidence to inform scalable financial education tools and policy, producing scholarly publications, and providing practical insights for financial services and education providers.

Skills and experience

It is essential you have a strong interest in:

• behavioural economics
• communication
• financial education.

This project is ideal for candidates with a background in:

• business (accounting, finance, economics)
• psychology
• education.

Experience with quantitative or mixed-methods research is beneficial.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

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Keywords

• financial habits
• young adults
• financial socialization
• digital nudges
• financial capability
• financial literacy
• budgeting
• saving
• investing

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.