Brechas y desafíos en la educación financiera en Ecuador: un estudio del cantón Santo Domingo, provincia de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, año 2025.

Abstract

Abstract: This study analyzes the level of financial education of the population of the canton of Santo Domingo, considering their degree of knowledge, the behaviors they adopt and attitudes towards the management of financial resources. This descriptive research, with a quantitative approach and through the application of a structured survey, based on the criteria of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and the OECD guidelines, made it possible to find significant gaps related to the understanding of concepts such as savings, budgeting, credit, investment and in the same way identify notable differences according to age, gender, educational level and geographical area. The results show limited financial knowledge, behaviors and attitudes that focus on the short term, especially in disadvantaged groups. However, opportunities were found to improve financial literacy, through educational strategies that seek to optimize decision-making and promote the responsible use of financial services. This study offers valuable information for public and private institutions and the popular and solidarity sector, which allows the creation of programs that contribute to the economic well-being of the population, and thus strengthen financial inclusion in the canton of Santo Domingo.