The antecedents and consequence of financial well-being: a survey of parliamentarians in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the effect of financial self-efficacy and financial behaviour on financial well-being and ascertains whether financial well-being affects an individual’s level of happiness in life. The authors also show the mediating role of financial behaviour in the relationship between self-efficacy and financial well-being. Design/methodology/approach – The survey method of research was adopted, using questionnaires as the principal means of data collection. The hypotheses of the study were tested on a rich data set from a sample of 210 parliamentarians in Ghana used the structural equation modelling technique. Findings: The results show that individuals with high level of financial self-efficacy practice responsible financial behaviour and find financial behaviour to be a good predictor of financial well-being. The authors are also find financial behaviour to mediate between financial self-efficacy and financial well-being and conclude that well-being impacts happiness positively. Practical implications: findings of this study demonstrate that the financial well-being of an individual has important implications on the quality of life and an important way of improving well-being is to promote responsible financial behaviour. Originality/value: This study employs the subjective measure of financial well-being in its analysis and also examines an outcome of financial well-being.