Expertise: Financial Literacy
Dr. Hira (center) rings the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange April 26, 2010, to launch National Financial Literacy Month. Photo by NYSE Euronext
Dr. Hira has initiated research and written extensively in the field of financial literacy, with a specific focus on financial education, financial management, money management, financial conditions, resource management, and family financial management.
Many major financial institutions, including CitiBank, have engaged Dr. Hira to develop and teach credit counseling seminars and workshops. She has created numerous credit counseling educational materials for public and private clients.
Honors and Awards
| 2009–Current | Chair, Financial Literacy Advisory Council of NYSE Euronext. |
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| 2008 | President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, appointed by the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush. |
| 2007 | Financial Literacy Skills Writing Committee (Iowa Governor Chet Culver’s appointment to Model Curriculum for 21st Century Skills Committee). |
| 2004 | Award-winning paper—Effects of Financial Education on Self-directed Financial Learning and Career Satisfaction of Lower-level, White-collar Workers, National Endowment for Financial Education Think Tank “Motivating Americans to Develop Constructive Financial Behaviors.” Denver, Colorado, May. $1,000 Award. |
| 2004 | “The Best of 25 Years,” by the Journal of Financial Planning, October 1. Hira, T. K., H. Van Auken, and D. Norris. A look behind the scene: A survey of how CFPs work. Journal of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners 7(2):69–85. This article was selected and reprinted (October, pp. 76–88). |
| 1995–1998 | Member of National Expert Bank: American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences for family resource management subject matter. |
| 1992 | Grace Olson Resident Instruction Award for Application of Computers in Teaching Family Financial Planning Concepts, Iowa State University, College of Family and Consumer Sciences. |
Research Grants
Importance of family financial counseling in today’s credit society, Federal Government of Canada, Summer Youth Employment Grant for the preparation of sound-slide presentation, $10,000.
Publications
Refereed Journals
| 2010 | Sabri, F., M. MacDonald, T. Hira, and J. Masud. Childhood Consumer Experience and the Financial Literacy of College Students in Malaysia. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal (accepted for publication). |
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| 2005 | Loibl, Cäzilia, and Tahira K. Hira. Impact of self-directed financial learning on financial and career satisfaction of white-collar employees. Financial Counseling and Planning 16(1):11–21. |
| 1999 | Hira, T. K., and O. Mugenda. Predictors of financial satisfaction: Differences between retirees and non-retirees. Financial Counseling and Planning 9(2):75–83. |
| 1997 | Hira, T. K., K. Monson, and A. Fanslow. Work training skills of Iowa’s family investment program participants. Family Economics and Resource Management Biennial Journal 2:1–7. |
| 1995 | Hira, T. K., and K. Kostelecky. Methods of data collection from debtors in bankruptcy after discharge: A pilot study. Journal of the Family Economics and Resource Management Division of AAFCS 1:101–7. |
| 1993 | Fitzsimmons, V. S., T. K. Hira, J. W. Bauer, and J. L. Hafstrom. Financial management: Development of scales. Journal of Family and Economic Issues 14(3):257–74. |
| 1992 | Hira, T. K., A. M. Fanslow, and R. M. Vogelsang. Determinants of satisfaction with preparation for financial emergencies. Financial Counseling and Planning Education 3:43–62. |
| 1992 | Hira, T. K., and V. Fitzsimmons. Resource management of rural communities. Journal of Extension (Fall): 38–9. |
| 1990 | Mugenda, O. M., T. K. Hira, and A. M. Fanslow. Assessing the causal relationship among communication, money management practices, satisfaction with financial status, and satisfaction with quality of life. Lifestyles: Family and Economic Issues 11(4):343–60. |
| 1989 | Titus, P. M., A. M. Fanslow, and T. K. Hira. Effect of financial management knowledge of household money managers on behaviors and outputs. Journal of Vocational Home Economics Education 7(1):58–70. |
| 1988 | Nagashima, S., T. K. Hira, S. Shirai, and Y. Otsuka. Life planning and family financial management. In Dr. Mitsuaki Imai (Ed.), Analysis of Current Conditions: Issues and Problems in Consumer Education (pp. 73–94). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Academy of Consumer Education. |
| 1987 | Hira, T. K. Households’ financial management factors influencing solvency and satisfaction. Journal of the Japan Society of Household Economics 10(3):199–207. |
| 1987 | Hira, T. K., and M. J. Mueller. The application of managerial system to money management practices. Iowa State Research Journal 62(2):219–34. |
| 1987 | Danes, S. M., and T. K. Hira. Money management knowledge of college students. Journal of Student Financial Aid 17(1):4–16. |
| 1987 | Hira, T. K. Money management practices influencing household asset ownership. Journal of Home Economics 79(2):19–22. |
| 1987 | Hira, T. K. Role of education to alleviate family financial problems. Institute of Home Economics, Scottish Branch, Queen’s College, Glasgow, Scotland. |
| 1985 | Hira, T. K. Impact of family financial management practice on household’s solvency status. In Ujie and Matsuda (Eds.), The Age of Home Economics. Tokyo, Japan: Institute of Human Ecology. |
Books and Chapters in Books
| 1996 | Hira, T. K., and A. Swift. Application of a resource management model to improve family financial well-being. In L. Engberg, J. Varjour, and H. Steinmller (Eds.), Family Resource Management Issues (pp. 109–13). International Federation of Home Economics (IFHE): Family Resource Management Committee. |
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| 1988 | Nagashima, S., T. K. Hira, S. Shirai, and Y. Otsuka. Life planning and family financial management. In Dr. Mitsuaki Imai (Ed.), Analysis of Current Conditions: Issues and Problems in Consumer Education (pp. 73–94). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Academy of Consumer Education. |
| 1985 | Hira, T. K. Impact of family financial management practice on household’s solvency status. In Ujie and Matsuda (Eds.), The Age of Home Economics. Tokyo, Japan: Institute of Human Ecology. |
Invited Papers
| 2009 | Hira, Tahira K. Personal Finance: Past, Present and Future, Networks Financial Institute Policy Brief series (click here to download the policy brief). |
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Papers in Refereed Proceedings
| 2001 | Hira, T. K., and M. Anderson. Financial beliefs, feelings, and behaviors of college students. In Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Eastern Family Economics and Resource Management Association (pp. 40–61). |
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| 1999 | Hira, T. K., and O. M. Mugenda. Do men and women differ in their financial beliefs and behaviors? In Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Eastern Family Economics and Resource Management Association (pp. 1–80). University of Texas, Austin, Texas. |
| 1991 | Mugenda, O., T. K. Hira, and A. Fanslow. Influence of net worth, financial planning and satisfaction with quality of life. In Sharon Danes (Ed.), Financial Challenges for the Twenty-first Century (pp. 141–55). Association for the Financial Counseling and Planning Education, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota. |
| 1988 | Hira, T. K. Money management practices and satisfaction with various aspects of households’ finances among Japanese. In William C. Bailey (Ed.), Families and Finances: Agenda for the Future (pp. 29–43). Association for Financial Planning and Counseling Education, Lubbock, Texas. |
| 1985 | Hira, T. K., and C. Fletcher. Impact of technology on deregulation on personal financial management. In S. Nickols (Ed.), Thinking Globally-Acting Locally—The Balancing Act (pp. 207–15). The Family Economics/Home Management Pre-Conference Workshop, The American Home Economics Association, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.. |
| 1984 | Mueller, J., and T. K. Hira. Impact of selected money management practices on household solvency status. In K. Goebel (Ed.), Consumer Responsibility/Corporate Responsibility (pp. 76–9). American Council on Consumer Interest, 30th Annual Conference, Atlanta, Georgia. |
Non-Refereed Papers—Proceedings and Other
| 1986 | Hira, T. K. Financial management practices of two-income households. In G. Pyles (Ed.), Consumer Services for the Family: 15th Annual Conference (pp. 57–62). Southeastern Regional Association for Family Economics/Home Management, Akron, Ohio. |
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Technical and Research Reports
| 2002 | Lean personal financial management: Key to employee financial well-being. Educator’s Manual; Student Manual. Iowa State University, University Extension. Iowa Manufacturing Extension Partnership. |
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Other Professional Activities
Consulting
Development of research and teaching program in family financial planning (summer). Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Invited Presentations to Professional Organizations/Groups
International
| 2003 | Hira, T. K. Importance of financial literacy in the current technology and information environment. Japan Consumer Finance Association (JCFA) Consumer Finance Symposium, Osaka/Tokyo, Japan, October. |
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| Hira, T. K. Impact of workplace financial education on career satisfaction and employee loyalty. Financial Forum II, Canadian Home Economics Education, Vancouver, BC, Canada, December 8–10. | |
| 2003 | Hira, T. K. Critical elements of financial education for high school students. Consumer Education Association of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, October. |
| 2003 | Hira, T. K. Impact of the proposed U.S. consumer bankruptcy legislation on credit counseling and financial education of the American consumer (keynote). Annual Conference of the Academy of Consumer Finance and Services, Sapporo, Japan, November. |
| 2003 | Hira, T. K. Predictors of family economic well-being. Journalism Fellowships in Child and Family Policy Conference, University of Maryland, Washington, D.C., January 8. |
| 1999 | Hira, T. K. The nature of a fresh start and the role of financial education in granting discharge to Chapter 7 debtors. INSOL International Conference of the Americas, Bermuda. |
| 1998 | Hira, T. K. Importance of financial management education as part of family resource management in developing economies. College of Home Economics, Lahore, Pakistan. |
| 1997 | Hira, T. K. Credit culture and the need for money management education. University of Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. |
| 1996 | Hira, T. K. Application of family resource management model to improve family financial well-being. International Federation of Home Economics Congress, Bangkok, Thailand. |
| 1995 | Hira, T. K. Consumer credit issues and the role of money management education and credit counseling (keynote). Japan-American Consumer Education Conference, Tokyo, Japan. |
| 1994 | Hira, T. K. Consumer debt and consumer bankruptcy in the U.S.A.: The need for money management education and financial counseling. Association of Home Science Alumnae of New Zealand, Inc., Dunedin, New Zealand. |
| 1994 | Hira, T. K. Underlying causes of family financial problems and development of appropriate financial counseling techniques. Otago Budget Advisory Services district meeting, Dunedin, New Zealand. |
| 1990 | Hira, T. K. Risk management practices and their impact on household’s satisfaction with financial status. Nara Women’s University, Department of Consumer Economics and Resource Management, Nara, Japan. |
| 1987 | Hira, T. K. Role of education to alleviate family financial problems. Institute of Home Economics, Scottish Branch, Queen’s College, Glasgow, Scotland. |
| 1987 | Hira, T. K. Factors contributing to family financial problems. Institute of Home Economics, Scottish Branch, Queen’s College, Glasgow, Scotland. |
| 1987 | Hira, T. K. Assessment and evaluation of family financial management curriculum for home economics educators. Manchester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Home Economics, Manchester, England. |
| 1986 | Hira, T. K. Impact of financial problems on family living and family financial management education. Hyogo University of Teacher Education, Japan. |
| 1986 | Hira, T. K. Household’s financial management practices influencing solvency and satisfaction (keynote). Japan Society of Household Economics, Osaka, Japan. |
| 1986 | Hira, T. K. Factors influencing various aspects of household financial management. 8th International Home Economics Research Conference, Glasgow, Scotland. |
National and Regional Presentations
| 2010 | Hira, T. K. Financial Education What We Know & What Next! (keynote). Eastern Family Economics and Resource Management Biennial Conference, Chattanooga, Tennessee, March 2–4. |
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| 2009 | Hira, T. K. Financial Management Education: Past, Present & Future. Networks Financial Institute, Indiana State University, National Conference: Improving Financial Literacy and Reshaping Financial Behavior: Research Papers and Perspectives. Indianapolis, Indiana, May 14–15. |
| 2004 | Hira, T. K. Consumer bankruptcy—Global comparisons (North America, Asia, and Europe). Eastern Family Economics and Resource Management Association (EFERMA) Regional Symposium on Consumer Bankruptcy, February. |
| 2003 | Hira, T. K. Need for financial education: Why now? (keynote). Connecticut State Board of Education Financial Literacy Symposium, Hartford, Connecticut, March 27. |
| 2003 | Hira, T. K. Need for financial education: Role of family and consumer sciences professionals. Annual conference, Wisconsin Family and Consumer Sciences, Madison, Wisconsin, March 7. |
| 1995 | Hira, T. K. Role of family in developing money management attitudes: An insight for financial professionals (keynote). Master planner section of the Annual Conference of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners (ICFP), San Diego, California. |
| 1995 | Hira, T. K. Family resource management approach to moderating the effect of toxic environment on children. Invited response to James Garbarino’s keynote address at the 2nd General Session of American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, New Orleans, Louisiana. |
| 1984 | Hira, T. K. Research: How it helps understand financial concerns of families. Iowa State University Cooperative Extension Service Family Financial Counseling Workshop, Cedar Falls, Iowa. |
| 1982 | Hira, T. K. Financial management in an age of economic uncertainty. Annual meeting of Iowa Home Economics Association, Fort Dodge, Iowa. |
| 1982 | Hira, T. K. Personal financial management for young adults. WOI-TV series, Young People Speak Out, Ames, Iowa. |
| 1981 | Hira, T. K. Financial problems and money management for church families. Iowa Clergy Economic Education 16th Annual Conference, Boone, Iowa. |
Juried Presentations at Professional Meetings—Regional, National, or International
| 2004 | Loibl, C., and T. K. Hira. Effects of financial education on self-directed financial learning and career satisfaction of lower-level, white-collar workers. The Think Tank “Motivating Americans to Develop Constructive Behaviors,” sponsored by National Endowment for Financial Education, Denver, Colorado, May 11–13. |
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| 2004 | Loibl, C., and T. K. Hira. Effects of financial education on self-directed financial learning and career satisfaction of lower-level, white-collar workers. Annual Conference of the American Council on Consumer Interest (ACCI), Washington, D.C., March 31–April 3. |
| 2004 | Loibl, C., and T. K. Hira. Workplace financial education and employee financial behavior and beliefs: The role of self-directed financial learning (research paper). Annual Conference of Eastern Regional Family Economics and Resource Management Association (EFERMA), Tampa, Florida, February 26–28. |
| 2003 | Hira, T. K., and C. Loibl. Effects of financial education in the workplace on employee financial behavior. American Council on Consumer Interest, Atlanta, Georgia, April 2–5. |
| 1997 | Hira, T. K. Work training skills of Iowa’s Family Investment Program (FIP) participants. Annual meeting of Family Economics–Resource Management and Family Relations–Human Development Pre-Conference to the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Washington, D.C. |
| 1993 | Fanslow, A. M., N. J. Helgerson, and T. K. Hira. Money management competencies of managers over time. Research poster session presented at the American Home Economics Association (AHEA) Conference, Orlando, Florida. |
| 1992 | Hira, T. K. Household resource management systems cross-cultural approach: An application to credit management by household. Household Resource Management International Research Symposium, Ebsdorfergrund, Germany. |
| 1990 | Sumarwan, U., and T. K. Hira. Financial management practices influencing satisfaction with household financial status. Annual Conference of American Home Economics Association, San Antonio, Texas. |
| 1989 | Titus, P. M., A. M. Fanslow, and T. K. Hira. Financial management knowledge and behaviors of household money managers. Poster session presented at the Annual Conference of American Home Economics Association, Cincinnati, Ohio. |
| 1988 | Hira, T. K. Money management practices and satisfaction with various aspects of household finances among Japanese. Annual meeting of Association for Financial Planning and Counseling Education, Lubbock, Texas. |
| 1986 | Hira, T. K. Financial management practices of two-income households. Southeastern Regional Association for Family Economics/Home Management Meeting, Akron, Ohio. |
| 1984 | Danes, S., and T. K. Hira. Money management knowledge of college students. Building Family Strengths National Symposium, Lincoln, Nebraska. |
| 1984 | Mueller, J., and T. K. Hira. A managerial systems approach to money management practices of a household. Southeastern Regional Association for Family Economics/Home Management Conference, Blacksburg, Virginia. |
| 1983 | Hira, T. K. Money management knowledge, attitudes, and practices among households. Sixth National Symposium on Building Family Strengths, Lincoln, Nebraska. |
Iowa Presentations
| 2009 | Hira, T. K. Financial Literacy: National perspective and Implications for Women. Iowa State University Foundation, Women in Philanthropy Annual Conference, Ames, Iowa, May 13.. |
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| 2009 | Hira, T. K. Financial Literacy in America: Opportunities and Challenges. Greater Des Moines Committee, Des Moines, Iowa, April 8. |
| 2009 | Hira, T. K. President’s Council on Financial Literacy. Mason City First National Bank and First Citizens Trust Company, Mason City, Iowa, June. |
| 2009 | Hira, T. K. Why Financial Education and Why Start Early? Treynor State Bank, Treynor, Iowa, April 14. |
| 2008 | Hira, T. K. Youth financial literacy: challenges and opportunities. Annual meeting of Jump$tart Coalition Iowa, Ankeny, Iowa, July. |
| 2001 | Hira, T. K. Successful financial planning for women business owners. Cherokee, Iowa. |
| 1993 | Helgerson, N., A. M. Fanslow, and T. K. Hira. Economic profile of Iowa money managers over time (1982–1991). Iowa Home Economics Association, Des Moines, Iowa. |
| 1988 | Hira, T. K. Money management practices of Japanese households. Annual Conference of Iowa Home Economics Association, Coralville, Iowa. |
