“Big Five” financial literacy questions

These questions assess knowledge on topics such as interest rates, inflation, bond prices, mortgages, and investment risks. The test aims to gauge understanding of basic financial concepts crucial for making informed financial decisions. For more details, visit the GFLEC website.


1) “Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2% per year. After 5 years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?”

A) More than $102
B) Exactly $102
C) Less than $102
D) Don’t know

2) “Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1% per year and inflation was 2% per year. After 1 year, with the money in this account, would you be able to buy…”

A) More than today
B) Exactly the same as today
C) Less than today
D) Don’t know

3) If interest rates rise, what will typically happen to bond prices?

A) They will rise
B) They will fall
C) They will stay the same
D) There is no relationship between bond prices and the interest rate
E) Don’t know

4) A 15-year mortgage typically requires higher monthly payments than a 30-year mortgage, but the total interest paid over the life of the loan will be less.

A) True
B) False
C) Don’t know
 

5) Buying a single company’s stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.

A) True
B) False
C) Don’t know

Visit the GFLEC website for the answers!