Julie Lorence1, Dana J Lawrence2, Stacie A Salsbury3, Christine M Goertz4. 1. Doctoral student, Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Huff Hall, 1206 S. Fourth Street, Champaign, IL 61820 drjoyas@hotmail.com. 2. Senior Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, Interim Senior Director for Continuing Education and Events, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803. 3. Clinical Project Manager, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic. 741 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803 stacie.salsbury@palmer.edu. 4. Vice Chancellor for Research and Health Policy, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic. 741 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803, christine.goertz@palmer.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the financial knowledge, habits and attitudes of chiropractic students. METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional survey to measure basic financial knowledge, current financial habits, risk tolerance, and beliefs about future income among 250 students enrolled in business courses at one US chiropractic college. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: We received 57 questionnaires (23% response rate). Most respondents would accumulate over $125,000 in student loan debt by graduation. Financial knowledge was low (mean 77%). Most respondents (72%) scored as average financial risk takers. Chiropractic students reported recommended short-term habits such as having checking accounts (90%) and health insurance (63%) or paying monthly bills (88%) and credit cards (60%). Few saved money for unplanned expenses (39%) or long-term goals (26%), kept written budgets (32%), or had retirement accounts (19%). CONCLUSION: These chiropractic students demonstrated inadequate financial literacy and did not engage in many recommended financial habits.
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the financial knowledge, habits and attitudes of chiropractic students. METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional survey to measure basic financial knowledge, current financial habits, risk tolerance, and beliefs about future income among 250 students enrolled in business courses at one US chiropractic college. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: We received 57 questionnaires (23% response rate). Most respondents would accumulate over $125,000 in student loan debt by graduation. Financial knowledge was low (mean 77%). Most respondents (72%) scored as average financial risk takers. Chiropractic students reported recommended short-term habits such as having checking accounts (90%) and health insurance (63%) or paying monthly bills (88%) and credit cards (60%). Few saved money for unplanned expenses (39%) or long-term goals (26%), kept written budgets (32%), or had retirement accounts (19%). CONCLUSION: These chiropractic students demonstrated inadequate financial literacy and did not engage in many recommended financial habits.
Keywords:
chiropractic education; economics; student loans; training support
Authors: William E Lafferty; Patrick T Tyree; Allen S Bellas; Carolyn A Watts; Bonnie K Lind; Karen J Sherman; Daniel C Cherkin; David E Grembowski Journal: Am J Manag Care Date: 2006-07 Impact factor: 2.229