This paper studies the relationship between socio‐economic factors, financial literacy, money management skill, overspending and impulsiveness on credit card repayment decisions. Analysis based on a sample of 451 credit card users in Malaysia showed that socio‐economic factors related to education, income, ethnicity, marital status and number of credit cards held influence credit card repayment decisions. Financial literacy and money management skill have a positive effect on credit cardholders’ decision making. Specifically, money management skill related to financial statements monitoring, prompt bill payment, spending within budget and handling money matters well influence credit card repayments. However, personality traits such as overspending and impulsiveness do not exert a significant effect on credit card payment behaviour. The findings of this study support the argument that financial education and behavioural intervention that inculcate good money management skill are important in shaping individuals’ behaviour.

The research objective of this paper is to determine the socio-demographic and economic factors that have significant influence on the demand for life insurance in Malaysia. A hurdle count-data model is used to accommodate the separate decisions on the demand for life insurance which is divided into two parts: whether to purchase a life insurance policy and if so, how many policies to purchase. The results show that there are some slight differences in the factors that determine the decision to purchase life insurance and the quantity of life insurance policies that a consumer will purchase. Index Terms-hurdle-count data model, life insurance, zero truncated poison.

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to identify the determinants of the probability of living beyond one’s means. The paper also explores the coping mechanisms of those financially distressed as well as the debt taking behaviour of consumers. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses data obtained from the OECD International Network on Financial Education pilot study on Measuring Financial Literacy in 2010 for the case of Malaysia. A logistic regression model is used to identify the main determinants of the probability that a consumer will live beyond his/her means. The analysis is carried out by using a set of socio-economic factors and the individual’s financial behaviour and attitudinal characteristics as explanatory variables. Findings – The findings indicate that low income and seasonal income earners are more vulnerable to financial distress. Furthermore, having a higher education, higher financial knowledge and prudent financial behaviour and attitude do not necessarily translate into better financial management. Family and friends provide the main source of financial assistance in times of need. Research limitations/implications – The assessment of financial knowledge should go beyond individual’s knowledge on financial concepts and theories. Practical knowledge on financial and cash flow management should be assessed. Practical implications – The study reiterates the importance of financial education. It is imperative to include financial education as part of the schools’ curriculum and also to be incorporated as part of the Continuous Professional Development modules for working adults. Originality/value – The study is based on the first nationwide study of consumer finances in Malaysia. It contributes to the literature by integrating financial behaviour and attitudinal factors into the analysis of the ability of individuals to live within their means. The findings also show the limitations of the existing self-assessment of financial behaviour and attitude and the assessment of financial knowledge.

This paper aims to empirically establish the determinants of merchant participation in credit card payment schemes. It is found that a merchant's personal background, type of business and total value of sales are significant in determining a merchant's acceptance of cards in payment transactions. Further, it is found that customers' usage of credit cards and other merchants’ acceptance of credit cards in payments have a significant influence on a merchant's decision. Findings also indicate that non-pecuniary strategic factors are stronger drivers and barriers to a merchant's participation in credit cards payments services compared to monetary related factors.

We develop a Nash game on the adoption of a new EFTPOS (Electronic Fund Transfer at Point of Sale) card payment media given cash is dispensed by a competitive ATM (Automated Teller Machine) network. Equilibrium conditions when cash and card use coexist entail a specific relationship between the card network coverage parameter (p k ) and the proportion (x) of cash financed expenditures. We derive a payments innovation technology constrained transactions demand for money which is highly interest rate sensitive in low interest rate regimes. Data on cash-card use in the UK (1990-97) is used to calibrate the model.