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

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 using the structural equation modelling technique. Findings The results show that individuals with high level of financial self-efficacy practise responsible financial behaviour and find financial behaviour to be a good predictor of financial well-being. The authors also find financial behaviour to mediate between financial self-efficacy and financial well-being and conclude that well-being impacts positively on happiness. 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.