• October 13, 2009

Three in four adults (75%) are trying to increase their financial know-how because of the current economic crisis, according to a report from Mintel Comperemedia.

A third (32%) say they've already done so, while 43% say they plan to learn more about financial topics in the future.

Consumers are also looking to professionals more for financial advice. While 65% say they feel unsure about investing because of the economic crisis, four in 10 (38%) say they've started meeting with a financial advisor, or plan to soon, to work towards securing their financial future. Thirty-one percent admit they'd like advice from a professional on how to invest their money.

Young adults are the most determined when it comes to increasing financial literacy. Five out of six Echo Boomers (84%) say they've already become or plan to become more educated about financial matters, and four in 10 (39%) say they would like investment advice from a financial professional.

On average, financial services companies dedicate 22% of customer communication direct mail to informational mailings, per Mintel's analysis of direct marketing. The insurance industry sends the highest number of informational mailings, followed by investment firms and credit card companies. Mintel sees many companies using direct mail to invite recipients to informative seminars on financial topics.--Tanya Irwin