The issue of financial well-being among college students has received increasing attention. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between personal and family backgrounds, academic ability, early childhood consumer experience, financial socialization, financial knowledge and perceived financial well-being of college students. Data were collected from eleven public and private universities across Malaysia and the sample consists of 2,219 college students. Structural equation modeling indicated that early childhood consumer experiences such as savings habits contribute to students’ financial well-being (money saved, current financial situation, and financial management skills). Financial socialization agents, for example, through parents and religion sources may increase college students’ financial well-being. Financial knowledge was related to financial well-being. Overall, implications and recommendations for future research, teaching, and public policy are also provided for parents, college administrators, counselors and educators.

Key words: financial well-being, early childhood consumer experience, financial socialization, financial knowledge