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Oct. 27, 2025

SHoF’s Anders Anderson has stepped outside his usual research work to contribute to the book Dina 20 miljoner (Your 20 Million). Drawing on his expertise in financial economics, he helps young people in Sweden strengthen their financial literacy and make informed, responsible decisions about money.

“It’s generally difficult to find ways to reach those who are least interested. It’s hard to get through,” says Anderson. “Ametist Azordegan had the network to reach young people who would truly benefit from increasing their financial literacy.” 

Anderson’s research shows that many people overestimate their financial abilities, especially when their perceived knowledge does not match their actual competence. Family and friends are the main sources of financial understanding. Children and young people with well-educated parents often develop a natural familiarity with financial matters, while others lack the same foundation. 

The book Dina 20 miljoner is part of the Juice Studio Foundation’s initiative to promote financial literacy and reduce indebtedness among young people. Developed by Ametist Azordegan, in collaboration with Jonna Fyhr and illustrator Felix Paulin, the book targets upper secondary school students and provides practical tools to help them make sound financial decisions. 

Anderson is featured throughout the book, offering advice, insights, and research-based explanations that connect academic findings with everyday financial choices. 

“The new book speaks directly to young people’s realities,” says Anderson. “Its content resonates with their experiences and includes many powerful stories. It highlights how limited financial knowledge and certain behaviors can lead to mistakes and negative consequences, but also how better understanding can change habits and help prevent debt. When this initiative came up, I saw an opportunity to reach that group.” 

Ametist Azordegan, the initiator of the book, shares more about the work of the Juice Studios Foundation. 

How would you describe the current situation regarding young people’s debt levels in Sweden? 

Azordegan: Young people’s debt levels are currently at a very high. According to 2024 figures from the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden), total debt amount among young people has never been greater, a fact frequently highlighted in the media. Unfortunately, the problem continues to grow, and at Juice Studios Foundation, we find this deeply concerning. 

Young people have fewer opportunities to recover financially and are more vulnerable to lifelong over-indebtedness. For a young person, heavy debt can become a barrier to entrepreneurship and creativity, while also creating conditions that increase the risk of mental health problems. 

How does debt affect young people in the communities you work with? 

Azordegan: Our foundation focuses on working with young people with immigrant backgrounds from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. They tell us that debt is a major factor behind why many become involved in crime. Crime, in turn, leads to more debt and social isolation, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. Ultimately, society suffers when young people become increasingly indebted, we lose innovation and entrepreneurship that never have the chance to flourish and instead face the costly consequences of social unrest. 

What needs to be done to improve financial literacy and prevent young people from falling into debt? How are you working to make a difference?  

Azordegan: The reasons behind young people’s indebtedness are partly rooted in inequalities in childhood living conditions. As researcher Davor Vuleta highlighted in our book “Dina 20 miljoner” (Your 20 Million), about one in five children in Botkyrka live in a household with consumer debts, compared to fewer than one in fifty in Danderyd. 

Another important factor is the lack of awareness and open discussion with young people about money and debt, not only in financial terms, but also in a social and human context, and how these issues affect life opportunities and wellbeing. This is further compounded by limited access to accurate information about the Swedish legal and economic system. 

That is exactly what we aim to address through our financial literacy initiative, which combines an educational lecture and a book designed specifically for young people.