Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of financial literacy on the spending habits of selected Senior High School students in a private institution in Gumaca, Quezon. Specifically, it examined the respondents’ profile in terms of age, sex, grade level, strand, weekly allowance, and family monthly income. The study assessed the students’ level of financial literacy in terms of spending habits, saving habits, and financial knowledge, as well as the effects of financial literacy on spending habits in the areas of budgeting, financial planning, and debt management. A descriptive research design and proportionate random sampling were used, with 100 Senior High School students participating. Findings showed that most respondents were 17 years old, female, and enrolled in Grade 12 under the HUMSS strand. Their weekly allowance ranged between Php600–Php700, and most reported a family income of Php35,000 and above. Results revealed that students generally agreed with the statements on financial literacy, with mean scores of 3.55 for spending habits, 3.79 for saving habits, and 3.64 for financial knowledge. They also agreed on the influence of financial literacy on spending habits, with scores of 3.75 for budgeting, 3.42 for financial planning, and 4.10 for debt management. Spearman’s Rho analysis indicated a significant relationship between financial literacy and spending habits. Based on these findings, it is recommended that schools integrate personal finance in the curriculum, parents promote financial discussions at home, teachers use real-life financial scenarios in lessons, and students engage in budgeting activities. Future researchers may further explore this topic using contextualized approaches.
