Financial Knowledge and Student Spending Habits
Financial Knowledge and Student Spending Habits
Chapter I
INTRODUCTION
statement of the problem, hypothesis, scope and delimitation, significance of the study,
Lack of financial knowledge affects all ages and all socioeconomic levels and this
may lead to poor financial choices that can have negative consequences on the all-round
(Jorgensen and Savla, 2010). It is therefore essential to learn about finance during
adolescence for every young person to have the best chance of becoming financially
literate at a young age and in adulthood. Having good financial knowledge is not enough
personal finance, and applies such knowledge in dealing with one’s finances. Financial
knowledge is one of the aspects that an individual must consider to effectively manage
his or her finances in personal life, and much research has been conducted in this area to
(Taft et al., 2013). According to Mouna and Jarboui (2015), a lack of financial knowledge
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 2
and skills can lead to poor financial behavior in gathering and digesting all relevant
Every day, people make decisions about how to spend their resources, such as
money, to meet their wants and needs. According to De and Chattopadhyay (2017),
people have the choice to distribute their limited income among unlimited equally
attractive options. Individuals are exposed to various methods of handling their finances,
which can often lead to the development of poor habits (Gutter et al., 2010). There are
many things to spend, particularly on students, because most students’ expenses are not
only limited to academic expenses but also have a tendency to spend their allowances on
recreational activities such as renting a computer unit for fun and games, purchasing
items at a shopping mall, and other similar activities. The way students manage their
spending habits can make or break them financially. Poor financial knowledge will give
negative impacts on people such as low savings of money will give difficulties for them
when they need some money to meet their needs in critical financial situations (Azmi and
Ramakrishnan, 2018). The less knowledge of financial management people have, the
more likely they are to engage in poor spending habits (Iyika et al., 2020).
The respondents of the study of Azmi and Ramakrishnan (2018) perceived that
financial planning. Financial education is the teaching of financial topics to children and
adults in hopes of providing them with the tools they need to be financially literate. This
financial literacy as a result of education allows people to be more informed and make
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 3
better financial decisions. A research study by Kaiser and Menkhoff (2017) finds that
financial education significantly impacts financial behavior and, to an even larger extent,
financial literacy. Wherein their findings show how financial education affects a person's
system, which concerned the researchers to conduct this study to better understand the
relationship between financial knowledge and spending habits of senior high school
Conceptual Framework
In the figure below, the two variables are 1) the level of financial knowledge, and
2) the spending habits of senior high students. The former is the independent variable,
while the latter is the dependent variable. The researchers believed that the level of
financial knowledge greatly influences the spending habits of senior high school students
and spending habits of senior high school students of Ilocos Norte National High School.
a. Sex
b. Age
c. Socio-economic status
4. Is there a significant relationship between the financial knowledge and spending habits
Research Hypothesis
knowledge and the spending habits of senior high school students. This includes the
The study was conducted at Ilocos Norte National High School as it is more
accessible and convenient to the researchers to randomly select 145 respondents who
would participate and it was carried out during the second semester of the school year
Students. The findings of this study can encourage students in assessing their
own level of financial knowledge. As a result, the students shall be better able to
Parents. This study can provide parents with information about their son's or
better understand their children’s financial situation and advise them on finances
Future Researchers. The study's findings will serve as basis for future
Definition of Terms
The following terms are defined operationally for clarity and a better
understanding of the financial concepts and procedures as well as the use of this
Level of Financial Knowledge – the degree to which the respondents understand key
financial concepts and possess the ability and confidence to manage personal finances
Senior High School Students – learners enrolled in Ilocos Norte National High School
Socio-economic Status – refers to the respondent's social class or level that is defined by
Spending Habits – the way respondents are used to paying money for things, the things
they spent money for, and how much they are used to spending, all of which are hard to
change
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 7
Chapter II
This chapter presents review of related literature and studies relevant to the
research study. Information is sourced out from books, internet, articles from journal and
RELATED LITERATURE
how they relate to the decisions people make about money. Financial knowledge is a
decisions.
researchers in the literature that stated by (Taft et al., 2013), in which firstly, personal
and information. Next, the ability of people for knowing conditions, practices, rules and
norms required for performing financial duties which are involves a wide range of daily
activities such as managing and controlling the credit card, preparation of budget,
knowledge related to financial instruments and their application in business and personal
spending their money wisely depends on their level of financial knowledge. Financial
financial decision making as to avoid some difficulties such as low savings and failure in
the individual’s actions. Although it may be influenced by the external factors such as
by an individual (Robb and Woodyard, 2011, as cited by Azmi and Ramakrishnan, 2018).
Spending habit was divided into three by Cummins et al., (2009) as cited in
Omakhanlen et al., (2020); 1. Planning concept; this refers to whether or not individuals
not individuals set aside money for the rainy day, and 3. Purchasing essential
luxury? These three succinctly capture the yardstick to identify an individual’s attitude to
spending. It is stated that the best way to manage one’s income without entering into a
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 9
financial crisis is to separate needs from wants. This can be achieved through planned
There are various factors that can influence a person's spending habits. The first
personalities may have different spending tendencies. The article also discusses the
influence of family and upbringing on spending habits. The article notes that people may
becomes more and more difficult to change a habit because that habit has become more
and more natural to who we are and how we act, however if the financial awareness
increasing among people on how important of financial knowledge that may give benefits
to them, they will not be suffer those financial difficulties (Azmi & Ramakrishnan, 2018).
RELATED STUDIES
1. Demographic Factors
Potrich et al., (2014) have conducted a study aimed to identify the determinants of
demographic variables. The rationale behind this study was to understand the factors that
affect financial literacy, which is essential for making informed financial decisions. The
study found that financial literacy was positively associated with education, income, and
age. Individuals with higher education, higher income, and older age had higher levels of
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 10
financial literacy. The study also found that women had lower financial literacy levels
than men, and this corroborates with the study of Brown and Graf (2013). According to
Duah and Kutin (2014) there was a gender difference in financial literacy, with males
levels are associated with low financial literacy levels. Besides, according to Susanti
(2016), people with high income are more likely to show more responsible financial
management behavior and they also tend to budget, save money, and control their
spending. Therefore, a higher-income person will have better financial literacy. Lastly,
financial literacy is low among young and elderly individuals. Garg and Singh's (2018)
study reveals that the financial literacy level among youth is low across the world which
has become a cause of concern. Also, it has been observed that various socio-economic
and demographic factors such as age, gender, income, marital status, and educational
attainment influence the financial literacy level of youth and there exists an
measurable human circumstances and attitudes. In this study, there are three demographic
factors, namely age, sex, and socio-economic status. Lee and Chen (2019) examined how
demographic factors, such as age, gender, income, and education level, influence
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 11
consumer spending habits. The study found that demographic factors have a significant
impact on consumer spending habits. For instance, the authors found that older
consumers tend to spend more money on healthcare and travel-related products, while
Moreover, female consumers tend to spend more on clothing and beauty products, while
male consumers spend more on electronics and sports-related products. Additionally, the
authors found that income and education level have a significant impact on consumer
individual who has higher social status (occupation, academic background, and income)
tends to be able to have extensive knowledge, achieve greater income, interact with social
environment compared to an individual with low socioeconomic status. Hence, the higher
the socioeconomic status of parents, the greater chance their children have to gain
Romadoni, 2015). Furthermore, Astuti (2016) states that when a family’s financial life is
good, the material environment faced by the children is greater as they get wider
opportunities to develop various life skills that they cannot develop if there are no tools.
The research result by Astuti (2016) shows that parents’ socioeconomic status
behavior. In other words, their spending habits are affected. When students have parents,
2. Financial Knowledge
knowledge. It looked at how well students understand and are informed about money
management, budgets, saving, and borrowing, as well as whether some student groups are
more knowledgeable than others. This study shows that senior high school students in
Ghana lack adequate financial literacy, which is consistent with the conclusions of other
academic studies on the topic that have been done globally, and that students need to
increase their knowledge of personal finance. Only a small percentage of the students had
a good understanding of financial concepts and practices (Erne et al., 2019). Braun and
insurance policies, hindering their ability to make informed decisions about coverage.
Additionally, Lusardi and Mitchell (2014) emphasize that having financial knowledge
and skills is crucial for making informed decisions about saving, investing, and planning
for the future. They argue that individuals who are financially literate are more likely to
engage in behaviors that lead to greater financial security, such as saving for
emergencies, retirement, and other long-term goals. Students who received personal
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 13
finance education had significantly higher levels of financial literacy and better financial
behaviors compared to students who did not receive such education (Gutter, 2013).
regarding their spending habits is linked to a lack of financial education among students.
It showed that a significant percentage of high school students have low financial literacy
levels, indicating a need for greater financial education in schools. The authors also found
a correlation between financial literacy levels and the economic behavior of students.
Those with higher levels of financial literacy were more likely to save money, avoid
unnecessary spending time, and invest in their future, this align to the study of Xiao et al.
(2011), which suggests that individuals who engage in budgeting are more likely to
display better financial management practices. Additionally, in the study of Mandell and
Klein (2013), it was stated that respondents who received financial education in high
school or college were more likely to report making informed financial decisions, such as
Osei, et al. (2015) determined the level of the financial literacy among university
students. Their study determined whether the students’ gender or marital status, financial
education and level of study has an impact on the financial knowledge. Their study's
findings show that the majority of university students had a low level of financial
knowledge, with an average score of 52.09%. The study found that some students lack
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 14
investing, and saving. Thus, it is a worrisome that less educated persons know less about
financial matters, as they are most vulnerable to bad financial decisions (Lusardi &
Mitchell, 2011).
Duah and Kutin (2014) evaluate the factors affecting university students' financial
literacy and assess their level of personal financial literacy. The authors present the
results of their study, which revealed that the financial literacy level among university
students in Ghana was low. Likewise, the study of Lantara and Kartini (2015)
investigates the level of financial literacy among university students in Indonesia. The
study found that financial literacy among university students in Indonesia was relatively
low. Less than half of the participants of their study had a basic understanding of
financial concepts such as interest rates, inflation, and risk diversification. However, Lee
and Mueller’s (2014) findings suggest that first-generation students have limited
knowledge about crucial aspects of student loans, such as interest rates and repayment
plans. The majority of the students had a limited understanding of financial products,
such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Students showed a lack of understanding of
basic financial concepts and were not familiar with financial institutions and products
The research study of Smith (2022) aimed to explore the relationship between
borrowing and savings among low-income households. The rationale for this study is that
borrowing and savings are two important financial behaviors that have significant
implications for individuals' financial well-being. The findings of this study indicate a
strong negative relationship between borrowing and savings. Individuals who borrow
more tend to have lower levels of savings, while those with higher levels of savings tend
to borrow less. Similarly, the study of Lusardi and Salomaa (2014) finds that individuals
with higher financial literacy are less likely to have debt, and those who do have debt
tend to have lower levels of it. Individuals with higher financial literacy are more likely
to engage in positive financial behaviors, such as having a budget, saving regularly, and
using credit responsibly (Chen and Volpe, 2014). Smith (2022) found that financial
literacy was positively associated with savings behavior, indicating that improving
financial education may be an effective strategy for promoting savings behavior among
responsible financial behavior and reducing the risk of debt (Lusardi and Salomaa, 2014).
basic knowledge and skills in order to have a better understanding the choices that they
choose (Ambuehl et al., 2014). The purpose of the study of Lusardi and Mitchell (2014)
was to review the existing literature on financial education and financial literacy,
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 16
exploring the hypothesis that improving financial education can lead to better financial
outcomes for individuals and society as a whole. Their findings include the positive
early financial education, and the need for ongoing financial education throughout an
individual’s lifetime. In addition, (Hilgert et al., 2003, as cited in Azmi, 2018) stated that
when consumers who are well-informed and financially educated are be able to make
good and better decisions for their families, there is possible for them to increase their
economic security and well-being. Thus, this will be able to contribute to vital, thriving
communities and thereby further foster community economic development. This shows
that financial education is important not only to individual households and families but to
capability promotes better financial decision-making, thus, enabling better planning and
particularly relevant for college students. Thap and Nepal (2017) stated that university
students take on higher levels of personal financial responsibility. These students face
more financial challenges in conjunction with the relevant instruction. It is also more
likely that college students are experiencing more challenges with finances as they pay
bills, use credit cards, work, save, budget monthly expenses, and manage debt. Thus,
there is the paramount importance of financial literacy among college students and even
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 17
Katrini, 2015).
3. Spending Habits
Johnson (2019) examined the reasons why people spend money and what
factors influence their spending habits. The study found that millennials prioritize
experiences over material possessions, with 72% of respondents saying they would rather
spend money on experiences than things. The top spending categories were travel, dining
out, and entertainment. In addition, Smith and Johnson (2017) conducted a study noting
that respondents in similar situations might prioritize meeting their immediate financial
needs or have limited discretionary funds available for charitable giving. This trend is
driven by millennials' desire for convenience and their preference for experiences over
material possessions (Burkhalter, 2018). This highlights how limited financial resources,
spend more than $100 a week on coffee. This spending habit is linked to millennials' love
for convenience and their preference for coffee shops as a social space (Gillet, 2013). The
same Bank of America survey also found that millennials prioritize spending on
technology, with 47% saying they couldn't live without their smartphone. This trend is
productivity (Gillet, 2013). This align with the study conducted by Johnson and Smith
(2019), which emphasizes the potential of alternative free or low-cost options for
millennials believe they will be better off financially than their parents, but only 29% say
they have a good understanding of how to invest their money. This suggests that while
millennials are optimistic about their financial future, they may lack knowledge about
financial planning and investing. The same survey found that 59% of millennials
prioritize saving for short-term goals, such as vacations and emergencies, over long-term
goals like retirement. This trend may be due to millennials' focus on immediate needs and
In the study conducted by Simeon et al., (2020) aimed to determine the factors
that affect the spending behavior of college students in the Philippines. The authors
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hypothesize that peer pressure, financial literacy, parental influence, and social media
influence are among the factors that impact spending habits. Subsequently, their study
found that peer pressure and financial literacy were the most significant factors affecting
spending behavior among Filipino college students. Parental influence and social media
Abidin et al. (2013) found that students with higher incomes were more likely to
spend on discretionary items, while students with lower incomes spent more on
necessities such as rent, textbooks, and food. Students who were more financially
responsible and had a budget in place were more likely to spend less on discretionary
items and more on necessities. Financial literacy was also found to be positively
associated with better financial management skills and savings behavior (Xiao et al.,
2016). Another survey, conducted by Pinto et al. (2018), found that students frequently
overspend on discretionary items such as clothing and entertainment to keep up with their
peers' spending habits. Additionally, students with reckless spending friends are more
likely to develop the same habits. Moreover, according to a study conducted by Vuong
and Nguyen (2021), exposure to social media and influential marketing can lead to
Conclusion
This literature review provides an overview of the empirical studies that guide this
research, the importance of financial literacy and spending habits, and previous studies on
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 20
the financial literacy of students as well as the factors that affects spending habits.
Students play an important role in improving a country’s economic situation. They are
involved in financial activities and decision-making in day to day of their life until they
retire. Therefore, to achieve financial satisfaction and well-being, individuals must have
adequate knowledge that relates to finance. This is supported by (Taft et al., 2013), which
noted that high financial literacy brings a positive impact on an individual’s ability that
relates to finance in terms of the practice of financial management. Based on the previous
studies, it can be seen that financial knowledge has a positive relationship with financial
behavior in spending habits. As people’s financial knowledge increases, they will make
the most desirable behavior in spending habits and avoid themselves to involve in
financial difficulties. Poor financial literacy or knowledge will give negative impacts on
people such as low savings of money will give difficulties for them when they need some
money to meet their needs in critical financial situations. Thus, financial knowledge can
be said does give an effect on consumers’ spending habits. This study expands the
studies wherein the researchers determine the relationship between financial knowledge
and spending habits of senior high school students of Ilocos Norte National High School.
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 21
Chapter III
METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the discussion of the research design, population and
sampling technique, locale of the study, research instrument, data gathering procedure,
and the type of data analysis that was utilized in this study.
Research Design
to describe the relationship between two or more variables and determine whether there is
a correlation between them. According to Creswell (2014), this research design is "used
differences among groups, and to examine the predictive power of one variable on
relationship between two variables. This is ideal for this study because it allows the
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 22
researchers to investigate the relationship between the financial knowledge and spending
habits of senior high school students without manipulating them, making it a non-
experimental study.
The population of this study was the senior high school students of INNHS. This
research used stratified sampling to recruit subjects from the population. Stratified
sampling is a technique that involves dividing a population into subgroups or strata based
on specific characteristics. In this study, the population can be divided into subgroups
based on grade level which is grade 11 and 12. There were 912 grade 11 students and
1,159 grade 12 students, making a total of 2,071 senior high school students of INNHS.
Using Slovin’s Formula, the sample size required for this study would be 145 senior high
school students. The researchers would then randomly select a proportional number of
participants from each subgroup to ensure that the sample represents the entire
The study was conducted in Ilocos Norte National High School which is located
at Brgy. 4, Ablan Avenue, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Specifically, it was conducted
during the second semester of the Academic Year 2022-2023. INNHS offers variety of
Research Instrument
The research instrument utilized by the researchers in this study is a 4-point Likert
scale. A Likert scale is a type of psychometric response scale frequently used in surveys
and questionnaires. The scale consists of a statement or a question that the participant is
asked to rate based on a predetermined range of responses. In this study, the 4-point
Likert scale was used to measure the financial knowledge and spending habits of senior
high school students. The Likert scale provides a simple and effective method of
quantifying the attitudes, opinions, and behaviors of the participants, enabling the
The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire developed by the researchers
after reviewing the literature and related research which comprised four parts as follows:
Part 1: Background information: Includes grade level and name which is optional.
sought information on their financial knowledge. The 4-Likert scale measuring the level
of their financial knowledge ranges from (1) Not at all knowledgeable, (2) Not very
a 4-Likert scale ranging from never (1) to frequently (4). These 10 items sought
The process of data gathering is a crucial aspect of any research study, as the
quality of the data collected largely determines the validity and reliability of the study.
Thus, a carefully planned data gathering procedure is essential for the success of the
study.
The researchers asked permission from the assistant principal of the school to
hand out printed questionnaires to the chosen respondents. After approval, the
questionnaires were distributed in person during the class hour, and the respondents were
given explicit instructions on how to complete it. The respondents were given enough
time to answer the questions, and the questionnaire was collected soon after completion.
Following the data collection process, the collected data was compiled, and a thorough
check was performed to identify any missing or erroneous data. This was done to ensure
that the data is accurate and reliable for further analysis. Once the data is verified,
appropriate statistical treatments were applied to analyze the data and tally the scores.
correlation coefficient that measures the strength and direction of the relationship
between two variables. By utilizing Pearson's R, the researchers can identify the nature
and degree of the relationship between the variables financial knowledge and spending
habits of senior high school students, and provide a quantitative basis for interpreting the
results. Furthermore, the data collected with the demographic profile, which includes sex,
age, and socioeconomic status, is frequency count and percentage, whereas the data
collected with the level of financial knowledge and spending habits was tallied and
analyzed using weighted mean, and set into tables for interpretation and analysis.
Chapter IV
In this chapter, the findings drawn from the conducted survey questionnaire is
presented quantitatively. Fundamental details about the survey’s sample were given
notice as well as it holds relevance to the researcher’s intended conclusion and objective.
65
55
Figure 45 2.
35
25
15
5
Female Male
Frequency 93 52
Percentage 64.1379310344828 35.8620689655172
Sex of respondents
Frequency Percentage
Distribution of Respondents According to Sex
This data provides information about the sex distribution of the respondents in the
study. It indicates that the female respondents make up the majority, accounting for 93
out of 145 respondents, which is approximately 64% of the total. On the other hand, the
representing around 36% of the total. Therefore, based on the data provided, we can
conclude that the survey is female-dominant because there are more female respondents
35
25
15
5
16 17 18 19 20
Fre- 26 63 51 3 2
quency
Per- 17.931034482 43.448275862 35.172413793 2.0689655172 1.3793103448
centage 7586 069 1034 4138 2759
Mean Age:
Age of respondents 17.26
Frequency Percentage
Figure 3. Distribution of Respondents According to Age
Based on the data from the survey of senior high school students, the average age
of respondents falls within the range of 17 and 18 which is 17.26. This indicates that the
majority of the respondents in the survey are aged 17 or 18. The fact that the average age
aligns with the ages 17 and 18 suggests that these ages are more common among senior
high school students. This implies that the respondents in the survey are predominantly
senior high school students, as these ages are typically associated with that educational
level. It's important to note that while the majority of respondents are aged 17 and 18,
there may still be some respondents outside this age range. However, the concentration of
respondents around these ages suggests a strong representation of senior high school
22.5
17.5
12.5
7.5
2.5
10,000 10,001- 20,001- 30,001- 40,001- 50,001
and below 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 and above
Fre- 27 25 22 17 16 38
quenc
y (f)
Based in the table above, the average monthly family income was PHP 30,793.10,
which is higher than the estimated PHP 26,000.00 average monthly family income for
Filipinos in 2021 provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The average
family income of the respondents is higher than the average income reported for
Filipinos, and this information suggests that the respondents have a relatively high
socioeconomic status.
Description Mean
1. I am familiar with the concept of compound interest. 2.95
2. I am confident in creating and sticking to a personal budget. 3.07
3. I do well understand the importance of saving for retirement. 3.30
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 29
Legend:
their knowledge about the 10 items about financial matters. Based on the table, most of
the respondents agreed that they do well understand the importance of saving for
retirement with the highest mean (3.30), followed by their confidence in their ability to
make informed financial decisions that will positively impact their future (3.12). On the
other hand, their familiarity with the concepts of income tax and how to file a tax return
shows the lowest mean which is 2.51. This indicates that the respondents generally have a
The survey results indicate that, on average, the respondents of the study
evidenced by a weighted mean of 3.30. It implies that they recognize the importance of
setting aside money for their future financial security. This finding is significant, as it
aligns with the research conducted by Lusardi and Mitchell (2014), recognizing the
significance of setting aside money for future financial security, as these respondents are
level of confidence in their ability to make informed financial decisions that will
positively impact their future, as reflected by a weighted mean of 3.12. This indicates that
assess financial situations and make choices that will lead to positive outcomes in terms
of their financial well-being in the long term. This is supported by Lusardi and Mitchell
(2014) in which they argue that individuals who are financially literate are more likely to
engage in behaviors that lead to greater financial security, such as saving for
average, express a decent level of confidence in their ability to manage debt responsibly,
grasp on responsible debt management. They feel assured in their capacity to handle
(2018), individuals with higher levels of financial literacy are more likely to engage in
In contrast, their familiarity with the concepts of income tax and how to file a tax
return has the lowest weighted mean (2.51). This indicates that, on average, the
respondents have a relatively lower level of familiarity with income tax concepts and
how to file a tax return. They might lack confidence or understanding in this area of
personal finance. According to Lusardi and Mitchell (2011) it is a worrisome that less
educated persons know less about financial matters, as they are most vulnerable to bad
weighted mean of 2.77, regarding the various types of insurance and their significance in
safeguarding assets and managing risk. This implies that, on average, the respondents
possess somewhat limited knowledge in this aspect. This observation aligns with the
research conducted by Braun and Muermann (2019), which emphasizes the challenges
relatively lower level of understanding regarding the process of applying for student
loans for college, as indicated by a weighted mean of 2.69. This implies that they may
lack comprehensive knowledge about the intricacies involved in obtaining student loans.
Lee and Mueller’s (2014) findings found out that first-generation students have limited
knowledge about crucial aspects of student loans, such as interest rates and repayment
plans.
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 32
Description Mean
1. I spend money on school-related expenses such as textbooks, stationery,
3.03
and school supplies.
2. I spend money on leisure activities such as going out with friends,
3.08
watching movies, or playing video games.
3. I spend money on clothes and accessories. 2.83
4. I spend money on food and drinks outside of school hours. 3.22
5. I spend money on transportation to and from school. 3.06
6. I spend money on electronic gadgets such as phones, laptops, and tablets. 2.26
7. I spend money on extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, or
2.32
hobbies.
8. I spend money on charitable causes or donations. 2.41
9. I save a portion of my allowance or income. 3.23
10. I ask for financial advice or guidance from my parents or guardians. 2.86
Legend:
3.26-4.00 Frequently
2.51-3.25 Sometimes
1.76-2.50 Rarely
1.00-1.75 Never
Table 3 illustrates the result of the analysis of the spending habits among senior
high school students of INNHS. 10 items were used to measure spending habits. Among
these items, respondents are mostly considering saving a portion of their allowance or
income which scored the highest mean (3.23), followed by spending money on food and
drinks outside of school hours with a mean of 3.22. In contrast, the item that spent money
on electronic gadgets such as phones, laptops, and tablets scored the lowest mean (2.26).
respondents prioritize saving and essential expenses, while potentially making fewer
gadgets.
Firstly, the survey results indicate that, on average, the respondents save a portion
setting aside money for future needs or goals. According to the National Endowment for
Financial Education, individuals who engage in regular saving behaviors are more likely
to have better credit scores, make informed investment decisions, and achieve overall
financial stability. Secondly, respondents, on average, allocate funds towards food and
drinks outside of school hours, with a weighted mean of 3.22. This suggests that even
when they save a portion of their money, they still prioritize spending on food and drinks
during non-school hours. They consciously budget for meals and refreshments consumed
outside of school. Xiao et al. (2016) observed that individuals who engage in budgeting
are more likely to exhibit better financial management practices, including responsible
spending on essential needs such as food and drinks. Lastly, respondents, on average,
prioritize allocating funds for leisure activities, such as socializing with friends, watching
movies, or playing video games, with a weighted mean of 3.08. The study reveals that
senior high school students allocate funds for recreational purposes and engage in leisure
activities like socializing with friends, watching movies, or participating in video games.
Johnson (2019) conducted a study examining the reasons behind people’s spending habits
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 34
and the factors influencing them. The study concluded that emotions, social pressure, and
In contrast, the survey results indicate that, on average, the respondents spend
relatively less money on electronic gadgets like phones, laptops, and tablets, as reflected
by the lowest weighted mean of 2.26. This finding suggests that they prioritize other
expenses or have fewer expenditures in this category. It highlights how limited financial
lowest weighted mean of 2.32. This suggests that they may engage in fewer paid
activities related to their interests outside of school. This finding aligns with the research
conducted by Johnson and Smith (2019), which emphasizes the potential of alternative
free or low-cost options for extracurricular activities, even if paid options are available.
donations, with a weighted mean of 2.41. The study reveals that they engage in charitable
giving less frequently or contribute smaller amounts because perhaps there are other
things that are more important to spend too. Smith and Johnson (2017) conducted a study
noting that respondents in similar situations might prioritize meeting their immediate
financial needs or have limited discretionary funds available for charitable giving.
df r-value p-value
Financial Knowledge
Spending Habits 8 -0.139 0.716
Table 4 shows the results of the correlation between financial knowledge and
spending habits. The results indicate a weak negative correlation between financial
knowledge and spending habits of senior high school students, with a correlation
tend to decrease, but the effect is relatively small. It implies that it is not the only
determinant, and that other factors also influence individual spending habits.
Furthermore, the p-value of 0.716 exceeds the significance level of 0.05, indicating that
the observed deviation from the null hypothesis lacks statistical significance. Therefore,
the null hypothesis is accepted, which suggests that there is no significant relationship
between financial knowledge and spending habits among senior high school students.
Chapter V
In this chapter, it presents a summary of findings, the conclusion of the study, and
Summary
The main objective of this study is to determine the relationship between financial
knowledge and spending habits among senior high school students. The study aims to
A total of 145 respondents were chosen from the population of senior high school
students of Ilocos Norte National High School. They are grades 11 and 12 from the
strands STEM, ABM, HUMMS, and A&D who were chosen using stratified random
questions related to the objectives of this research, which were disseminated through
floating the printed survey questionnaire. They were given enough time to express
themselves by checking the corresponding options. The data gathered were accurately
Results of the study showed that female respondents make up the majority of the
survey. In addition, the majority of the respondents are aged 17 or 18. The respondents'
average family income is higher than the average income reported for Filipinos in the
Moreover, the level of financial knowledge the respondents have falls within the
of saving for retirement and feel confident in their ability to make informed financial
In addition, the results of the study showed the kinds of spending habits that the
or income, followed by spending money on food and beverages outside of school hours.
They also allocate funds for recreational purposes and engage in leisure activities such as
financial knowledge and the spending habits of senior high school students. The data
analyzed did not provide sufficient evidence to support the existence of a relationship
Conclusion
students, as these ages are commonly associated with that educational level.
population.
income tax.
Recommendation
Based on the results of the study, the following are the recommendations
also consider seeking guidance from financial professionals or mentors who can
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 39
2. Parents and guardians should make it a priority to inculcate the right knowledge,
attitude, and behaviors regarding money in their children respectively. Not only
charity, but spending, savings, and investment culture begin from home.
of financial literacy and equip them with the knowledge to guide their children’s
schools and parents, students will receive consistent financial guidance and
financial experts or professionals. With this, the student can enhance their
education into the senior high school curriculum. Thus, this can equip students
with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of personal
finance successfully.
researchers must ensure that the sample selection process for the next research
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 40
relationship of a specific age to spending habits. This can help balance the
spending habits among senior high school students, which would improve the
research analysis.
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 41
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ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 44
Appendix A
Letter of Approval
Ma’am:
Greetings!
The researchers are humbly asking for your permission to allow us to distribute
printed questionnaires to random students who shall serve as our respondents. Rest
assured that there will be no classes to be disrupted.
Truly yours,
MARK DAVE Q. AGPAOA, sgd.
NATASHA C. BAUTISTA, sgd.
NICOLE D. CALARAMO, sgd.
SOPHIA P. GUZMAN, sgd.
JHONALYN A. HONORIO, sgd.
MARC JUSTINE IBAO, sgd.
JANEYA D. JIMENEZ, sgd.
DOVEEN LOUISE RAMOS, sgd.
Researchers
Noted by:
JHANSEN REY M. OBISPO, PhD CINDY A. LUCAGAN
Practical Research II Teacher 3I’s Teacher
Approved by:
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 45
EULALIA B. BAGA
Assistant School Principal II
Appendix B
Letter to the Respondents
Dear Respondents,
Good day!
Truly yours,
MARK DAVE Q. AGPAOA, sgd.
NATASHA C. BAUTISTA, sgd.
NICOLE D. CALARAMO, sgd.
SOPHIA P. GUZMAN, sgd.
JHONALYN A. HONORIO, sgd.
MARC JUSTINE IBAO, sgd.
JANEYA D. JIMENEZ, sgd.
DOVEEN LOUISE RAMOS, sgd.
Researchers
Noted by:
Appendix C
Questionnaire
Background Information
Name (Optional):_____________________________________________________
Grade level:_____
Demographic Factors
Sex: [ ] Female [ ] Male
Age:
Family Monthly Income:
[ ] 10,000 and below
[ ] 10,001-20,000
[ ] 20,001-30,000
[ ] 30,001-40,000
[ ] 40,001-50,000
[ ] 50,001 and above
Instruction: Please rate yourself as to your financial knowledge and spending habits by
using the scale below. Put a checkmark (/) on the corresponding box of your answers.
Please do not leave any statements unanswered. There are no right or wrong answers, and
we are interested in your truthful perspectives.
4- Very knowledgeable
3- Somewhat knowledgeable
2- Not very knowledgeable
1- Not at all knowledgeable
4- Frequently
3- Sometimes
2- Rarely
1- Never
Spending Habits 4 3 2 1
1. I spend money on school-related expenses such as
textbooks, stationery, and school supplies.
2. I spend money on leisure activities such as going
out with friends, watching movies, or playing video
games.
3. I spend money on clothes and accessories.
4. I spend money on food and drinks outside of school
hours.
5. I spend money on transportation to and from school.
6. I spend money on electronic gadgets such as
phones, laptops, and tablets.
7. I spend money on extracurricular activities such as
sports, clubs, or hobbies.
8. I spend money on charitable causes or donations.
9. I save a portion of my allowance or income.
10. I ask for financial advice or guidance from my
parents or guardians.
Appendix D
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 48
Sample Size
N
n= 2
1+ N e
n= sample size
2,071 912
n= Grade 11= x 145=64
1+ 2,071¿ ¿ 2,071
2,071 1,159
n= Grade 12= x 145=81
1+ 2,071(0.0064) 2,071
2,071
n=
1+ 13.2544
2,071
n=
14.2544
n= 145.29 or 145
ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL –SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 49
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Data
Sex : Male
Age : 18
Address :
Citizenship : Filipino
Educational Attainment
With Honors
With Honors
Personal Data
Name : Natasha Jem Kimberly C. Bautista
Sex : F
Age :
17
Address : Brgy. 2 Vintar, Ilocos Norte
Citizenship : Filipino
Occupation : Chef
Occupation : N/A
Personal Data
Educational Attainment
Personal Data
Sex : F
Age : 18
Citizenship : Filipino
Occupation : N/A
Educational Attainment
With Honors
Personal Data
Sex : F
Age : 18
Citizenship : Filipino
Occupation : Farmer
Occupation : N/A
Educational Attainment
With Honors
Personal Data
Sex : F
Age : 18
Citizenship : Filipino
Occupation : OFW
Educational Attainment
With Honors
Personal Data
Sex : Male
Age : 18
Citizenship : Filipino
Occupation : Carpenter
Occupation : OFW
Educational Attainment
Personal Data
Sex : Female
Age : 18
Citizenship : Filipino
Occupation : Paintor
Occupation : N/A
Educational Attainment
Personal Data
Sex : F
Age : 18
Citizenship : Filipino
Occupation : Teacher,RN
Educational Attainment
With Honors