Smart spending : a study on the relationship between financial literacy and students purchasing decision / Mary Christine I. Lopez, Althea Mahilom, and Jeanel Mae B. Marbella.

Undergraduate Thesis (BSOA)- Office Administration. Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, 2025.

Includes bibliographical references.

This study, Smart Spending: A study on the Relationship Between Financial Literacy and Students' Purchasing Decisions, investigated how financial knowledge shapes the spending habits of BSOA students at CSPC Buhi Campus. Using a survey response from 200 students, the research assessed their financial literacy in terms of budgeting skills, saving habits, understanding of financial concepts, decision-making abilities, and use of budgeting tools, as well as their purchasing decision based on frequency of purchases, prioritization of needs, and use of allowance. The findings revealed that most students possess a high level of financial literacy, particularly in separating needs from wants and adjust their budget, when necessary, although their use of budgeting applications remains limited. Results also showed a significant influence of daily allowance on both financial literacy and purchasing behavior, as students with smaller allowances tend to be more disciplined and cautious in managing their expenses. Furthermore, significant differences were observed when respondents were grouped according to age, sex, year level, and source of allowance. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends the development of a financial literacy program aimed at improving students' budgeting practices, saving habits, and overall responsible spending behavior.