Money matters : a study on financial awareness and spending behavior of Barangay officials / Christine Joy C. Padrigone, Ana Mae S. Victoria, Junri S. Silva, and Jerald C. Yaldua.

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

Includes bibliographical references.

Financial awareness is essential for promoting personal stability and responsible decision-making, especially among barangay officials who must manage limited income while fulfilling community responsibilities. Proper financial management influences both personal well-being and professional effectiveness, as challenges in budgeting, spending and financial planning can affect performance in public services. This study assessed the level of financial awareness and spending behavior of barangay officials in selected barangays of Buhi, Camarines Sur. It specifically examined financial awareness in terms of budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management; analyzed spending behavior including impulsive, compulsive spending conscious spending, and status-driven spending; identified financial challenges encountered; and explored significant differences based on demographic variables. Employing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study involved forty-four elected and appointed barangay officials from four selected barangays. Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire and analyzed with frequency distribution, percentage, weighted mean, and tests of significant difference. Results revealed that barangay officials generally displayed a moderate level of financial awareness, with stronger practices in budgeting and saving but weaker engagement in investing and debt management. Spending behavior was largely characterized by conscious spending, although tendencies toward impulsive and status-driven purchases were observed. Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of financial literacy seminars, budgeting and planning workshops, and continuous financial education programs. Enhancing financial awareness among barangay officials can improve personal financial stability, promote responsible spending and support more effective decision-making and leadership in their communities.