Financial behavior and spending habits of senior high school students

International Journal of Research Studies in Management
Divine Word College of San Jose Special Issue
2026 Volume 14 Issue 2

Available Online: 2 April 2026

Author/s:

Bharwani, Sheina R.*
Divine Word College of San Jose, Philippines (bharwanisheina614@gmail.com)

Gomez, Zyra Mae P.
Sarmiento, Dylan Lee E.
Dela Cruz, Aileen A.
Dagdagan, Rolando Jr. B.
Guansing, Roxzinny Psyche M.
Pangan, James Nathaniel P.
Lugares, Ace John M.
Galay-Limos, Jenny A.

Abstract:

The study aimed to determine the relationship between financial behavior, in terms of spending habits, among senior high school students and the influence of financial behavior on students’ spending decisions. The researchers utilized a descriptive-correlational research design. The data were collected from 198 randomly selected senior high school students at Divine Word College of San Jose using both printed and researcher-made questions on a 5-point Likert scale. Weighted mean was used to determine the level of financial behavior and spending habits, and to determine if there is a significant relationship between the financial behavior and spending habits. Pearson’s r was used to ascertain the relationship between financial behavior and spending habits. The data treatment and interpretation revealed a significant relationship between financial behavior and spending habits. Furthermore, it has also been found that financial behavior is the most significant variable that affects the spending habits of an individual, as it highly influences the spending decision. The findings also highlight the importance of understanding the different factors that influence their attitude towards money, peer influence, and the ability to manage money effectively. To sum up, the findings show that students, parents, and educators pay attention to the factors that influence financial behavior, helping students become more responsible and make informed decisions regarding allowances and purchases. It is therefore recommended that schools, parents, and educators strengthen financial literacy education and guidance to help students develop responsible financial behavior and make informed, wise spending decisions.

Keywords: financial behavior, spending habits, decision-making, spending decision, financial literacy

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26010

Cite this article:
Bharwani, S. R., Gomez, Z. M. P., Sarmiento, D. L. E., Dela Cruz, A. A., Dagdagan, R. J. B., Guansing, R. P. M., Pangan, J. N. P., Lugares, A. J. M., & Galay-Limos, J. A. (2026). Financial behavior and spending habits of senior high school students. International Journal of Research Studies in Management, 14(2), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26010

* Corresponding Author