Financial Literacy and Lifestyle Habits Strongly Influence Teachers’ Money Management in Ambon
Financial literacy and lifestyle patterns significantly shape how teachers and school staff manage their personal finances at SMP Negeri 3 Ambon, according to a 2026 study conducted by Roy Seleky, S.E., M.Si., from Universitas Pattimura. The research, published in the International Journal of Integrative Research, reveals that financial knowledge and hedonistic lifestyle tendencies together explain more than 80 percent of variations in personal financial management among educators. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger financial education among public sector employees.
Roy Seleky of Universitas Pattimura examined how well teachers and staff at SMP Negeri 3 Ambon understand financial concepts and how their lifestyle choices influence spending behavior. The study is important because fixed monthly salaries do not automatically guarantee financial stability. Many respondents reported difficulty managing expenses despite having regular income.
Growing Living Costs and Consumer Pressure
Ambon’s regional minimum wage stands at Rp2.8 million per month. While stable income provides security, rising living costs and social consumption trends often lead to financial strain. Teachers interviewed in the study admitted that monthly salaries frequently run out before the next payday.
Financial literacy plays a central role in preventing this pattern. It includes practical skills such as budgeting, saving, managing debt, understanding insurance, and planning investments. Without these skills, individuals are more likely to make impulsive purchases.
At the same time, lifestyle choices matter. A hedonistic lifestyle—characterized by prioritizing pleasure, trends, and personal satisfaction—can influence spending decisions. Social media exposure and peer influence further encourage non-essential consumption.
According to Roy Seleky from Universitas Pattimura, financial behavior is shaped not only by income but also by knowledge and daily habits. Better literacy helps individuals resist unnecessary spending and build long-term financial resilience.
Simple and Direct Research Approach
The study used a quantitative method with a census approach. All 35 teachers and staff members at SMP Negeri 3 Ambon participated in the research. Instead of sampling only part of the population, Roy Seleky collected data from every employee to ensure comprehensive results.
Data collection included:
-Structured questionnaires using a five-point scale
-Interviews with selected respondents
-Statistical analysis using SPSS software
The research focused on three main variables:
-Financial Literacy
-Hedonistic Lifestyle
-Personal Financial Management
Before analysis, the data passed validity and reliability tests, ensuring consistency and accuracy. The statistical model was also tested to confirm that the results were stable and dependable.
Key Findings: Knowledge Matters Most
The results show a strong and significant relationship between financial literacy and financial management.
Main findings include:
-Financial literacy significantly improves personal financial management.
-Hedonistic lifestyle also significantly influences financial decisions.
-Together, both factors explain 80.1% of financial management behavior among respondents (R² = 0.801).
The statistical analysis shows:
-Financial literacy has a strong positive impact (significance level 0.003).
-Hedonistic lifestyle also shows significant influence (significance level 0.001).
Among the two factors, financial literacy emerges as the dominant variable.
Roy Seleky from Universitas Pattimura explains that individuals who understand budgeting and financial planning are more likely to save regularly, record expenses, and avoid excessive debt. He emphasizes that financial knowledge directly strengthens decision-making discipline.
Practical Implications for Educators and Policymakers
The study provides clear recommendations for schools and government institutions.
For schools:
-Organize internal financial literacy workshops.
-Encourage teachers to use budgeting tools and financial tracking applications.
For policymakers:
-Strengthen financial education programs for civil servants.
-Integrate financial literacy into professional development programs.
For individuals:
-Prioritize essential needs over lifestyle spending.
-Allocate income for savings and emergency funds.
-Evaluate consumption habits regularly.
The research suggests that improving financial literacy can reduce financial stress among educators and improve overall well-being.
Broader Social Impact
Financial mismanagement is not limited to low-income groups. Even professionals with stable salaries can face financial instability without proper knowledge and discipline. This study from Universitas Pattimura reinforces the idea that behavioral factors play a major role in economic stability.
By highlighting the combined influence of knowledge and lifestyle, Roy Seleky’s research contributes to behavioral finance discussions in Indonesia. It also offers practical insights for improving financial resilience at the grassroots level.
Future studies are encouraged to explore additional factors such as work motivation, self-control, and job performance to deepen understanding of financial behavior among public employees.
Author Profile
Roy Seleky, S.E., M.Si.
Lecturer and researcher at Universitas Pattimura, Ambon, Indonesia.
Field of expertise: Financial management and behavioral finance, with a focus on financial literacy and personal financial behavior among educators and public sector employees.
Roy Seleky actively conducts research on financial decision-making and community-based economic empowerment.
Source of Research
Seleky, Roy. 2026.
“The Influence of Financial Literacy and Hedonistic Lifestyle on Personal Financial Management of Teachers and Employees at SMP Negeri 3 Ambon.”
International Journal of Integrative Research (IJIR), Vol. 4 No. 1, 2026.
Official URL: https://mrymultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijir
0 Komentar