BITUNG – Financial literacy among high school students in Bitung City
remains at a basic level despite students demonstrating a general understanding
of fundamental financial concepts. The finding was reported by Fanda Kristin
Kambey and a team of researchers from the Economics Education Program, Faculty
of Economics and Business, Manado State University, in a study published in May
2026 in the Journal of Educational Analytics (JEDA). The research highlights a
significant gap between financial knowledge and actual financial behavior among
adolescents, raising concerns about their preparedness for future financial
decision-making.
As digital lifestyles become increasingly common among Generation Z,
financial literacy has emerged as a critical life skill. Social media
platforms, online shopping applications, and digital payment systems provide
young people with unprecedented access to goods and services. While these
technologies offer convenience, they also increase the risk of impulsive
spending and consumer-driven behavior.
The researchers focused on high school students in Bitung City who had
already studied economics and were living independently from their parents.
This group was selected because managing personal finances becomes particularly
important when students begin making daily spending decisions on their own.
The study involved 15 students and used in-depth interviews to explore their
understanding of financial management, spending habits, and future financial
planning. Rather than measuring financial literacy through standardized tests,
the researchers examined how students interpreted and applied financial
concepts in real-life situations.
The findings revealed that most students understood basic financial
principles, particularly the distinction between needs and wants. However, this
knowledge was not always reflected in their everyday financial behavior.
Key findings of the study include:
- · Students generally possess only basic financial literacy knowledge.
- · A noticeable gap exists between financial understanding and financial practice.
- · Spending decisions are often influenced by emotions and social media exposure.
- · Awareness of long-term financial planning remains relatively low.
- · Budgeting and saving habits are not consistently practiced.
- · Consumer behavior is frequently shaped by digital trends and online content.
The study found that social media plays a major role in influencing
students’ financial decisions. Constant exposure to advertisements, product
promotions, influencers, and lifestyle content often encourages spending based
on desire rather than necessity. As a result, students who understand sound
financial principles may still engage in impulsive purchasing behavior.
According to Fanda Kristin Kambey and her colleagues from Manado State
University, many students are currently in a transitional stage between
understanding financial concepts and applying them effectively in everyday
life. Financial literacy has not yet been fully internalized as a sustainable
habit that guides responsible financial decision-making.
Another important finding concerns long-term financial planning. Many
students focus primarily on immediate needs and lifestyle-related spending
while paying little attention to future financial goals. The researchers note
that skills such as budgeting, saving, and planning expenditures should be
developed early because they form the foundation of long-term financial
well-being.
The findings carry important implications for education. Schools can play a
greater role in helping students translate financial knowledge into practical
behavior by incorporating real-life financial situations into economics
education. Discussions about digital spending habits, social media influences,
and personal budgeting can make financial literacy lessons more relevant and
applicable.
The researchers also suggest that financial education should extend beyond
theoretical concepts and encourage students to develop daily financial
management habits. Building awareness of responsible spending, saving, and
financial planning during adolescence may help reduce future financial
challenges and improve overall financial resilience.
For policymakers and educators, the study underscores the need to strengthen
financial literacy programs among young people, particularly in an era where
digital consumption continues to expand rapidly. Improving financial literacy
at an early age could contribute to more informed consumers and financially
responsible citizens in the future.
Author Profiles
- Fanda
Kristin Kambey - Universitas
Negeri Manado
- Dr. Jerry
R.H. Wuisang - Universitas
Negeri Manado
- Dr. Febry
Senduk - Universitas
Negeri Manado
- Dr. Allen
Manongko - Universitas
Negeri Manado
- Dr. Edwin
Wantah -
Bisnis, Universitas Negeri Manado
Research Source
Kambey, F.K., Wuisang, J.R.H., Senduk, F., Manongko, A., & Wantah, E. (2026). Analysis of Financial Literacy in Financial Management by Students in High School in Bitung City. Journal of Educational Analytics (JEDA), Vol. 5 No. 2, May 2026, pp. 259–266.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/jeda.v5i2.13
Journal Website: https://journaljeda.my.id/index.php/jeda
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