Financial Management Capabilities Among Personnel in a State University in The Philippines

Abstract

Financial management is a key factor in achieving financial autonomy. Like other employees overseas, Filipino employees too are facing financial inadequacy, in one way or another. Thus, this descriptive study was conducted to assess the financial management of the personnel in the West Visayas State University Calinog Campus, Iloilo, Philippines. Using the duly validated and pilot-tested questionnaire, this study examined the three (3) aspects of financial management, namely: financial literacy; financial attitude; and financial management practices. It revealed that the respondents have an average level of financial literacy indicating that employees already possess knowledge in handling personal finances. The financial attitude of the respondents is relatively practical spenders as evident in "comparing prices when shopping for purchases" and "spending less than income". As to financial management practices, most of the respondents put money in the bank in order to cope with the growing expenses of the respondents' children's education. At some point, some employees venture into investments such as livestock and business. Financial management program may be conducted to improve the economic and financial stability of the employees. Emphasis may center on budgeting, expenditure, and saving mechanisms to achieve financial literacy.