Financial Literacy Skills of Senior High School Students in Golden Gate Colleges, School Year 2025-2026

Abstract

This study, entitled “Financial Literacy Skills of Senior High School Students in Golden Gate Colleges, S.Y. 2025–2026,” utilized a descriptive research design to determine the level of students’ financial literacy skills, financial attitudes, and practices. The research focused on understanding basic financial concepts, budgeting and saving, spending and decision-making, financial responsibility, saving behavior, and spending habits. The respondents of the study were sixty (60) selected Senior High School students enrolled at Golden Gate Colleges during the School Year 2025–2026. A researcher-made questionnaire served as the primary data gathering instrument, and statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, weighted mean, ranking, and composite mean were used to analyze the collected data.

Findings revealed that the students’ level of financial literacy skills was generally at a high to great extent, particularly in understanding basic financial concepts, budgeting and saving, and spending and decision-making. Financial attitudes and practices were rated to a very great extent, with spending habits ranking first, followed by financial responsibility and saving behavior. However, several challenges were identified, including insufficient income, the need to sacrifice in order to save, and confusion regarding certain financial concepts. These results indicate that while students demonstrate responsible financial behaviors, financial limitations and conceptual gaps still affect the full development of their financial capability.

Based on the findings, five intervention programs are proposed to strengthen financial literacy at Golden Gate Colleges. Project FINWISE: Building Smart Money Habits aims to enhance the practical application of financial concepts. The Digital Smart Spending Program (DSSP) focuses on responsible online spending and digital awareness. Peso Sense: Allowance Management Bootcamp promotes structured budgeting and expense tracking. The Future Ready Savings Initiative (FRSI) encourages goal-oriented saving and emergency fund awareness. Lastly, the Money Matters Peer Mentoring Program provides guided discussions and peer support to clarify financial concepts. These proposed initiatives are intended to reinforce responsible money management and support the long-term financial readiness of Senior High School students.