IMPROVING FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR COMMUNITY WELFARE IN PONGGANG VILLAGE THROUGH FINANCIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Abstract

Abstrak: Manajemen keuangan pribadi yang efektif memerlukan pemahaman mengenai penganggaran, menabung, pengelolaan utang, dan perencanaan keuangan. Namun, literasi keuangan masyarakat pedesaan, termasuk di Desa Ponggang, masih tergolong rendah. Warga menghadapi berbagai tantangan seperti pengeluaran yang tidak terkendali, minimnya tabungan, serta rendahnya kesadaran terhadap perencanaan keuangan jangka panjang. Program pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan meningkatkan literasi keuangan warga melalui pendidikan keuangan yang praktis dan aplikatif. Kegiatan dilaksanakan melalui ceramah interaktif, simulasi pencatatan keuangan, permainan edukatif, serta evaluasi menggunakan pra-tes dan pasca-tes. Hasil menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan pada keterampilan peserta dengan kenaikan skor rata-rata dari 62 menjadi 80 atau meningkat sebesar 29%. Secara rinci, pemahaman arus kas meningkat 30%, kemampuan membedakan kebutuhan dan keinginan 28%, kesadaran menabung 29%, serta pengetahuan perencanaan keuangan 30%. Selain itu, sekitar 70% peserta mulai menerapkan kebiasaan menabung setelah program berlangsung. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa program berhasil meningkatkan pengetahuan, keterampilan, dan perilaku finansial masyarakat secara berkelanjutan.

Abstract: Effective personal financial management requires an understanding of budgeting, saving, debt management, and financial planning. However, financial literacy among rural communities, including in Ponggang Village, remains relatively low. Residents face various challenges, such as uncontrolled spending, minimal savings, and a lack of awareness regarding long-term financial planning. This community service program aims to improve residents’ financial literacy through practical and applicable financial education. Activities were conducted through interactive lectures, financial record-keeping simulations, educational games, and evaluations using pre-tests and post-tests. The results showed a significant improvement in participants’ skills, with the average score rising from 62 to 80—an increase of 29%. Specifically, understanding of cash flow increased by 30%, the ability to distinguish between needs and wants by 28%, savings awareness by 29%, and knowledge of financial planning by 30%. Additionally, approximately 70% of participants began practicing saving habits after the program concluded. These findings indicate that the program successfully improved the community’s financial knowledge, skills, and behaviors in a sustainable manner.