CORRELATES OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF BARANGAY AMBIONG LA TRINIDAD BENGUET

Financial inclusion is defined as the availability of financial services to everyone. It is driven by financial literacy and the trust of the users in the financial services provided. Using descriptive research, the study determined the perceived financial literacy of the locality on specific financial services and concepts and the perception of the locality on concepts of financial inclusion. The study also delved into the impact of education, social class and age bracket on the perceived level of financial literacy and the perception of financial inclusion. Results show that the locality has a low perceived financial literacy on the identified financial services but displayed very high positive perception towards financial inclusion. The study also revealed that education, social class and age bracket were not significant factors in the perceived level of financial literacy. The Millennial age bracket also exhibited higher positive perception on financial inclusion compared to the other age groups. In terms of correlation, no established pattern or trend was established in any group. The study pushed for increased efforts in improving financial literacy and better approaches in introducing and offering financial services in order to develop financial inclusion. KEYWORDS: Age Bracket Financial Inclusion, Financial Education, Local Financial Inclusion, Local Financial Literacy, Social Classes