ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF E-WALLET APPLICATIONS ON MENTAL ACCOUNTING IN PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (CASE STUDY OF GENERATION Z IN KUPANG CITY)

This study aims to analyze how the use of e-wallet applications affects the process of mental accounting in the personal financial management of Generation Z in Kupang City. The increasing use of e- wallets such as OVO, DANA, and ShopeePay among the younger generation reflects changes in transaction behavior and daily financial management. A qualitative descriptive approach was used, with in- depth interviews conducted with 12 informants who are active e-wallet users. The findings show that e-wallets influence several indicators of mental accounting such as mental budgeting, self-control, short-term orientation, financial activities, evaluation, and organization. Features such as transaction history, cashback, and ease of access encourage users to be more aware in managing their finances, although in some cases they may also trigger consumptive behavior. This research contributes to understanding digital financial behavior in the modern era, particularly among Generation Z, and serves as a reference for developing wiser and more structured digital financial literacy.