FINANCIAL LITERACY AND HOUSEHOLD FINANCIAL BEHAVIOR AMONG NON-EARNING WOMEN IN URBAN INDIA: EVIDENCE FROM BANGALORE CENTRAL

In metropolitan regions such as Bangalore Central, the manner in which non-earning women organize household finances and allocate expenditure is strongly influenced by their level of financial literacy, familiarity with digital tools, and the opportunities available for peer-to-peer learning. Field-based investigations conducted in South Bangalore reveal distinct gender differences in practices such as monitoring day-to-day cash flows and preparing budgets aligned with long-term goals. Women with comparatively stronger financial knowledge are observed to adopt structured planning approaches and demonstrate greater caution in avoiding impulsive spending. Evidence from financial literacy workshops across Bengaluru further substantiates these patterns. Evaluations carried out before and after training programs highlight significant improvements in decision-making and record-keeping abilities—two competencies that are widely acknowledged as essential for effective household income management. These localized findings resonate with broader national trends. For example, the Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Inclusion Index stood at 64.2 in March 2024, reflecting a progressively enabling environment that supports disciplined household financial practices. Taken together, these insights underline the critical link between financial awareness, access to resources, and systematic household budgeting, where essential needs are consistently given precedence over discretionary spending.