FINANCIAL LITERACY AND BEHAVIOR AMONG PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS IN LOPEZ EAST DISTRICT, QUEZON PROVINCE: BASIS FOR FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

This mixed-methods study explores the relationship between financial literacy and financial behavior among public school teachers in the Lopez East District, Quezon Province, Philippines. A sequential explanatory design was employed, involving an online survey with 174 teachers and focus group discussions with nine purposefully selected participants. The study found that higher levels of financial literacy in budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management were positively correlated with desirable financial behaviors. However, insurance-related financial literacy did not show a significant association with certain financial behaviors, despite its positive correlation with controlled spending and effective debt management. The findings suggest that comprehensive financial literacy can foster positive money management practices among teachers, but the mismatch between insurance literacy and certain behaviors requires further investigation. The researcher recommends designing an inclusive financial empowerment program, conducting targeted seminars, exploring partnerships, and conducting long-term studies to assess the program's effectiveness and sustainability.