Análisis de la educación financiera para prevenir el endeudamiento del sector comercial de Machala

This analysis examines the impact of financial education on debt reduction among microentrepreneurs in the commercial sector of the city of Machala, Ecuador. The study is based on the identification of the crucial role that financial education plays in the economic viability of small businesses, particularly in environments with high informality and limited access to financial services. Using a quantitative method and a descriptive-correlational, non-experimental design, a survey was conducted among a sample of 380 microentrepreneurs, selected from a total of 28,695 registered individuals, with the aim of investigating the correlation between the level of financial knowledge and perceived debt. The results indicate that 60% of survey participants have a basic level of financial literacy and that 45% maintain outstanding commercial debts. Furthermore, 40% report difficulty meeting these responsibilities. Through the statistical study, a moderate inverse correlation (r = -0.65; p < 0.01) was detected between the level of financial education and the level of perceived indebtedness, demonstrating that greater financial literacy is linked to lower credit vulnerability. The device employed demonstrated high reliability (α = 0.87). The debate focuses on the importance of establishing financial education programs tailored to the local environment, with a gender and accessibility perspective, with the aim of promoting economic resilience and informed decision-making. In conclusion, the importance of financial literacy for the sustainable progress of microentrepreneurs in Machala is corroborated, and its incorporation into public policies and local economic growth strategies is recommended