Financial Literacy and Investment Practices Among Workers in Tagbilaran City

Abstract

This study examined the financial literacy and investing practices of workers from selected public and private establishments in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. It explored the relationship between these variables and selected demographic characteristics. Employing a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected from 357 respondents using a validated structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the majority of workers demonstrated a high level of financial literacy, indicating adequate knowledge and competencies in managing personal finances. In contrast, investing practices were generally fair, characterized by a preference for regulated financial institutions, reliance on family and peers for investment information, short- to medium-term investment horizons, and low-risk investment products such as bank deposits and insurance plans. Financial literacy did not vary significantly across respondents' demographic characteristics, whereas investing practices showed significant associations with age and sex. A positive but weak relationship was likewise observed between financial literacy and investing practices, suggesting that financial knowledge alone may not fully explain investment behavior. The findings highlight the importance of complementing financial education with initiatives that strengthen investment confidence, behavioral competence, and practical decision-making skills to encourage informed and sustainable financial participation among workers.