The Influencing Factors of Financial Management Skills of Undergraduate College Students at Xi’an University of Finance and Economics

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital finance in China has created both opportunities and challenges for undergraduate students, who are increasingly exposed to mobile payments, online credit platforms, and diverse investment tools. While these innovations provide financial convenience, many students still face difficulties in managing their resources effectively, raising concerns about their financial literacy, spending habits, and saving and investment awareness. Addressing these concerns is essential for preparing undergraduates to navigate complex financial environments with competence and responsibility. The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between financial literacy and financial management skills, the relationship between spending habits and financial management skills, the relationship between saving and investment awareness and financial management skills of undergraduate students at Xi’an University of Finance and Economics. This study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional research design. The population consisted of approximately 12,000 undergraduates, from which a stratified randomed sample of 400 respondents was drawn to ensure representation across academic years and faculties. A structured questionnaire served as the main research instrument, comprising demographic items, knowledge-based financial literacy questions, Likert-scale measures of spending and saving behavior, and scenario-based tasks to assess financial management skills. Data were collected through both classroom-based and online administration. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, multiple regression, t-tests, and ANOVA were employed to analyze the data.
The results indicated that financial literacy, spending habits, and saving and investment awareness all had significant positive relationships with financial management skills. Financial literacy explained the largest proportion of variance, followed by saving and investment awareness and spending habits. The findings suggested that students who possessed greater financial knowledge, demonstrated disciplined spending behavior, and expressed awareness of saving and investment opportunities were better equipped to plan, budget, and manage their financial resources effectively. It is concluded that financial management skills of undergraduates are shaped by the combined influence of knowledge, behavior, and awareness. The study recommends that universities strengthen financial education programs, encourage healthier spending practices, and promote saving and investment awareness through targeted interventions. By doing so, institutions can enhance students’ financial capabilities and prepare them to engage more responsibly with both immediate and long-term financial challenges.

Keywords: financial literacy, spending habits, saving and investment awareness, financial management skills

6617195733, Tong Wenhao. 2568 (2025). Advisor: Dr. Zhang Li, สารนิพนธ์ (Independent Study), The Influencing Factors of Financial Management Skills of Undergraduate College Students at Xi’an University of Finance and Economics, นำเสนอในที่ประชุมวิชาการ (Conference), The 17th National and International Academic Conference 2024, ปริญญาโท (Master’s Degree), บัณฑิตวิทยาลัย (Graduate School), Master of Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand – มหาวิทยาลัยสยาม กรุงเทพมหานคร ประเทศไทย