ABSTRACT
This study investigates the financial literacy and budgeting practices of street food vendors in Balayan, Batangas. The study aims to assess the vendors' level of financial literacy (in terms of financial knowledge, saving habits, ability to manage profit, and investment), identify their common budgeting practices (planning, expense tracking, and review), determine the significant relationship between these two variables, and propose a livelihood program based on the findings. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed, surveying street food vendors selected through purposive sampling. The findings revealed that vendors generally perceive themselves as "Strongly Agree" (highly competent) across most dimensions of financial literacy and budgeting practices. They demonstrate strong informal skills in saving, profit awareness, and expense control. However, key weaknesses were identified, including a heavy reliance on informal mental tracking rather than systematic, written record-keeping of income and expenses, and limited knowledge of formal financial products like interest rates. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant, moderate positive relationship between all dimensions of financial literacy and all dimensions of budgeting practices, rejecting the null hypothesis. This indicates that higher financial knowledge is directly associated with stronger budgeting behaviors. The study concludes that while Balayan's street food vendors possess a strong foundation of informal financial discipline, targeted improvements are needed to formalize these practices to ensure long-term sustainability. The research findings serve as the basis for a proposed Balayan Street Food Vendors Financial and Livelihood Enhancement Program. Recommendations include implementing workshops on formal financial products (loans and savings) , introducing simple, user-friendly record-keeping tools , and fostering linkages with local financial institutions. This research contributes valuable, empirically-backed insights for developing interventions to enhance the financial resilience of micro-entrepreneurs in the informal economy.
Keywords: Financial Literacy, Budgeting Practices, Livelihood Program, and Street Food Vendors
Output
The study presents the expected output: the development of Financial Literacy Guidelines and Budgeting Practices for Street Food Vendors in Balayan, Batangas. These guidelines will provide practical strategies and recommendations to help vendors enhance their financial literacy, strengthen budgeting practices, and make informed financial decisions that support business continuity, household welfare, and local economic growth.
The guidelines will serve as a valuable reference for street food vendors, policymakers, and community stakeholders in promoting sound financial management within the informal economy. By integrating theoretical perspectives with systematic data collection, the study will contribute to the academic understanding of financial literacy and budgeting practices while offering practical interventions that can be applied in real-life settings. Ultimately, the output will support financial empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive community development among street food vendors in Balayan, Batangas.
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