From Pocket Money to Future Planning: Enhancing Financial Literacy and Saving Awareness among Elementary School Students through Interactive Financial Education

Abstract

Financial literacy is an understanding of finance that needs to be developed from an early age to help children make responsible financial decisions and build positive financial habits. Many elementary school students still have a limited understanding of money management and the importance of saving. This community service activity aims to increase financial literacy and savings awareness among students of SD Negeri 63 Banda Aceh through an interactive financial education program. This activity uses a participatory learning approach that involves presentations, educational games, discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and buy-and-sell simulations using toy money and simple learning media for 28 students who participated in this program. The results showed an increase in students' understanding of basic financial concepts, including the difference between needs and wants, the importance of saving, and simple money management practices. Students are actively engaged in learning activities and show greater awareness of responsible spending and saving. The use of interactive and experiential learning methods allows participants to apply financial concepts in practical situations, making the learning process more meaningful and interesting. The findings show that interactive financial education can improve financial literacy and foster a positive attitude towards saving among elementary school students.