Preparing Financially Competent Nursing Leaders: Implications from Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning Among Graduate Nursing Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67903/ijroms0372Keywords:
Education Nursing, Graduate, Health Literacy, Nursing Administration Research, Retirement, Students, NursingAbstract
This study investigated the relationship between financial literacy and retirement planning among Master of Arts in Nursing–Distance Learning students majoring in Nursing Administration at Wesleyan University-Philippines to provide evidence for strengthening financial management education in graduate nursing programs. Specifically, it assessed the respondents’ level of financial literacy, determined their retirement planning practices, and examined the relationship between these variables. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, data were gathered from 165 students employed in the Philippines and abroad through purposive and snowball sampling using a researcher-developed questionnaire with a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.87 and content validity established through expert panel review. Results revealed that respondents had a low level of financial literacy, with a mean score of 18.35 out of 50 (37%), despite demonstrating a high level of retirement planning (composite mean = 2.81). Real estate investment was the most preferred retirement planning strategy (mean = 3.39, very high), whereas investments in stocks and bonds (mean = 2.44) and business ventures (mean = 2.48) were the least preferred, both rated as moderate. Correlational analysis showed a statistically significant, moderate-to-strong positive relationship between financial literacy and retirement planning (r = 0.696, p = 0.001), indicating that higher financial literacy is associated with greater engagement in retirement planning. The study highlights the importance of integrating financial management education into graduate nursing curricula to strengthen leadership competencies and promote nurses’ long-term financial well-being. Future studies should evaluate financial education interventions across diverse nursing settings.
References
Agcaoili, L. (2020, November). More firms seen setting up retirement plans for employees. Philstar Global. https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/11/03/2054097/more-firms-seen-setting-retirement-plans-employees
Almenberg, J. (2019, July). Attitudes towards debt and behavior. GFLEC. https://gflec.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Attitude-Toward-Debt-and-Debt-Behavior.pdf
American Nurses Association. (2023). Nursing administration: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). https://www.nursingworld.org/nurses-books/nursing-administration-scope-and-standards-of-practice-2nd-edition/
Andres, R. (2019, June 10). PH lags behind other countries in college student population. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071884
Aquino, E. (2002). Private pension schemes in the Philippines: Regulatory practices. OECD. https://www.oecd.org/finance/private-pensions/2763673.pdf
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (2019). Financial inclusion survey 2019. https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Inclusive%20Finance/Financial%20Inclusion%20Reports%20and%20Publications/2019/2019FISToplineReport.pdf
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (2021). Financial inclusion survey 2021. https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Inclusive%20Finance/Financial%20Inclusion%20Reports%20and%20Publications/2021/2021FISToplineReport.pdf
Bank of the Philippine Islands. (2020). Personal equity & retirement account. https://www.bpiassetmanagement.com/pages/pera-personal-equity--retirement-account
Botazzi, L., & Lusardi, A. (2020, November). Stereotypes in financial literacy: Evidence from Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). GFLEC. https://gflec.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Stereotypes-in-Financial-Literacy-Evidence-from-PISA_DEC2020.pdf
Brown, M., Gringsby, J., van der Klaauw, W., Wen, J., & Zafar, B. (2014, May). Financial education and the debt behavior of the young. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. https://www.minneapolisfed.org/economic-research/conferences/~/media/files/research/events/2014_05-22/Brown_Financial_Education.pdf
Bunag, L. (2022, October). PhilHealth benefits for seniors: What you need to know. HelloDoctor. https://hellodoctor.com.ph/healthy-aging/philhealth-benefits-seniors/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December). Social determinants of health at CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/about/sdoh/index.html
Charles Schwab. (2023). My retirement progress. https://www.schwabplan.com/
Chase. (2023). What is debt-to-income ratio and why is it important? https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/what-is-debt-to-income-ratio-and-why-it-is-important
Clark, R., Lusardi, A., & Mitchell, O. (2016). Employee financial literacy and retirement plan behavior: A case study. Economic Inquiry, 55(1), 248–259. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecin.12389
Clark, R., Lusardi, A., Mitchell, O., & Davis, H. (2021, May). Financial fragility during the COVID-19 pandemic. GFLEC. https://gflec.org/research/?type=publications
Collins Dictionary. (2023). Retirement plan. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/retirement-plan
Conner, M. (2002, November 2). Health behaviors. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B0080430767038717
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2022, June). What is a debt-to-income ratio? https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-debt-to-income-ratio-en-1791/
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2023). An essential guide to building an emergency fund. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/an-essential-guide-to-building-an-emergency-fund/
Ćumurović, A., & Hyll, W. (2018). Financial literacy and self-employment. The Journal of Consumer Affairs, 53(2), 455–487. https://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12198
Dela Paz, C. (2015, September 25). Most Filipinos not ready for retirement—study. Rappler Business. https://www.rappler.com/business/filipinos-retirement-prulife-study
Department of Education Philippines. (2021, July 8). DepEd expands financial education in K to 12 to improve literacy of Filipinos. https://www.deped.gov.ph/?s=DepEd+expands+financial+education+in+K+to+12+to+improve+literacy+of+Filipinos
Department of Health Philippines. (2019). UHC law. https://doh.gov.ph/uhc
Department of Social Welfare and Development. (2023). Social pension program for indigent senior citizens. https://car.dswd.gov.ph/programs-services/protective-services-program/social-pension-program-for-indigent-senior-citizens/
Department of State. (2023). What is a graduate student? EducationUSA. https://educationusa.state.gov/your-5-steps-us-study/research-your-options/graduate/what-graduate-student
Dietch, J. (2022, August). Financial stress is a predictor of your financial wellness. T. Rowe Price. https://www.troweprice.com/personal-investing/resources/insights/financial-stress-is-a-predictor-of-financial-wellness.html
Dumlao-Abadilla, D. (2019, July). SEC cracks down on illegal lenders. Inquirer. https://business.inquirer.net/275370/sec-cracks-down-on-illegal-lenders
Dumlao-Abadilla, D. (2021). 70% of Filipinos stressed by debt. Inquirer. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1489002/70-of-filipinos-stressed-by-debt
Elmaco, J. (2022, April 25). Philippine nurse migration: Assessing vulnerabilities and accessing opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Development Policy | Revue internationale de politique de développement. https://doi.org/10.4000/poldev.4853
European Commission. (2023). Finance. https://finance.ec.europa.eu/consumer-finance-and-payments/financial-literacy_en
Fay, B. (2022). The emotional effects of debt. Debt.org. https://www.debt.org/advice/emotional-effects/
Fernando, J. (2022, August 15). What is financial literacy, and why is it so important? Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/financial-literacy.asp
Fidelity. (2022, December 22). What is net worth? https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/net-worth
Finke, M., & Huston, S. (2014). Financial literacy and education. In Investor behavior: The psychology of financial planning and investing (pp. 63–82). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118813454.ch4
Gallery, N., Gallery, G., Brown, K., Furneaux, C., & Palm, C. (2011). Financial literacy and pension investment decision. Financial Accountability & Management, 27(3), 286–307. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0408.2011.00526.x
Garg, N., & Singh, S. (2018). Financial literacy among youth. International Journal of Economics, 45(1), 173–186. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-11-2016-0303
Government Service Insurance System. (2015). Government Service Insurance System Philippines. https://www.asean-ssa.org/files/Organisation%20Profiles/Profile%20of%20GSIS%20Philippines.pdf
Ghazali, F., Ramlee, S., Alwi, N., & Hizan, H. (2020). Content validity and test–retest reliability with principal component analysis of the translated Malay four-item version of Paffenbarger physical activity questionnaire. Journal of Health Research, 35(6), 493–505. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHR-11-2019-0269
Grewai, S. (2019, August). Filipinos warned of loan sharks. GDN. https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/582142/Filipinos-warned-of-loan-sharks
Guira, G. (2019). Financial literacy of senior high school teachers. Panagsukisok, 16–26.
Habyarimana, J., & Kakkar, V. (2022). Financial literacy, the risk-as-feelings hypothesis, and passive income generation. Financial Planning Review, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/cfp2.1154
Hira, T., Rock, W., & Loibl, C. (2009). Determinants of retirement planning behaviour and differences by age. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 293–301. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1470-6431.2009.00742.x
Huston, S. (2010). Measuring financial literacy. The Journal of Consumer Affairs, 296–316. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6606.2010.01170.x
Huston, S. (2012). Financial literacy and the cost of borrowing. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 36(5), 566–572. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1470-6431.2012.01122.x
Investor.gov. (2023). What is compound interest? https://www.investor.gov/additional-resources/information/youth/teachers-classroom-resources/what-compound-interest
Jappelli, T., & Padula, M. (2013). Investment in financial literacy and saving decisions. Journal of Banking & Finance, 37(8), 2779–2792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbankfin.2013.03.019
Kagan, J. (2022, November 29). What is retirement planning? Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/retirement-planning.asp
Kendra, C. (2023, March 30). Correlation studies in psychology research. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/correlational-research-2795774
Kenton, W. (2022, September 16). What is personal finance, and why is it important? Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/personalfinance.asp
Kerr, E. (2022, April 19). Inflation rates are breaking records. Here's what you need to know. U.S. News. https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/family-finance/articles/understand-inflation-before-its-too-late
Kimiyaghalam, F., Mansori, S., Safari, M., & Yap, S. (2017). Parents' influence on retirement planning in Malaysia. Family and Consumer Sciences, 45(3), 315–325. https://doi.org/10.1111/fcsr.12203
Klapper, L., & Lusardi, A. (2019). Financial literacy and financial resilience: Evidence from around the world. Financial Management. https://doi.org/10.1111/fima.12283
Klapper, L., Lusardi, A., & van Oudheusden, P. (2015). Financial literacy around the world: Insights from the Standard & Poor's Ratings Services Global Financial Literacy Survey. https://media.hotnews.ro/media_server1/document-2015-11-19-20605811-0-finlit-paper-16-f2-singles.pdf
LaMorte, W. W. (2019, September 9). The theory of planned behavior. Boston University School of Public Health. https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/SB/BehavioralChangeTheories/BehavioralChangeTheories3.html
Laurus Enterprises. (2018, October). Financial literacy in the Philippines remains low. Medium. https://medium.com/laurusenterprises/financial-literacy-in-the-philippines-remains-low-88e046a16c29
Lusardi, A., & Mitchell, O. S. (2011). Financial literacy around the world: An overview. Journal of Pension Economics & Finance. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-pension-economics-and-finance/article/abs/financial-literacy-around-the-world-an-overview/0488F901318E0FBC4C92DC6E964AB89C
Lusardi, A., & Mitchell, O. S. (2011). Financial literacy and planning: Implications for retirement wellbeing (Working Paper No. 17078). National Bureau of Economic Research. https://www.nber.org/papers/w17078
Lusardi, A., & Mitchell, O. S. (2017). How ordinary consumers make complex economic decisions: Financial literacy and retirement readiness. The Quarterly Journal of Finance, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.1142/S2010139217500082
Lusardi, A., & Tufano, P. (2015). Debt literacy, financial experiences, and overindebtedness. Journal of Pension Economics & Finance. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-pension-economics-and-finance/article/abs/debt-literacy-financial-experiences-and-overindebtedness/6140546AF9CA1BAC33FAE47F35C5C178
Lusardi, A., Hasler, A., & Yakoboski, P. (2021). Building up financial literacy and financial resilience. Mind & Society, 20, 181–187. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11299-020-00246-0
Lusardi, A., Michaud, P.-C., & Mitchell, O. S. (2020). Assessing the impact of financial education programs: A quantitative model. Economics of Education Review, 78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2019.05.006
Lusardi, A., Mitchell, O. S., & Curto, V. (2010). Financial literacy among the young. The Journal of Consumer Affairs, 44(2), 358–380. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6606.2010.01173.x
Lusardi, A., Mitchell, O. S., & Oggero, N. (2019). Debt and financial vulnerability on the verge of retirement. Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, 52(5), 1005–1034. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmcb.12671
Lusardi, A., Olivia, M., & Oggero, N. (2020, November). Debt close to retirement and its implications for retirement well-being. GFLEC. https://gflec.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Debt-Paper-5-5-20.-OSM.pdf
Mapa, N. (2022, September 15). Philippines: How the pandemic impacted household savings and debt. ING. https://think.ing.com/articles/philippines-how-pandemic-impacted-household-savings-and-debt/
Marcolin, S., & Abraham, A. (2006, September). Financial literacy research: Current literature and future opportunities. University of Wollongong. https://ro.uow.edu.au/commpapers/223/
Marquit, M. (2023, March 28). What is net worth? Why does it matter? Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/net-worth/
Martines, K. M. (2015, July). The effects of personal financial debt on employee job [title incomplete in source]. Humboldt State University. https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/downloads/kd17cw143
Maur, M. (2018, May). Financial literacy for Filipinos: Understanding for better living. National Economic and Development Authority. https://nro13.neda.gov.ph/financial-literacy-for-filipinos-understanding-for-better-living/
Mbuva, G. (2023). Quantitative correlational research: Definition, types, methodology, methods, characteristics, examples and advantages. AccountingNest. https://www.accountingnest.com/articles/research/quantitative-correlational-research
McMaken, L. (2022, May 27). 4 types of insurance policies and coverage you need. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0212/4-types-of-insurance-everyone-needs.aspx
Medalla, F. (2022, November). Strengthening financial health through financial literacy. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. https://www.bsp.gov.ph/SitePages/MediaAndResearch/SpeechesDisp.aspx?ItemId=993
Mercer. (2021). Reimagining retirement in the Philippines. https://www.asean.mercer.com/our-thinking/wealth/reimagining-retirement-in-the-philippines.html
Michas, F. (2021). Distribution of registered nurses in the United States from 2014 to 2019, by gender. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1227142/distribution-of-registered-nurses-in-the-us-by-gender/
Mitchell, O. S., & Lusardi, A. (2020, November). Remaking retirement: Debt in an aging economy. Oxford University Press. https://academic.oup.com/book/33535
Mohney, M. (2018, April 12). Financial literacy programs improve productivity, performance. Society for Human Resource Management. https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/pages/financial-literacy-programs-improve-productivity-performance.aspx
Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. (2019). Money and mental health: The facts. https://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/debt-mental-health-facts-2019.pdf
Monticone, C. (2010). How much does wealth matter in the acquisition of financial literacy? The Journal of Consumer Affairs, 44(2), 403–422. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6606.2010.01175.x
Morgan Stanley. (2022). Student loan debt: A fundamental component of workplace financial literacy. https://www.morganstanley.com/atwork/articles/student-loan-debt-financial-literacy
Moss, T. (2015, August). Philippine loan sharks tested by new rivals. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/philippine-loan-sharks-tested-by-new-rivals-1439926259
Murphy, C. (2022, May). Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: What's good and how to calculate it. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/dti.asp
Nagypál, É., & Tobacman, J. (2019, September 17). New report explores the relationship between financial well-being and the contents of and engagement with credit reports. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/new-report-explores-relationship-between-financial-well-being-contents-engagement-credit-reports/
National Conference of State Legislatures. (2022, September). Financial literacy 2022 legislation. https://www.ncsl.org/financial-services/financial-literacy-2022-legislation
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2023). National nursing workforce study. https://www.ncsbn.org/research/recent-research/workforce.page
National Economic and Development Authority. (2022, October 26). Economic and financial literacy week 2022. https://neda.gov.ph/economic-and-financial-literacy-week-2022/
Newsdesk. (2019, June). Kidnap risk of casino play loan sharks: Philippine govt. GGRAsia. https://www.ggrasia.com/kidnap-risk-casino-play-loan-sharks-philippine-govt/
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2021). Social determinants of health. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/social-determinants-health
Padin, M. (2020, July 19). Salary grade of entry-level nurses raised. Philstar Global. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/07/19/2029085/salary-grade-entry-level-nurses-raised
Pag-IBIG Fund. (2023). Regular savings. https://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/Membership_RegularSavings.html
Philippine Institute for Development Studies. (2018, December). Defining and profiling the middle class. https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidspn1818.pdf
Philippine News Agency. (2021, May 30). Solon seeks probe into loan sharks, other online lending scams. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1141992
Philippine News Agency. (2022, October). Senator proposes financial literacy courses in schools. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1186143
Piad, T. (2022, February 7). Workers want to join firms offering retirement benefits. BusinessMirror. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/02/07/workers-want-to-join-firmsoffering-retirement-benefits/
Purdue University. (2021, January 27). Mental well-being inherently connected to financial wellness. Purdue Today. https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/releases/2021/Q1/mental-well-being-inherently-connected-to-financial-wellness.html
Robinson, L., & Smith, M. (2022, December). Coping with financial stress. HelpGuide. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/coping-with-financial-stress.htm
Royal, J. (2023, March). 9 best retirement plans in March 2023. Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/retirement/best-retirement-plans/
Ryu, S., & Fan, L. (2022). The relationship between financial worries and psychological distress among U.S. adults. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 16–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-022-09820-9
Simeon, L. (2022, November). GSIS expands digital services. Philstar Global. https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/11/13/2223380/gsis-expands-digital-services
Simeon, L. (2022, September). SSS raises alarm on pension benefits. Philstar Global. https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/09/02/2206714/sss-raises-alarm-pension-benefits
Son, J., & Park, J. (2018). Effects of financial education on sound personal finance in Korea: Conceptualization of mediation effects of financial literacy across income classes. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 43(1), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12486
Statista. (2022, March 23). Share of population aged 15 and above with a credit card in the Philippines as of January 2021, by gender. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1259917/philippines-adults-with-account-in-a-financial-institution/
Sun, R., Zhang, H., Turvey, C., & Xiong, X. (2021). Impact of financial literacy on retirement financial portfolio: Evidence from China. Asian Economic Journal, 35(4), 390–412. https://doi.org/10.1111/asej.12256
Tavakol, M., & Dennick, R. (2011). Making sense of Cronbach's alpha. International Journal of Medical Education, 2, 53–55. https://doi.org/10.5116/ijme.4dfb.8dfd
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2023). Numeracy. IIEP Learning Portal. https://learningportal.iiep.unesco.org/en/glossary/numeracy
Utkarsh, Pandey, A., Ashta, A., Spiegelman, E., & Sutan, A. (2020). Catch them young: Impact of financial socialization, financial literacy and attitude towards money on financial well-being of young adults. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 44(6), 531–541. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12583
Wells Fargo. (2023). Investing basics: Why diversification is important. https://www.wellsfargo.com/financial-education/investing/why-diversify-your-portfolio/
Wesleyan University-Philippines. (2023). About us. https://www.wesleyan.edu.ph/about-us/
Williams, R. (2022, September 12). 3 retirement income mistakes to avoid. Charles Schwab. https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/3-retirement-income-mistakes-to-avoid
World Bank. (2016). Republic of the Philippines review of the Social Security System. https://doi.org/10.1596/24671
World Health Organization. (2021). Social determinants of health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health
Xiao, J. J., & O'Neill, B. (2016). Consumer financial education and financial capability. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 712–721. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12285
Yale University. (2023). Financial literacy: Managing your money at Yale. https://finlit.yale.edu/planning/understanding-credit-cards
Yanuaria, M. (2023). Benefits of SSS. MPM. https://mpm.ph/benefits-of-sss/
Yap, C., & Batino, C. (2018, June 6). Tycoon wants to free millions of Filipinos from loan sharks. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-06/tycoon-seeks-to-free-millions-of-filipinos-from-loan-sharks
Zoleta, V. (2022, June 24). Beware of loan sharks: How to protect yourself against illegal lending practices in the Philippines. Moneymax. https://www.moneymax.ph/personal-loan/articles/loan-shark-philippines
Zoleta, V. (2022, August). Senior citizen discount in the Philippines: Are your parents getting the full deal? Moneymax. https://www.moneymax.ph/government-services/articles/senior-citizen-discount-philippines
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Research on Multidisciplinary Studies

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.









