Financial Knowledge, Financial Attitude, and Debt Management Behavior: The Moderating Role of Home Ownership Status

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of financial knowledge and financial attitude on debt management behavior among households in Bogor Regency, while examining the moderating role of home ownership status in these relationships. The research employs a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from 200 heads of households in Bogor Regency using purposive sampling. Variables were measured using Likert scales and analyzed through descriptive statistics and hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses and moderation effects. The results indicate that both financial knowledge and financial attitude have a significant positive impact on debt management behavior, with respondents generally demonstrating good financial knowledge (3.85) and debt management practices (4.01). Furthermore, home ownership status was found to moderate the influence of financial knowledge and attitudes on how individuals manage their debts, reflecting economic stability and long-term financial commitments. In conclusion, financial literacy and positive attitudes are fundamental to healthy debt management, while home ownership acts as a significant contextual factor that can strengthen these relationships. These findings suggest that financial literacy programs should be tailored based on home ownership segmentation to effectively improve household economic resilience