MANAGING HOUSEHOLD FINANCES: TAKE THE HEADACHE OUT OF MONTHLY BUDGETING WITH BHARABAS RADIO 97.5 FM PEKANBARU

Abstract

This community service program aims to enhance public literacy and skills in managing household finances through the implementation of effective financial record-keeping practices. A common problem many households face is the inability to systematically manage cash flow, difficulty tracking expenses, and a lack of planning to achieve both short-term and long-term financial goals. This often leads to financial stress and reliance on debt. The selection of this topic is based on the urgency of equipping the public with practical basic personal accounting skills, given the importance of financial stability as the foundation of family well-being.The method of implementing this service focuses on interactive education and direct workshops, specifically designed to facilitate understanding of basic concepts in recording income and expenses, creating realistic budgets, and identifying priority spending categories. The material is delivered using easy-to-understand, straightforward language relevant to daily experiences. The workshops also include simulations of financial record-keeping practices using simple tools, such as manual cash books or free mobile applications, to ensure that the skills taught can be directly applied. The results of the service show a significant improvement in participants' understanding of the importance of financial record-keeping, as well as positive changes in their daily money management behavior. Many participants reported feeling "Stress-Free in Managing Monthly Money" after applying the methods taught, with the ability to identify budget leaks and plan fund allocation more carefully. A brief conclusion from this service is that personal accounting literacy is a crucial foundation for household well-being, and targeted education can empower communities to achieve financial stability and realize their financial goals more effectively

Keywords: Household Financial Literacy, Financial Record-Keeping, Radio Education