Globally, organizations like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in the Philippines are prioritizing financial literacy to boost economic progress. This study examines the connection between financial literacy and financial management practices among working business students at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Open University System (OUS). The research aims to understand how financial knowledge affects this unique demographic, who balance work, school, and finances. It also explores how personal factors like age, sex, marital status, academic program, years of work experience, and average monthly income might influence this relationship. This study used a descriptive survey to analyze data from 385 working students in business programs at PUP OUS, a sample size determined by Cochran’s formula and selected via convenience sampling. Data was collected using online questionnaires and analyzed with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model showed strong reliability and validity as confirmed by high Cronbach’s Alpha, Composite Reliability, and acceptable factor loadings and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) scores. The study found a strong, positive correlation between financial literacy and financial management practices (β=0.687, p<0.001), indicating that higher financial literacy leads to better financial management. Among the variables tested, only marital status significantly moderated this relationship (p=0.039, t=2.062). Other factors, including age, sex, program, years of experience, and average family monthly income, had no significant impact. In conclusion, financial literacy is a key factor for good financial management. This study shows that marital status influences how people apply their financial knowledge, emphasizing the different financial responsibilities that come with marriage. The findings highlight the importance of including financial literacy in college education. This will help students develop the skills needed for financial well-being. The study also offers practical recommendations for creating financial education programs tailored to people’s specific needs based on their marital status. This can help build a more financially resilient society.

Keywords: financial literacy, financial management practices, working students, profile variables, marital status, Open University System (OUS)