Factors affecting financial management behavior of Paylater users in Indonesia: Examining the moderating role of locus of control

Financial Management Behavior refers to the systematic activities involved in predicting, gathering, allocating, investing, and strategizing the cash flow required for a company’s or individual’s efficient functioning. This study aims to examine the role of locus of control in moderating the relationship between financial socialization, financial knowledge, financial experience, and financial management behavior among Paylater users in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The population of this research is the people of Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, who use Paylater. The sampling methodologies utilized were purposive sampling and snowball sampling. A total of 221 individuals participated in data collection for this study. The questionnaires were disseminated using social media chat functions or messaging applications (e.g., WhatsApp, Line, Telegram) in which the Google Forms link is shared. The study employs the data analysis technique of SEM-PLS with the assistance of PLS 4.00 software. The research results show that financial socialization, knowledge, and experience influence financial management behavior (p < 0.05). Furthermore, financial socialization, financial knowledge, and financial experience influence financial management behavior, moderated by locus of control (p < 0.05). The research implications are expected to improve the Financial Management behavior of the Paylater users by providing literacy about managing their finances. AcknowledgmentThis study was funded by the Revenue and Expenditure Budget of the Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara following the assignment agreement letter in the context of implementing the Basic Research Program of the Revenue and Expenditure Budget of the Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara for the 2023 Fiscal Year, Number: 73/II.3- AU /UMSU-LP2M/C/2023.