A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON THE FINANCIAL BEHAVIOUR, SAVING PATTERNS, AND DECISION-MAKING PRACTICES OF WORKING WOMEN IN THE CONTEXT OF INCOME MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL SECURITY

This study investigates the financial behaviour, saving patterns, and decision-making practices of working women in the context of income management and financial security. The primary objective of this study is to examine how working women allocate their income, manage expenditures, save for future needs, and make financial decisions related to security and well-being. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to working women living in Kerala across different occupational and income groups. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and inferential techniques were employed to analyze key dimensions such as income utilization, budgeting behaviour, saving regularity, investment awareness, and financial planning. The results indicate that although most respondents recognize the importance of saving and financial planning, their actual saving behaviour is often limited by rising living costs, family responsibilities, and lifestyle-related expenditures. A significant association was observed between financial literacy, budgeting discipline, and higher saving levels, suggesting that informed financial decision-making plays a crucial role in enhancing financial security.