From Shore to Savings: Financial Literacy as a Lifeline for Coastal Households

This study examines how financial literacy enhances the adaptive capacity of coastal households in Kerala amid escalating environmental and economic challenges. Based on structured surveys of 385 respondents, results show financial literacy strongly predicts economic resilience (β = 0.45, t = 5.63, p < 0.001, R² = 0.60). A significant positive correlation exists between financial inclusion and socio-economic stability (r = 0.38, p < .01). Factor analysis identifies three key latent dimensions—Knowledge, Accessibility, and Technology Usage—accounting for 25% of variance. Coastal households reliant on fishing and tourism face heightened vulnerability, yet financially literate individuals make informed financial decisions—especially regarding insurance—thereby fostering long-term resilience. Keywords: Coastal communities, financial literacy, climate change, resilience, economic shocks, environmental change, housing, insurance, investment, NOAA, vulnerability, economic challenges.