Students at the BSBA program in Bukidnon State University – Malitbog Campus commonly face challenges such as a lack of financial discipline, reliance on small allowances from parents, and the influence of peer pressure and lifestyle choices. These challenges lead to poor financial behavior, where students prioritize discretionary spending over essential needs. This often results in a shortage of funds and increased financial stress, as students struggle to balance their budget and manage their financial responsibilities .

Peer pressure significantly influences student budgeting behavior by encouraging spending on leisure and non-essential items to fit in with social groups. This pressure can lead students to prioritize wants over needs, which may result in financial strain. At Bukidnon State University – Malitbog Campus, students may feel compelled to match their peers' spending habits despite limited allowances, causing financial insecurity and stress .

Research indicates that students who practice budgeting report feeling more secure and satisfied with their financial management, contrasting with peers who lack budgeting skills. The latter group experiences greater anxiety and a diminished ability to focus on studies due to financial insecurity. By tracking expenses and setting financial goals, budgeting provides students a structured approach to manage funds, thereby transferring their experiences from financial stress to security .

Studying budgeting practices among students is crucial for understanding factors impacting their financial and academic success. Budgeting skills help students manage their funds more effectively, reducing financial stress and allowing them to focus better on their studies. By identifying common budgeting challenges and practices, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to improve students' financial literacy and promote practices that support academic and personal well-being .

The study justifies the need for research on student budgeting practices specific to Bukidnon State University – Malitbog Campus by highlighting the lack of existing research focused on this campus. While many studies examine budgeting practices at other universities, there is a distinct absence of data regarding how these practices directly impact financial security and well-being among students at this particular campus. Addressing this gap can provide unique insights and inform better support systems tailored to the needs of BSBA students at BukSU Malitbog .

Students can employ several strategies to overcome financial challenges, such as developing a clear budgeting strategy that includes tracking expenses and creating financial goals. They should prioritize needs over wants to ensure essential expenses are covered. Seeking financial literacy education can improve their budgeting skills and understanding of money management. Additionally, students can explore part-time employment or scholarships to supplement their allowances. Building a supportive peer group that values economic discipline can also help mitigate the negative effects of peer pressure on financial decisions .

Budgeting is critical for business students because it prepares them for future professional roles where financial management is essential. In the business field, having strong budgeting skills can translate to effective management of company resources, creating financial reports, and making informed economic decisions. Without these skills, business graduates may struggle with financial planning and resource allocation, potentially hindering their career advancement and effectiveness in professional environments .

Effective budgeting can enhance a student's quality of life by reducing financial stress and increasing satisfaction with their financial situation. Students who budget effectively are likely to experience greater financial security, which leads to less anxiety and more focus on studies. By managing expenses and setting financial goals, budgeting also enables students to allocate funds to necessary areas, thus improving their overall living conditions and academic performance .

Poor budgeting leads to stress and anxiety among college students as they struggle to meet their basic needs. This financial stress can affect their health, daily life, and academic performance. Students who do not manage their allowance properly may experience a shortage of funds, resulting in borrowing and financial insecurity. In contrast, students who engage in budgeting practices, such as tracking expenses and setting financial goals, report feeling more secure and satisfied, thus reducing anxiety and improving their focus on studies .

The study aims to address the gap in research concerning the budgeting practices of BSBA students at Bukidnon State University – Malitbog Campus. Specifically, it seeks to understand how these practices affect the students' financial security and well-being, which has not been thoroughly explored in this context. Existing studies have focused on other universities, thus leaving a need for localized research on this campus .