The financial habits and their contribution to financial distress among the young adults enrolled in higher institutions in Uganda
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Date
2026-05-28
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between the financial habits and their contribution to financial distress among the young adults enrolled in Uganda. The research was motivated by the continuous complaints and sayings by these young adults about how they are experiencing financial distress therefore the objectives of the study were to assess the students’ financial habits and explore the nature and extent of the financial distress that they experience and also establish the connection between these two factors. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data was collected using structured questionnaires which were then distributed to a sample of university students. The data was presented in tables and percentages for interpretation basing on results. The findings depicted that while many students may practice positive financial habits like budgeting, comparing prices, prioritizing school-related expenses and adjusting their lifestyles to fit their financial capacity, the challenges might remain in the sectors like consistent saving, following budgets and managing impulse spending. Financial stress emerged as a recurring concern among young adults while expressing worry about running out of money before the
semester ends, meeting financial obligations and paying back loans. Some students tend to experience this distress which extended to missing meals, struggling to concentrate in class and feelings of anxiety or depression. The study further concluded that financial habits and financial stress are closely related since students with well-disciplined financial habits such as saving, budgeting and prioritizing needs reported relatively lower stress levels while weak financial
practices were associated with higher levels of financial distress. The research recommends enhancing financial literacy programs within universities, promoting access to affordable financial support services and even encouraging peer or family discussions on money management to build resilience against financial distress.
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Undergraduate