Peningkatan Literasi Keuangan Masyarakat Desa Tanah Merah Kabupaten Kupang untuk Mengurangi Risiko Kerugian Finansial

Abstract

Low practical financial literacy and increasing vulnerability to fraud and bogus investment schemes pose real challenges for the residents of Tanah Merah Village, particularly when household–business cash-flow management is not well organized and exposure to digital financial offers continues to expand. This community engagement program aimed to strengthen residents’ basic understanding and practical skills in managing household and microbusiness finances in a simple manner, while also enhancing vigilance toward high-risk financial offers. The program employed an educational and participatory approach through interactive sessions, case discussions, hands-on practice using daily cash-book templates and simple budgeting exercises, and further exploration of participants’ experiences through question-and-answer activities and brief interviews with participants and village partners. The implementation results indicate a shift in participants’ understanding that “money coming in” does not necessarily mean “profit,” a clearer awareness of the importance of separating household and business finances, and improved ability to recognize indicators of fraud and illegal investment offers. In conclusion, strengthening rural financial literacy should be understood as cultivating habits and cautious decision-making in financial matters to enhance the long-term economic resilience of households and microenterprises