Penguatan Literasi Keuangan Sejak Dini melalui Pelatihan Menabung Kreatif Berbasis Pemanfaatan Barang Bekas untuk Pembentukan Karakter Siswa

Abstract

Financial literacy should be introduced at elementary school age as a foundation for wise, disciplined, and responsible financial behavior. However, students’ understanding of money management, saving, and the distinction between needs and wants still needs to be strengthened through contextual and engaging learning. This community service program aimed to strengthen early financial literacy and foster character development through creative saving training using used materials. The program was conducted with third-grade students at SDN 1 Kaliploso, Cluring District, Banyuwangi Regency. It employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach involving students, teachers, and the service team through the stages of problem identification, planning, action, observation, and reflection. The activities included basic financial literacy education, distinguishing needs from wants, pocket-money management, setting saving goals, and hands-on practice in making and decorating piggy banks from used plastic bottles, cardboard, and cans. Based on observation and reflective discussions with students and teachers, the results indicated improved student understanding of the importance of saving and basic money management. The hands-on activities also encouraged creativity and environmental awareness through the reuse of materials that still had functional value, while instilling character values such as discipline, responsibility, independence, and frugality. Integrating financial literacy, creativity, and saving practice through a participatory approach can therefore serve as a relevant strategy for fostering students’ financial awareness and character from an early age.