Enhancing university students’ financial satisfaction through AI-driven financial tools

Financial satisfaction is a key component of overall well-being, yet many university students constantly face challenges in managing their personal finances effectively. Notably, this study investigates the relationships between personal attitude, financial behavioral intention, financial behavior, and financial satisfaction among public university students in the northern region of Malaysia. In particular, a quantitative survey was conducted with 413 respondents using a structured questionnaire with Likert-scale items. Stratified sampling ensured representation across diverse student backgrounds, and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The findings indicate that while most students report having a positive attitude toward money management, many still exhibit weak saving habits, poor budgeting discipline, and low financial satisfaction. Furthermore, a significant number of students save less than 25% of their income monthly, and a notable portion expresses dissatisfaction with their overall financial well-being. These results highlight a disconnect between students’ financial intentions and their actual behavior. In response to these challenges, the study also explores the potential role of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven financial teaching and learning tools in enhancing students’ financial satisfaction. Such tools, offering personalized guidance, real-time budgeting support, and automated financial planning, could help bridge the gap between knowledge and behavior. In addition, future research should explore the implementation of these tools in educational settings and assess their long-term impact on students’ financial outcomes.