How Self-Control Mediates Fintech Ease of Use and Consumptive Lifestyle on Generation Z's Financial Behavior

Abstract

The development of financial technology (fintech) provides convenience for Generation Z in conducting financial activities; however, this convenience needs to be balanced with the ability to control financial behavior in order to prevent excessive consumption. This study aims to analyze the effect of fintech ease of use and consumptive lifestyle on the financial management behavior of Generation Z in Cirebon City, with self-control as a mediating variable. This study employed a quantitative approach using a survey method involving Generation Z fintech users in Cirebon City. Data were collected from 100 respondents and analyzed using the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method through SmartPLS 4. The results show that fintech ease of use has a positive and significant effect on self-control and financial management behavior, while consumptive lifestyle has a negative and significant effect on self-control and financial management behavior. Furthermore, self-control has a positive and significant effect on financial management behavior and is able to partially mediate the relationship between the independent variables and financial management behavior. This study indicates that fintech use supported by strong self-control can help Generation Z develop better and more planned financial management behavior.