From Harvest to Homework: Exploring Household Financial Planning and Accounting Practices in Rural Educational Investment

Abstract

In rural Indonesia, limited and unstable income poses a significant challenge to families striving to fund their children’s education. This study explores how housewives in farming households allocate financial resources using informal household accounting strategies to ensure educational continuity. Conducted in Kuncir Village, the research employed a qualitative case study method involving semi-structured interviews and direct observations with five rural mothers. Findings reveal that, despite the absence of formal financial tools, participants consistently practiced structured budgeting through earmarked cash, envelope systems, and rotating savings groups. Women demonstrated autonomy in financial decisions, strategically managing income flows to align with school payment schedules and prioritizing education over other expenses. These adaptive behaviors indicate a localized yet effective form of household accounting, shaped by cultural values and resource constraints. The study argues that such informal financial systems serve as functional alternatives to formalized practices and should be acknowledged in the design of rural development and financial literacy programs. The insights contribute to the broader discourse on gendered financial behavior, informal economies, and educational resilience in low- income contexts.