This study explores how financial literacy affects students’ financial well-being by looking at the psychological factors that play a role—specifically self-control, mental budgeting, and mental accounting—as mediating variables. The research aims to better understand how cognitive and psychological resources help young people achieve financial well-being in a university setting. Using a quantitative, survey-based approach, the study gathered data from 781 students across four Indonesian cities. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine both the direct and indirect relationships between the variables. The results show that financial literacy has a significant impact on financial well-being, both directly and indirectly, through the influence of self-control, mental budgeting, and mental accounting. Based on the Conservation of Resources Theory, financial literacy serves as a cognitive resource that helps students protect and manage their financial assets more effectively. The findings suggest that universities and policymakers should develop financial literacy programs that also address psychological aspects such as self-control and budgeting habits. Integrating these elements can help students feel more financially secure and maintain better life balance. Overall, this study offers both theoretical and practical insights by connecting financial literacy with the management of psychological resources, and it points to new directions for developing psychology-based financial education to enhance young people’s financial well-being.

This study examines the influence of mental accounting, financial attitudes, financial knowledge, and financial self-efficacy on the financial behavior of diligent students in using fintech. This study differs from previous research because it uses a sample of students who already have a business and often use fintech. Data collection was carried out through the distribution of questionnaires to respondents. This study found that financial attitudes and self-efficacy had a significant effect on financial behavior, while financial knowledge had no significant effect on financial self-efficacy and mental accounting. Mental accounting significantly affects financial attitudes, financial behavior, and financial self-efficacy. These findings prove the importance of mental accounting in increasing the confidence and effectiveness of students who often use fintech and have a business in making financial decisions. This research contributes to developing the theory of planned behavior in the context of financial behavior. It reveals that financial literacy does not necessarily increase financial self-efficacy and mental accounting, especially among students who often use fintech and are just starting a business.