Published Paper Details:

This study investigates the role of financial literacy in influencing savings and investment decisions among Self-Help Group (SHG) members in Mysore district, Karnataka. SHGs serve as crucial platforms for financial empowerment, especially for economically disadvantaged women in rural areas. Using a descriptive survey approach, data was collected from 400 SHG members across four taluks. Findings reveal that financial literacy significantly shapes savings behavior, investment decisions, and digital financial engagement. Key variables like education, income, and location were found to significantly impact financial behavior, with ANOVA results confirming their influence. The study also shows that SHG participation strengthens members' confidence, enhances financial planning, and encourages goal-based saving. High mean scores across financial literacy and behavior variables confirm positive attitudes and decision-making capacity. The analysis underlines the transformative role of SHGs in improving financial well-being and advocates for targeted, digital-inclusive financial literacy initiatives to empower rural women further. The study concludes with recommendations for strengthening SHG-based financial education programs and proposes future research directions on long-term wealth creation and digital inclusion.