Financial Planning and Investment Behavior of Salaried Households: A Comparative Study of Rural and Urban Areas

This study investigates the financial planning and investment behavior of salaried households in rural and urban areas, focusing on how socio-economic factors influence their saving and investment decisions. A sample of 100 salaried households from both rural and urban regions was selected for the study. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, capturing information on income levels, education, family size, risk tolerance, and investment preferences. The study applied t-test to compare the mean differences in saving and investment behavior between rural and urban households and ANOVA to examine the impact of socio-economic characteristics on financial behavior. Preliminary findings indicate significant differences in financial behavior, with urban households showing higher investment in diversified financial instruments, while rural households prefer traditional and low-risk savings options. The study emphasizes the need for financial literacy programs and improved access to financial services in rural areas to bridge the gap and promote financial inclusion across regions.