A Systematic Literature Review: Present Bias versus Financial Literacy as Determinants of Savings Behavior Among Entrepreneurs
Efren James S. Aquino | Ruth R. Sealmoy | Oliver R. Mandap
Discipline: business studies
Abstract:
This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 20 peer-reviewed
studies (2020–2025) to compare the influence of financial literacy and present
bias on entrepreneurial savings behavior. The primary objective was to
determine which factor—knowledge or behavioral bias—more strongly
predicts savings outcomes among entrepreneurs. The methodology followed
PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with searches conducted in Google Scholar, Scopus,
and Web of Science using Boolean keywords; inclusion criteria required peerreviewed
articles in English with a Journal Impact Factor ≥1.5, focused on
entrepreneurs or entrepreneurial populations. Three key findings emerged: (1)
financial literacy’s impact is conditional and often negligible without selfcontrol;
(2) present bias consistently leads to impulsive spending and reduced
savings; and (3) behavioral factors frequently override financial knowledge.
The review concludes that integrated interventions combining financial
education with behavioral design are essential to promote entrepreneurial
savings effectively.
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