English abstract
The aim of this study was to identify sources of income of general education's students in Oman. It also aimed at exploring children saving and spending behaviors. To achieve these aims an instrument was applied to 515 students (boys and girls) selected randomly from 7th and 10th grade from Bushar and Qurayat basic schools. Particular attention was paid to ensure the reliability and the validity of the instrument. The findings of the study showed that the most important sources of income were money given at Eids, followed by, holidays' paid jobs. Concerning saving behavior, the students were more likely to save in home cash boxes and bank accounts. Reasons provided for saving in banks were including: keeping money safe and advice by parents.
However, there were many students reported that they didn't have bank accounts because it was not necessary to get one or they didn't have enough money. In related to spending behaviors, the results showed that most students were most likely to spend their money on soft drinks, sweets and ice-cream, clothes and footwear. Concerning sources of incomes, there were significant differences in sex, grade and place of residence variables. While boys tend to receive money more than girls in these sources, grade 10th outperformed grade 7th and urban students outperformed rural students. There were also significant differences for sex and place of residence variables in student's saving behaviors. Girls tend to use both home cash boxes and bank accounts more than boys. Similarly, urban students used these behaviors more than rural students. Finally, there were significant differences in the student spending behaviors regarding sex and grade variables. Grade 10h were more likely to spend money on soft drinks and juices more than grade 7th. Also, girls tend to spend money on chocolate and ice-cream more than boys.
