PENGARUH LITERASI KEUANGAN DAN PENDAPATAN TERHADAP PENGGUNAAN PAYLATER DENGAN GAYA HIDUP SEBAGAI VARIABEL MEDIASI PADA GENERASI Z DI KOTA MALANG

ABSTRACT
The development of digital financial services has led to an increase in the use of Buy Now Pay Later facilities among Generation Z. The use of Paylater is influenced by financial literacy, income level, and lifestyle. This study aims to analyze the effect of financial literacy and income on Paylater usage, with lifestyle as a mediating variable among Generation Z in Malang City. The research employs a quantitative explanatory approach. Primary data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to respondents aged 19–25 years who reside in Malang City and actively use Paylater, using purposive sampling techniques. Data analysis was conducted through multiple linear regression and mediation testing using IBM SPSS version 26. The results indicate that financial literacy has a positive and significant effect on Paylater usage. Income also has a positive and significant effect on Paylater usage. Financial literacy has a positive and significant effect on lifestyle. Income has a positive and significant effect on lifestyle. Lifestyle has a positive and significant effect on Paylater usage. Lifestyle acts as a positive and significant mediating variable in the effect of financial literacy on Paylater usage. Lifestyle also acts as a positive and significant mediating variable in the effect of income on Paylater usage. The findings reinforce the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory in explaining Generation Z’s behavior in utilizing digital financial services. The practical implications of this study contribute to improving Generation Z’s understanding of financial literacy, income management, and lifestyle control in the use of Paylater. The findings also serve as a basis for strengthening financial literacy programs and formulating more prudent and responsible Paylater usage policies among Generation Z.