Financial Literacy Among Armed Forces Personnel in Bhutan
This questionnaire is part of a research project aimed at understanding the level of financial
literacy among armed forces personnel in Bhutan. Your participation is voluntary, and your
responses will be kept strictly confidential. The results will only be used for academic purposes.
Section 1: Demographic Information
1. Age Group
Below 25 years
25–34 years
35–44 years
45 years and above
2. Gender
Male
Female
Other / Prefer not to say
3. Rank/Designation
Junior Personnel
Non-Commission officer
Commission officer
4. Years of Service
Less than 5 years
5–15 years
10 – 15 years
More than 20 years
5. Monthly Basic Salary
Less than Nu. 17,000
Nu. 17,001 – Nu. 25,000
Nu. 25,001 – Nu. 33,000
More than Nu. 33,000
6. Education Level
Uneducated
Class X & below
Class XII & below
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s or above
7. Marital Status
Single
Married
Divorced
Widowed
8. Number of Dependents living with you
None
1–2
3–4
More than 4
Section 2: Financial Knowledge
SL Questions Strongly Agre Neutral Disagree Strongly
No. agree e disagree
(3) (2)
(5) (4) (1)
1 I understand how interest rates affect the
amount I repay on a personal or vehicle
loan.
2 I can compare the interest rates offered
by different banks in Bhutan when
choosing a savings account or loan.
3 I know how compound interest works and
how it influences long-term savings.
4 I am able to assess the trade-off between
risk and return before investing in
financial products like RICB or shares.
5 I can identify which financial products are
safer versus riskier in the Bhutanese
context.
6 I understand that investments with higher
returns (e.g., shares) usually carry higher
risks.
7 I can explain how inflation reduces the
purchasing power of money over time.
8 I consider inflation when planning for
long-term goals like education or
retirement.
9 I follow financial news related to Bhutan’s
economy, such as inflation trends or
policy changes.
10 I feel knowledgeable enough to make
informed financial decisions, especially
regarding savings, investment, and
inflation protection.
Section 3: Financial Behavior
SL Questions Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
No. agree disagree
(4) (3) (2)
(5) (1)
1 I regularly set aside a fixed percentage
of my salary for savings, regardless of
monthly expenses.
2 I have opened at least one savings or
recurring deposit account to help build
my financial future.
3 I avoid spending on non-essential items
(e.g., luxury goods or gadgets) unless I
have saved for them.
4 I actively monitor my income and
expenses every month, either on paper
or using apps.
5 I have experience investing in financial
instruments such as shares, insurance,
or real estate.
6 I seek advice or conduct research
before making investment decisions.
7 I make monthly contributions to a
pension plan or retirement scheme
offered by the Royal Civil Service or
private institutions.
8 I maintain an emergency fund that can
support my family in case of
unexpected events.
9 I have set both short-term (e.g., a trip)
and long-term (e.g., house) financial
goals and am saving for them.
10 I try to avoid taking loans unless it’s
necessary and affordable.
Section 4: Financial Attitude
SL Questions Strongl Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
No. y agree disagree
(4) (3) (2)
(5) (1)
1 I believe financial discipline is more
important than earning a high income.
2 I believe it is important to teach
financial skills to armed forces
personnel early in their careers.
3 I feel confident that I can manage my
money well even during economic
uncertainty.
4 I consider both risk and potential
return before making a financial
decision.
5 I avoid risky investments even if the
returns are potentially high.
6 I feel comfortable discussing financial
matters with my family members or
close friends.
7 I prefer secure investments like
savings and insurance over risky
alternatives like stock trading.
8 I think financial goals must be realistic
and based on one’s income and
obligations.
9 I consider myself a financially
responsible person.
10 I am motivated to improve my financial
literacy through reading, courses, or
workshops.
