Financial literacy is essential for making informed and sustainable financial decisions (Yılmaz & Özçiftçi, 2021). Financial literacy instruction, especially in early childhood, is still neglected in the school system (Yong et al., 2020). Financial literacy is undervalued in schools (Güvenç, 2020). Effective financial management requires financial knowledge (Hapsari et al., 2020). Financial literacy should be taught in schools to improve society (Williams et al., 2022). Financially savvy people may avoid unnecessary risks, manage their resources well, and plan their future (Amagir et al., 2018). Early financial education is vital because it builds a solid knowledge base (Kadoya & Khan, 2020). This foundation helps kids learn money, save, and be financially responsible (Erdem et al., 2023). (Herijanto & Rahadi, 2020) revealed that early financial education can improve children's financial understanding and conduct, laying the groundwork for their financial intelligence.

Financial literacy remains low in all sample nations (26 countries on three continents, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, including 12 OECD member countries), according to the 2020 OECD/INFE worldwide survey on people. Knowledge scores average 63% of the maximum for all people. Essential financial management and savings questions were answered correctly by 26% of the participants. Only 17% of questioned respondents ranked their financial literacy skills as good, 53% moderate, and 26% low. Despite rising from 2018, the 2019 National Survey of Financial Literacy and Inclusion was low. Financial education should begin in school as early as feasible, according to the OECD. According to research, most individuals lack financial management expertise, including debt settlement, investing, and planning. Individuals struggle with money, have too much debt, and are unprepared for the future. Although financial decisions are made in maturity, sound financial habits and attitudes should be developed early. Because attitude building attitude-building.

The Indonesian government prioritizes early financial literacy (Lopus et al., 2019). The Financial Services Authority publishes "Growing Financial Literacy Skills in Early Childhood," a book for parents, teachers, and assistants. Unfortunately, little information and awareness have prevented minority members from accepting socialization initiatives. Early childhood financial knowledge research and resolution is necessary because it helps build a solid financial foundation (Swigonski et al., 2021). Young children absorb information as sensitive listeners quickly. In this stage, understanding the elements that affect the advancement of financial knowledge helps lay the groundwork for future progress (Xu et al., 2023). In a globalized era, research on new solutions for early childhood education to promote financial understanding is crucial to building a financially competent society (Tien et al., 2020).

Based on observations at two institutions in Malang City, researchers found that children aged 5-6 had low literacy skills. Teachers simulated children's literacy knowledge using role-play, and the results revealed that 9 out of 15 children used money to purchase cakes and toys. In comparison, six children used their money to purchase gifts/toys, and the remaining children likely struggled with abstract language. Thus, early literacy education is crucial in establishing money habits (Setiawan et al., 2019). Children who recognize the importance of establishing themselves, moviegoing, sharing, and managing as adults (Fadhli et al., 2020). Prioritizing finansounditeracy at an early age enables society to establish a sturdy groundwork for children to manage their finances judiciously (Yafie et al., 2020). By doing so, they can develop the necessary financial skills to thrive in a progressively complex financial world.

Financial behavior programs work, according to several research. Financial management choices can be made by people with extensive financial knowledge and dependable sources (Rai et al., 2019). Choosing requires mental or cognitive processes. There are many more ways to construct effective and long-lasting self-guided learning settings to improve teens' financial literacy (Yafie et al., 2023).

This research used FinSOLEkid Indonesia media with organized learning and gamification. Preschool financial literacy resources are offered. The media uses gamification in an ordered SOLE style to spark children's interest and information-seeking (Kalwij et al., 2019). (Fadhli et al., 2022) found that financial learning games improve children's financial literacy. These games can be more instructive and tailored to a child's age and personality (Zahra & Anoraga, 2021).

Finsolekid provides an optimal self-learning environment for children to understand financial concepts via play and edutainment. The benefits include early financial skills, a better understanding of money, and positive financial habits. Finsolekid's game design matches children's learning styles, and program sustainability, which promotes financial literacy, illustrates its viability as a solution. Thus, Finsolekid was chosen after a thorough assessment of v financial education. Financial literacy ignorance has been studied, notably in schooling. Researchers are studying the importance of early financial literacy socialization (Hong Shan et al., 2023). Not much study has been done on this topic. Financial literacy research in early childhood still focuses on providing instructional resources, including learning media (Haron & Kenayathulla, 2022)(Lusardi, 2019)(Singh, 2018).

Recent studies in Southeast Asia highlight the importance of early financial literacy. In the Philippines, (Desello & Agner, 2023) and (Jee Balaza et al., 2021) are exploring early childhood education programs and alternative methods like the Smart Money Kit to enhance financial interest and skills among preschoolers. Indonesia prioritizes financial literacy from a young age, with (Rizkan et al., 2022) detailing government-led socializing programs. (Rahadi et al., 2023) emphasize the role of cognition in financial decision-making. A notable initiative, FinSOLEkid Indonesia, integrates gamification into a structured learning environment, making financial education engaging and playful for young children.

This research stands out for using the Indonesian Finsolekid technique to enhance early childhood financial literacy. This strategy, distinct from previous studies that relied on separate educational media without curricular integration (Cawyer et al., 2022), is seamlessly woven into early childhood education to foster financial literacy. While most preceding research has concentrated on children's financial literacy (Koskelainen et al., 2023), this study adopts a novel approach by integrating curriculum components that cater to children's interests and talents, concurrently introducing financial concepts at their level. This method combines play and creativity with financial concepts, rendering the learning process engaging and effective. The success of Finsolekid Indonesia in promoting financial literacy at a young age could lay a robust foundation for financial knowledge. This work complements studies that overlooked expertise in presenting fundamental financial concepts to young children.

This study focuses on the efficacy of FinSOLEkid Indonesia, a gamified educational platform, in bolstering financial literacy in early childhood education. It aims to explore two key hypotheses: H1 evaluates the change in financial knowledge among young children before and after engaging with FinSOLEkid Indonesia, aiming to quantify its direct educational impact. H2 investigates the differences in financial literacy advancement when children interact with various versions of FinSOLEkid Indonesia—namely, PC, Android, and traditional teaching methods. This aspect of the study is designed to identify the most effective format for imparting financial education in early childhood. Through this investigation, the research seeks to make a substantial contribution to early childhood educational practices, offering valuable insights into the role of technology-enhanced learning in developing financial literacy skills.

This research finds that the use of FinSOLEkid Indonesia media in increasing the financial knowledge of preschool students, in general, increases both those using the PC/laptop version and the Android version. Likewise, the control class students who used the worksheet method also experienced an increase. Nevertheless, there are significant differences from the increase that occurred. Students in the experimental class who used PCs/laptops experienced a significant increase beyond the experimental class using Android and the control class. As (Liverpool et al., 2020) stated, children with appropriate access and connectivity can learn and operate computers with minimal adult intervention.

(Al-Rajhi & Basheri, 2019) explore a collaborative learning environment facilitated by a multi-touch table supported by a computer, collaboration, and problem-solving among children. In addition, study discussed how the design of interactive learning media applications for early childhood can increase their interest and concentration in learning. Overall, stable connectivity in computer learning allows children to operate learning media independently, with varying levels of parental involvement and interactive features.

FinSOLEkid Indonesia, run by students using a PC or Android, has a structured learning stage adopting the SOLE model and is gamification-based. With the learning stages of the SOLE model, preschool students can independently manage their learning according to their wishes through gamification menus. The teacher acts as a facilitator in this process. The menu in the media has been completed with the content and the stage of the SOLE model.

Gamification provides a fun and interactive learning experience. By self-selecting learning menus, children can feel in control of their learning process, which can increase their motivation and engagement (Alam, 2022). For example, through educational games presented in gamification, they can learn basic concepts about money, savings, and financial management in a fun way (Platz & Jüttler, 2022). In this way, learning becomes more effective as it matches their interests and level of understanding, creating a solid foundation for future financial literacy. Research on gamification in children's finance conducted by (Alamin et al., 2022) found that game-based learning (GBL) can simulate financial decisions and engage students with limited real-life finance experience. (Kurniasari, 2021) implemented a gamification system called GASING to improve financial literacy among high school students, aiming to provide them with safe financial investment knowledge.

In this study, FinSOLEkid was developed in three stages. The first stage is questions. Students were presented with ten multiple-choice questions on financial literacy at this stage. Students can choose one of the three options available. However, they do not have to be correct to answer the questions. The questions appear to increase students' curiosity. The teacher facilitates by providing challenging questions (Zhou et al., 2023). After completing the question, students can move on to the next stage. This is the opinion of Kaiser-Menkhoff, who states that giving challenging questions to students can increase their curiosity.

Stage two: Investigation. In this stage, students can choose any game they want to play on the menu independently or collaboratively with friends. The games in this stage contain the content of financial literacy. This stage allowed students to explore the knowledge of financial literacy with fun because the content was displayed as a game. can motivate and engage; then, they can share the information they reach with their friend in groups or work together to finish the game. This is supported by research by (Partovi & Razavi, 2019), which states that game-based learning effectively increases children's motivation and engagement in the learning process. The use of this approach can create a fun and interactive learning environment. Children are not only actively involved in the game but can also share the information they gain with their friends in the group or work together to complete the game (Ardiansyah et al., 2023).

In financial literacy, educational games can be designed to teach basic concepts such as money, savings, and financial management in a fun and easy-to-understand way (Platz & Jüttler, 2022). Children can experience success and better understand financial aspects through active participation in the game. In addition, group collaboration can enrich their learning experience, as they can support each other and exchange ideas on complex financial concepts. Thus, a game-based learning approach increases children's motivation and engagement and can enrich their financial literacy from an early age.

Stage three: Review. In FinSOLEkid Indonesia, a review menu is available. This menu is provided to motivate students and facilitate them in expressing their financial knowledge. Games incorporating engaging features create an immersive learning environment that encourages active participation. Students are not just recipients of information; they become active contributors to their learning experience. In the context of financial literacy, games with engaging elements can effectively convey complex concepts related to financial management, savings, and financial decision-making (Rizkiwati et al., 2022). The interactive nature of these games allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, improving understanding and retention of financial concepts (Gerasimova et al., 2022). In addition, the game-based approach provides a platform for students to express their financial insights, share strategies, and collaborate with peers in problem-solving.

From the aspect of the technology platform used, the PC version of FinSOLEkid Indonesia media has advantages over the Android version of FinSOLEkid Indonesia. The increase of financial knowledge students use the PC version is more than the Android version in the experimental class students. According to research on the use of Android and computer-based educational games in early childhood, the use of Android in educational games is more dominant than the use of PCs (Candra Sari et al., 2022). However, in the context of this study, using the gamification system and SOLE stages in FinSOLEkid Indonesia, the media directs students to group activities. So, students with PC versions can enjoy learning collaboratively without being bored.

Some studies that use media to improve children's financial literacy conducted by (Ingale & Paluri, 2022) found that financial literacy in early childhood in the United States is still low, and the number of economics/finance courses taken in financial literacy levels. Meanwhile, (Amagir et al., 2020) reviewed financial literacy education programs. They found that school-based programs can improve children's financial knowledge and attitudes, but little evidence shows their impact on actual financial behavior. Providing financial literacy to young children has tremendous significance in shaping positive financial behavior and understanding from an early age. Financial education at an early stage helps raise children's awareness of critical aspects such as money management and wise financial decision-making (Kaiser et al., 2022). In addition, financial literacy involves the development of critical thinking skills, which can provide an edge in responding to future financial dynamics (Widyastuti et al., 2020).

Implementing financial literacy through engaging media, such as apps, increases children's engagement in the learning process. Financial literacy apps also facilitate safe, practical simulations, allowing children to apply financial concepts in everyday life (Aisa Amagir & G, 2018). In addition, the individualized progress monitoring, flexibility of access, and adaptability of learning offered by apps complement a holistic and practical approach to financial literacy learning at the child's developmental stage (Kalwij et al., 2019). Thus, integrating financial literacy early, primarily through engaging media, is a wise educational investment and a solid foundation for sustainable financial expertise.

This study aimed to enhance financial literacy in early childhood through FinSOLEkid Indonesia, a game-based learning application. The research findings on FinSOLEkid Indonesia, particularly its PC/laptop version, underscore its superior efficacy in boosting children's financial knowledge compared to its Android and traditional formats. This highlights how different technological platforms can significantly influence educational outcomes. Combining the SOLEs Model with gamification in FinSOLEkid Indonesia exemplifies the effectiveness of integrating learning models to create engaging educational experiences. However, the application's suitability for children under 5 to 6 years old is uncertain due to the presence of written instructions, which may not be appropriate for their developmental stage. This points to the necessity of careful media and content analysis in developing educational programs, especially for early childhood, to ensure that learning is appropriately tailored to the learners' developmental needs. While the study indicates promising results, applying this approach across various age groups and settings remains an area for further exploration. Thus, our research highlights the necessity of age-appropriate, engaging, and technologically adaptive methods in the early stages of financial literacy education.