Author(s): Wachukwu-ChikoI, Happiness I, Deedam, Nua Janet and Wordu GO

Abstract:
The study investigated income management practices of homemakers in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The population of the study was all homemakers in Emohua Local Government Area. A sample of 180 fulltime home makers was selected across the 8 strata classification of the study area using multistage sampling techniques. Furthermore, two experts validated structured instrument titled “Income Management Practices for Homemakers Inventory” (IMPHI) with a reliability coefficient of 0-773 was used for the collection of data analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The result revealed that the main sources of income available to homemakers were income from farming (=3.0), some gifted skill/talent (=2.9), and share of contribution (=2.8). The homemakers spent more of the income on family feeding (=3.7), children school fees (=3.4), clothing (=3.0), and medication (=2.9). While savings (=3.9), organizing garden (=3.4), and buying from market where goods are cheap (=3.3) was the income management strategies adopted by homemakers. It therefore, recommended that husbands and children be involved in home management by making requests that are within the family income and budget. Alongside, homemakers should be prudent and judicious in their use of resources to avoid debt which affects the family self-sufficiency, freedom and coexistence.