<![CDATA[The study analyzes the role of financial literacy, financial experience, and financial socialization in shaping financial management behavior of SMEs in Jepara, where internal locus of control serves as a mediator. This research is grounded in the rapid growth of SMEs in the post-pandemic era, which has not been matched by adequate financial capability and psychological readiness in managing business finances. This study uses a quantitative survey approach. Data were collected from 185 SME owners selected through purposive sampling. The examined using PLS-SEM with SmartPLS 3.0 to assess testing validity, reliability, and research hypotheses. The empirical evidence suggests that financial literacy and internal locus of control have a significant positive effect on financial management behavior. Financial experience and financial socialization do not directly affect the outcome. however, internal locus of control significantly mediates both variables. The results highlight that financial knowledge and experience alone are insufficient without strengthening psychological beliefs related to personal control over financial outcomes.]]>
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