Financial planning evaluates a person’s financial goals by identifying the necessary steps to achieve them according to their financial resources. With the increased influence of technology on day-to-day life and the countless innovations, incorporating new opportunities into the financial planning process increases the possibilities of achieving settled purposes. Using smartphone applications to manage personal finances improves economic behaviour, knowledge, attitudes, and motivation. In this study, we will analyse the changes brought about by using cash management applications among young people and through the delivery of a survey, we could gather their feedback. The answers are then analysed through SPSS Statistics, using Pearson correlation analysis. We measure the strength and direction of the relationship between variables related to what leads to using or not using cash management applications. At the end of the analyses, we conclude a weak positive relationship between using cash management applications and improving personal finances, according to Good Things Foundation (n.d.). From analysing the ties between smartphone usage and cash management apps, resulting in a fragile negative relationship, we conclude that the weak relationship between cash management apps and improved personal finances results from a low recognition in this typology of applications.

The increasing adoption of online banking has reshaped financial services, particularly in the wake of globalization and the COVID-19 pandemic. E-banking provides a cost-effective, secure, and convenient way to conduct financial transactions, yet challenges related to technology adaptation, digital literacy, and trust continue to hinder its widespread acceptance (Asongu & Odhiambo, 2019). This study examines the key determinants of online banking adoption in Albania, analyzing the impact of factors such as education, income, trust, and technological familiarity. Using an analytical approach, the study employs primary data collected through a structured survey of individuals aged 18 to 70. Through correlation and regression analysis, the findings reveal that the frequency of banking service usage is positively correlated with online banking activation, though security concerns and limited digital literacy remain barriers. The results emphasize the need for financial institutions to enhance trust, improve digital literacy initiatives, and strengthen security protocols to boost online banking adoption (Ridwan et al., 2025). This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on e-banking adoption patterns in developing economies and offers strategic recommendations for banks to improve service delivery. The study’s findings have practical implications for policymakers, financial institutions, and technology developers aiming to expand digital financial inclusion.

This paper evaluates the financial feasibility of the wind energy production project at the Kitka Substation (SS Kitka), focusing on its technical and economic aspects, return on capital investment, and broader environmental and social implications. The study’s findings indicate that for the period of January to June 2022, the project generated total revenues of €3,749,466.11, while operating expenses amounted to €1,780,000. With a total investment of €48,000,000, the capital return for this period was calculated at €1,969,466.11. The analysis of wind energy production data from January to August 2022 recorded a total output of 56,562.25 MWh. Moreover, the project contributed €10,160,047 in revenue to the Kosovo government through wind-generated energy from the SS Kitka facility. Based on financial projections, the annual return on investment (ROI) for the capital invested is estimated at €3,938,932.22. Consequently, the full recovery of the initial €48 million investment is projected to be achieved within 12 years. These findings underscore the long-term financial viability of the SS Kitka wind energy project, reinforcing its role in promoting sustainable energy development and economic growth.

This study examines the impact of the base interest rate on economic growth in Albania. The variables considered are economic growth, base interest rate, nominal effective exchange rate (NEER), and inflation. The analysis applied in the study is multiple regression. The study uses time series data from 2006 to 2022. The results show that the base interest rate indirectly affects economic growth. This suggests that the combination of variables used in the study may need to be more practical for predicting economic growth in Albania. However, this may also depend on the country and the parameters of the variables in each country. The study creates a panorama of the effect of the base interest rate on economic growth as it brings about a domino effect, where it affects the interest rate, which involves the withdrawal of capital and the level of loans. Through this study, it has been found that the base interest rate in Albania does not impact the economic growth of Albania, which makes it an essential instrument for economic growth. Inflation negatively affects economic growth.

This study examines the ability of asymmetric GARCH-family models, specifically EGARCH and GJR-GARCH, to capture and forecast the volatility of major decentralized cryptocurrencies. We analyzed the returns of seven leading assets (BTC, ETH, ADA, XRP, LTC, XLM, DASH). We used the Crypto Fear & Greed Index (CFGI) as a dummy variable, covering a period when all cryptocurrencies were active simultaneously. Notably, the Student-t distribution provided the best in-sample results with the lowest AIC and BIC for both models. When comparing the models directly, EGARCH consistently outperforms GJR-GARCH across in-sample metrics. The use of the CFGI dummy variable marginally improves in-sample results for only three of the seven cryptocurrencies, suggesting it may be adding noise to the models for some coins. Additionally, there is no clear rule of asymmetry across all cryptocurrencies, suggesting a fundamental structural difference from the traditional stock market. Out-of-sample metrics and performance vary more than in-sample metrics, with normal and GJR-GARCH models yielding better performance and lower QLIKE values for specific cryptocurrencies. This study contributes to the growing literature on volatility modeling and forecasting in cryptocurrencies, highlighting the importance of asset-specific valuation in the cryptocurrency market. It also provides a framework for integrating specific market indicators into the modeling framework.

Sustainable tourism has gained significant attention in recent years due to environmental pressures. Climate change and environmental degradation have made people more aware of the environmental and social impacts of their travel and tourism activities. The tourism industry has the potential to contribute to the three pillars of sustainable development by preserving the environment, promoting social inclusivity, and fostering local economic development. Balancing tourism development with environmental conservation and socio-economic sustainability is crucial for the long-term viability of this industry. Albania has great potential to become one of the Balkans region countries suitable for implementing and developing sustainable tourism practices due to its natural beauty, cultural heritage, landscapes, etc. As tourism affects the overall dimensions of our lives, implementing sustainable tourism practices requires undertaking some strategies such as policy and regulations, community engagements, and awareness. People must choose greener transport forms, eat local foods, and seek authentic and small-group tourism experiences. The private sector needs to invest in sustainable practices to minimize the negative impacts of their activities on the environment. Through prioritizing responsible development, community engagement and awareness, and environmental conservation, Albania can turn tourism into a significant contributor to the economy and people’s well-being. Through a descriptive overview of some global and Albanian sustainable tourism practices and their impact on the economy, environment, and society, this paper aims to analyse the importance of implementing more sustainable tourism practices in our country’s accommodation and services sectors.