Are you working hard but still feeling broke? You might be making some sneaky money mistakes without even realizing it. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. These habits are common, but the good news is you can fix them starting today.
Here’s a no-BS, scroll-stopping list of the top 21 money mistakes Filipinos make—and what to do instead. 💡
🚫 1. Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Why it hurts: No buffer = instant panic when emergencies strike.
Do this instead: Build a mini emergency fund with at least ₱10K-₱20K.
#EmergencyFund #IPonGoals
🛍️ 2. Impulse Buying on Lazada/Shopee
We get it—midnight sales are tempting.
Do this instead: Use the 24-hour rule before checking out.
#AddToCartWisely #BUDOLAlert
💳 3. Just Paying the Minimum on Your Credit Card
That 3% minimum? A trap.
Do this instead: Pay in full monthly or avoid unnecessary swipes.
#CreditCardTips #DebtFreeJourney
🍿 4. Overspending on Wants, Not Needs
Streaming, foodpanda, and online shopping stacking up?
Do this instead: Set a “fun budget” per week.
#SpendSmart #AdultingTips
📉 5. Not Tracking Expenses
What gets measured gets managed.
Do this instead: Use a free app or spreadsheet to track daily gastos.
#TrackYourCash #BudgetBoss
⏳ 6. Delaying Investing
Waiting until “malaki na sweldo”? That day might not come.
Do this instead: Start small with ₱500/month via digital investment apps.
#InvestNow #StartSmallGrowBig
🚫 7. No Clear Financial Goals
Walang plano = walang direksyon.
Do this instead: Set short-term, mid-term, and long-term financial goals.
#MoneyGoals #PlanYourFuture
🔧 8. No Insurance or HMO
One hospital trip can wipe out your savings.
Do this instead: Get basic life & health insurance coverage.
#InsureToBeSure #FinancialProtection
💸 9. Depending Only on One Source of Income
If your salary disappears, what’s left?
Do this instead: Explore side hustles or freelancing gigs.
#MultipleStreamsOfIncome #SideHustlePH
👩🎓 10. Not Investing in Financial Education
Walang magtuturo sa’yo sa school about money.
Do this instead: Read finance books, follow money influencers, take courses.
#LearnAboutMoney #MoneySmartPinoy
📆 11. Not Budgeting Monthly
Kung walang budget, expect over-budget.
Do this instead: Use the 50-30-20 rule to allocate your income.
#BudgetLikeABoss #FinancialDiscipline
🔥 12. Falling for Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Do this instead: Research before investing. Stick with legit platforms.
#ScamAlert #InvestSmartPH
🏦 13. Keeping All Money in a Low-Interest Savings Account
Your savings are losing value due to inflation.
Do this instead: Keep some in high-yield accounts or digital banks.
#InflationBeater #SmartSaving
🎉 14. Not Preparing for Big Expenses
Weddings, tuition, travel… they creep up fast.
Do this instead: Create sinking funds for major future gastos.
#SinkingFund101 #PlanAheadPH
🧓 15. No Retirement Plan
SSS alone won’t cut it.
Do this instead: Start a PERA account or long-term investments.
#RetireYoung #SecureYourFuture
🚪 16. Quitting Jobs Without Savings
Resignation with zero backup = recipe for stress.
Do this instead: Save at least 3-6 months of expenses before resigning.
#QuitSmart #BackupFundPH
👨👩👧👦 17. Always Saying “Ako Bahala” to Family
Love your family, but set boundaries.
Do this instead: Help within your means and talk openly about money.
#FilipinoCulture #SetFinancialBoundaries
🧾 18. Ignoring Taxes as a Freelancer/Small Biz
BIR will come knocking eventually.
Do this instead: Register and track income properly. Hire a virtual bookkeeper.
#TaxTipsPH #FreelancerFinance
💡 19. Not Monetizing Your Skills
You’re sleeping on talent that could be earning.
Do this instead: Offer services online or start a digital side hustle.
#MonetizeThatSkill #DigitalNegosyo
📉 20. Not Reviewing Subscriptions
Netflix, Spotify, Canva Pro… still using them all?
Do this instead: Cancel what you don’t need this month.
#SubscriptionAudit #CutTheFluff
⏱️ 21. Waiting Too Long to Start
Time is your greatest asset.
Do this instead: Take one action step today.
#StartNowPH #MoneyMakeover
✅ Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are
Fixing your finances doesn’t need to be perfect. You just need to start smart, start small, and stay consistent.
Share this list with a friend who needs a wake-up call! 🙌
#MoneyMistakesPH #PersonalFinanceTips #BudgetPH #MoneyGoals2025 #BigDigitalTech