If you're like most Filipinos, you've probably seen or experienced financial struggles firsthand. Maybe you've witnessed your parents working tirelessly just to make ends meet, or maybe you’ve felt the pressure of living paycheck to paycheck, with little to no savings for emergencies.
But here’s the truth: you have the power to change your financial future.
The cycle of poverty isn’t just about a lack of money—it’s about a lack of financial education. Many people were never taught how to manage their income, save wisely, or grow their wealth. This is why breaking free from financial struggles starts with learning how money works.
This isn’t about getting rich overnight—it’s about building a solid financial foundation so that you, your family, and future generations can live with security, stability, and opportunity. And the best part? You don’t need a big salary or luck to get started. You just need the right knowledge and mindset.
Why Many Filipinos Struggle With Money
We Filipinos are hardworking, resilient, and family-oriented. But let’s be honest—many of us face financial challenges because of common habits and mindsets, such as:
- No emergency savings. Life is unpredictable, but most households aren’t prepared financially for sudden expenses.
- Relying on high-interest loans. "5-6" lending and payday loans trap people in endless debt cycles.
- Spending everything we earn. Salary increases don’t help if expenses rise along with them.
- Thinking investing is only for the wealthy. The truth is, anyone can invest—even with small amounts.
These struggles aren’t a reflection of laziness or bad luck. They happen because we weren’t taught how to handle money wisely. But change starts with awareness.
6 Steps to Start Your Financial Freedom Journey
1. Budget Your Money Like a Pro
Do you ever feel like your salary disappears before the month even ends? The problem isn’t always income—it’s how you manage it.
Here’s an easy budgeting trick: Follow the 50-30-20 Rule.
- 50% for essentials (food, rent, bills).
- 30% for personal wants (shopping, entertainment).
- 20% for savings or investments.
By following this system, you’ll always have money for important expenses while still enjoying life.
2. Save, Even If It’s Just ₱20 a Day
Think you can’t save because your salary is small? Start with whatever amount you can! Even saving ₱20 a day adds up to ₱7,300 a year. Small savings become big opportunities over time.
💡 Action Step: Open a bank account with automatic savings or join a cooperative where you can set aside money regularly.
3. Be Smart About Loans and Credit
Borrowing money isn’t bad—but borrowing with no plan is. Avoid loans with high interest rates, and only borrow for things that will increase in value (like education or business investments).
⚠️ Avoid: “5-6” lending, payday loans, and unnecessary credit card debt.
4. Start Investing ASAP
Investing isn’t just for the rich—it’s for anyone who wants their money to grow. Whether it’s a small business, stocks, or government savings programs, you can start investing even with a small amount.
📌 Beginner-Friendly Investment Idea: Check out Pag-IBIG MP2, a government-backed program that offers higher returns than bank savings.
5. Find Additional Ways to Earn
Relying on just one source of income is risky. Consider a side hustle to boost your financial security.
✅ Side Hustle Ideas: Online freelancing, selling homemade goods, social media content creation, or investing in small businesses.
6. Teach Your Family About Money
If you want to break the cycle of financial struggles, it’s important to educate not just yourself, but also your family.
🤝 Action Step: Start money talks at home. Teach siblings, parents, and relatives about saving and investing so everyone can work toward financial security.
Resources to Help You Build Wealth
Want to learn more? Here are books and resources that can transform your financial mindset and help you succeed:
📚 Books by Filipino Authors
- Think Rich Pinoy – Larry Gamboa
- No Nonsense Personal Finance – Randell Tiongson
🌏 Books That Will Change Your Mindset About Money
- Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
- Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki
- The Richest Man in Babylon – George S. Clason
- Secrets of the Millionaire Mind – T. Harv Eker
- The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg
📌 Other Resources
- Pag-IBIG MP2 Savings Program – A safe and easy investment option for Filipinos
- Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Academy – Free online courses on investing
- YouTube Channels & Blogs: Tony Robbins, Dave Ramsey, Marvin Germo, Fitz Villafuerte
Breaking free from financial struggles isn’t just about earning more—it’s about learning how to manage money wisely. You don’t have to wait for luck or a big salary to change your financial future.
Start today. Build smart habits. Take small steps.
Because the best time to take control of your finances is now.
Are you ready to transform your financial future? 🚀
Book Recommendations
- Choose to Be Wealthy by Bo Sanchez – A practical guide on how Filipinos can build wealth through smart financial habits.
- Think Rich Pinoy by Larry Gamboa – Focuses on real estate investing and financial strategies tailored for Filipinos.
- No Nonsense Personal Finance by Randell Tiongson – A straightforward guide to managing money, avoiding debt, and growing wealth.
- Till Debt Do Us Part by Chinkee Tan – Helps Filipinos understand and escape the cycle of debt.
- The Ready to Be Rich Guide to Investing by Fitz Villafuerte – A beginner-friendly book on investing and financial planning.
- Stocks Smarts: Investing Made Easy by Marvin Germo – A great resource for Filipinos who want to learn about stock market investing.
- Kasusweldo Pa Lang, Ubos Na? by Vic & Avelynn Garcia – A humorous yet insightful take on common financial mistakes and how to fix them.
- Pwede Na! The Complete Pinoy Guide to Personal Finance by Efren Ll. Cruz – Covers everything from budgeting to investing in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Go Negosyo: 21 Steps on How to Start Your Own Business – A step-by-step guide for aspiring business owners.
- Till Debt Do Us Part – Helps Filipinos escape the cycle of debt.
Other Resources
- Pag-IBIG MP2 Savings Program – A government-backed savings and investment program with higher returns than regular bank savings.
- Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Academy – Offers free online courses on investing and stock market basics.
- Financial Literacy Blogs & YouTube Channels – Follow Filipino finance experts like Fitz Villafuerte, Marvin Germo, and Chinkee Tan for practical money tips.
- Online Courses on Personal Finance – Websites like Coursera and Udemy offer affordable courses on budgeting, investing, and financial planning.
- Local Cooperatives & Community Savings Groups – Joining a cooperative can help Filipinos save and invest with lower risks.
Books That Change Mindsets and Inspire Success
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – A classic that teaches the principles of success through mindset, persistence, and strategic planning.
- The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy – Explores how thoughts shape reality and how to harness the subconscious for success.
- Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker – Focuses on the financial habits and mindset differences between wealthy and struggling individuals.
- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason – Uses ancient parables to teach timeless financial wisdom.
- The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko – Reveals the habits of self-made millionaires and how they build wealth.
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg – Explains how habits shape success and how to change them for personal and financial growth.
- The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles – A foundational book on wealth-building through positive thinking and action.
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki – Contrasts the financial philosophies of the wealthy and the middle class, offering practical lessons on wealth-building.
- You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero – A fun and motivational book on mastering the mindset of wealth.
- The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson – A modern guide to wealth and happiness, emphasizing personal growth and financial independence.
Resources for Financial Growth and Mindset Transformation
- Coursera & Udemy – Offer online courses on personal finance, investing, and success mindset.
- TED Talks on Financial Success – Inspiring talks from global experts on wealth-building and financial literacy.
- The Headway App – Provides book summaries and insights from top self-improvement books.
- Financial Literacy Blogs & YouTube Channels – Follow experts like Tony Robbins, Dave Ramsey, and Ramit Sethi for practical financial advice.
- Local and International Investment Platforms – Websites like Investopedia, The Motley Fool, and Philippine-based financial education platforms.