Getting the most out of your salary: Tips on how to stretch your Peso

Managing a monthly salary can be a tricky balancing act for young adults just starting out in the world of financial independence. Whether you are saving up for a concert, planning a trip, or just trying to make ends meet, the key to making your money last longer is all about smart planning and taking advantage of every opportunity to stretch your budget. O baka hindi ka na sure kung kakayanin mo ba? Do not worry, because we’ve got you!

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Here are practical strategies to help you save while still living the life you deserve.

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1. Stretching our sahod in style

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Gone are the days where we shop till we drop. Ngayon, shop with purpose na!

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You do not have to stop buying the things you love, but you need to be more strategic about it. Make a list and stick to it. Before heading out to the mall o sa palengke kapag oras na ulit for groceries, gumawa ng listahan of the things you really need. The key here is to set specific items/goals na kailangang bilhin upang hindi na ma-distract sa mga sale item na hindi mo naman talaga kailangan.

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Kapag online shopping naman ang usapan, always look for vouchers or coupons. Take advantage of discounts, promo codes, and online flash sales! Malay mo, mas mura pa pala bumili online kaysa sa mismong store, ‘di ba?

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Lastly, if you can afford it, try to buy in bulk for items that last longer. Kasama na rito ang toiletries, cleaning items, and household goods. Not only do you save on the per-item price, but you will not have to keep buying them every month.

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2. Lutong bahay, mas happy ang buhay!

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Walang tatalo sa home-cooked meals! Going out for meals or ordering takeout might feel convenient, yet cooking at home can save you a lot of money in the long run. Plus, you get to control what goes into your food, making it healthier too. 

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3. Digital tools to the rescue

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New technological innovations are your friend when it comes to managing your finances. Laganap na ang budgeting applications na puwedeng tumulong sa iyo to have a monthly budget. All you have to do after is make sure to stick to it for the best results. Do not forget to track your expenses, set saving goals, at siyempre, huwag din masyadong hayaan na i-deprive ang sarili sa well-earned (and plotted) rewards.

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Remember, you want to save sustainably, not rob yourself of fun completely. Ika nga, slowly but surely!

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4. Saving for fun: Concerts, trips, and purchases

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Do not let FOMO (fear of missing out) eat up your savings, bestie! We know, we know. You just HAVE to see your ultimate bias sa Manila stop nila for their tour. So, paano nga ba makakaipon for a ticket even on a tight budget?

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Create a special ‘for fun’ fund! Instead of feeling guilty about spending money on concerts or other spontaneous gala with friends, create a separate savings account for it. Mag-set ng weekly or monthly savings goal specifically for concert tickets, trips, or anything you have been eyeing. Also, if you are saving for big-ticket items, like gadgets or trips, iwasan ang impulse buying. Ugaliing mag-research, mag-compare ng prices on various platforms, and i-check din kung possible ba ang installment plans as a form of payment.

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Never let yourself miss out on things that come by only once in your life. Saving does not have to mean not living. Kailangan lang, we have to be smart about our spending.

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5. Ready to raket?

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May extra time to burn ka ba? Pwes, it is time to raket!

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Try looking for side hustles to increase your income. Whether it is freelance work, tutoring, or even selling thrifted clothes online, any extra money can make a big difference. Assess how much extra time you can give outside of work and start a small business on the side that could help get the bills paid. Sobrang laking tulong when you could rely more than your own expected paycheck.

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Remember to not overdo it lang, ha!

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Take control of your finances and have fun while doing it!

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Magtipid, magplano, at mag-enjoy. ‘Yon naman talaga ang goal natin, right?

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You do not have to live like a hermit para lang i-stretch ang sahod mo. Getting you towards financial freedom should never be a task faced with gloom. Keep a balance between being responsible and treating yourself to the things you love, and you will be able to achieve both your financial goals and your dreams of concerts, trips, and all the things you are excited about in no time. Tandaan, it is all about setting goals, tracking your progress, and making small changes that add up over time.

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Do not be afraid to take control of your finances, and soon enough, you will see the results.

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So, ready ka na ba simulan ang savings journey mo? Simulan mo ng hulugan ang iyong online wallet/online savings bank with eTap today! Bukod sa mababang fees, napaka-convenient din ng pagka-cash in dahil hindi mo na kailangang pumila sa payment centers. 

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Start your financial freedom journey with eTap today.

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Article by Aira Matsushita
Graphic by Mark Joshua Puig

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