How to Spend Wisely and Still Live Your Best Life
Luxury is fun. Being broke isn’t. We all love a little budol—a designer bag here, a weekend trip there—but what if you could indulge without draining your bank account? These 5 smart money tips will help you save, invest, and splurge guilt-free.
Words Kaila Dy
March 10, 2025
Let's be honest, we all can agree that saving money is not our favorite topic; neither is it as exciting as winding down under the sun with a last-minute trip to Siargao or checking out at a Lazada payday sale (with free shipping, of course!). But here's the thing: financial freedom hits different, especially when you know your money isn’t sitting there–it’s growing and earning for your future.
We’ve all seen (or at least heard about) Carrie Bradshaw, the queen of New York fashion, making every financial mistake in the book. She once famously said, “I like my money where I can see it—hanging in my closet.” And while that sounds fabulous, real life isn’t a SATC episode—because what good are designer shoes if you can’t afford your rent?
In the Philippines, diskarte is everything. Diskarte helps stretch sweldo even as one tries to scrape by. But saving? Come on! Between daily expenses, side hustles, and some with much needed contributions for the family, the hope for such things seems so wishful. This is where smart money habits come in!
At a time when banking is no longer only about safekeeping but also about wealth-building, institutions such as UnionBank Wealth Management present an entirely new manner of managing finances. UnionBank is providing high-net-worth individuals the chance to invest in the global market, thereby offering expert financial planning and exclusive offers that are well beyond the provincial landscape of banking with the unveiling of its new Wealth Center at The Ark. Whether you are a multimillion-cash-handler or are just starting to fill your bank with savings, the principles of smart money management are still in place.
Okay, but, how do you actually save money without feeling deprived? We give you five practical (and actually doable) tips to help you take charge of your finances and avoid a Carrie Bradshaw-level money disaster—no to impulse budols!
1. Pay Yourself First (a.k.a. The Invisible Money Trick)
Have you ever observed how your sweldo vanishes like magic as soon as it hits your trusty checking account? In the blink of an eye, you’re left with ₱500, wondering how in the world you managed to drain your balance just for a Lazada one-day sale, several days of samgyup, and an unplanned La Union trip.
Here’s a tip: treat savings like a bill. Dedicate a portion of your pay automatically to get credited directly into a separate savings or investment account. If it isn't available in your main account, you can't spend it.
2. Beware of Lifestyle Creep (Pataas nang pataas ang gastos Syndrome)
Got a raise? Bigger pay from freelance? Your side hustle is working well for you at last? We love to see it! But before you bypass packs of coffee sachets in favor of hitting Starbucks daily, hold your horses for a minute.
One does not automatically spend more simply because one earns more. Instead of increasing your set standard of living with every pay raise, increase your savings and investment first. The flex isn't in the purchase; it's in mounting long-term wealth.
Pro Tip: Live like you still have your old salary, and save the difference. That’s diskarte at its finest.
3. Budol Defense: The 24-Hour Rule
The "must-have" concealer on TikTok? Another pair of workout clothes? A product you found on Shopee that you think might revolutionize your life? No matter what it might be, hold off until the 24-hour period has expired before adding to cart.
Most likely, you will forget about it (or realize you don't really need it). If you still want it the next couple days, go for it – but only if it fits your budget and financial goals!
Pro Tip: Ask yourself these questions when you're about to purchase with: Do I actually need this, Do I have this already or is it because of a TikTok viewed at 2 in the morning?" Be brutally honest.
4. Invest in Assets, Not Just Aesthetics
We all love a little indulgence: a luxury purse that turns heads, weekend staycation to recharge, fancy dinner that feels like your birthday. Yet the ultimate status "symbol" is owning assets that make money for you while you are asleep.
If you’re feeling like a grown up, it’s time to say no to low-interest savings! Mutual funds, stocks, and real estate are just some of the options to look at. Money is meant to work for you rather than making you wonder "OK, now what?!"
Pro tip: UnionBank Wealth Management offers global investment opportunities. The next level, here we come!
5. Cook More, Eat Less Outside (Yes, Even When You're Tamad)
Dining out might be thought of as a harmless practice ("₱300 lang naman eh!"), but those little pang-araw-araw gastos can quickly add up. Cooking at home offers health benefits and costs much less, saving your wallet .
If meal planning is not your thing, start small—perhaps cook breakfast instead of buying it, or dedicate takeout to weekends. Your bank account (and future self) will thank you.
