The holidays can be an overwhelming time when it comes to money management. There’s a big influx of money coming in (hello, 13th month pay!) while also coming out because of gifts, celebrations, and self-treating. If you’ve been feeling like you’re running out of “Pasko naman” passes and want to start course-correcting for the new year, you’ve come to the right place.
Financial wellness should be everybody’s goal. Yes, it may feel like a challenging task, but like anything else, it all begins with baby steps.
To help you on your journey, Metrobank created Earnest Learning – an accessible financial education program designed to help everyday Filipinos achieve financial freedom. From this platform, Metrobank is giving the gift of… well, GIFT!
GIFT is an acronym to keep your finances on track this spending season:
The first two are strategic to adopt at the top of the year. Getting ahead of your goals means laying down your spending priorities before you start spending. Is there a non-negotiable family vacation coming up? Add it to your goals. Can you afford to buy that dream game console this year, or is it wiser to plot it for next Christmas? Move it to 2026! Setting realistic goals can help your bank account come out of the holidays without collateral damage.
Where there’s extra money, there’s also a chance to invest! Take advantage of your performance bonuses, 13th month pay, and other extra payouts to pay yourself back in the long run.
The last two tips are all about building a mindset that will benefit you all year long. Follow a budget plan to help you make smart spending decisions and protect yourself from overspending. We promise you it’s possible to find joy during holidays while also maintaining financial discipline!
Finally, always take advantage of opportunities to save. Each year is filled with seasons of sales and special deals, so be a smart spender and create your shopping list with this strategy in mind. And remember: When browsing through sales, stick to your shopping list!
When it comes to financial wellness, there’s always no better time than now to start – and it just got simpler with the guidance of Metrobank’s GIFT. By setting your intentions early with financial resolutions, you can also set yourself up for success this 2025. A final tip: If you want these lessons to stick in your mind, you can listen to Metrobank’s original GIFT Song on repeat.
For more financial tips and tricks, visit Metrobank’s Earnest website at https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/gift-of-financial-wellness/ to access valuable financial resources. – Rappler.com
