Sumasabay ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin sa walang katapusang luho.
Is your salary ever enough to get everything you want in life? Of course not! Karamihan sa atin, kahit above average na ang sinasahod, ay sasabihin na kulang pa rin. With the rising costs of living and an endless list of desires, it often feels like our hard-earned paychecks are gone before we know it. Most of the time, napupunta sa mga bills at groceries. Swertihan na lang kung may matitira pa para ihulog sa savings.
But how much is really enough for you to live through each day decently? According to a PhilStar article, a family of five in Metro Manila needs a monthly income of P25,226 to live comfortably. Although, that’s a highly debatable rate and makes a great topic for another day.
Remember, working hard for your paycheck isn’t just about paying the bills. Here’s how you can stretch your salary to cover all the bases — from your necessities to the things you truly want to achieve:
Pay yourself first.
Prioritize yourself before anything else and one of the best ways to do that is immediately setting aside a portion of your earnings for your savings or wants. Dapat ‘di ka ma-guilty rito cause you worked hard for this money! So treat it like a non-negotiable expense, just like rent or groceries. This way, you’re consistently setting aside money for future goals, rather than just what’s left over after spending.
Budget, budget, budget.
We couldn’t stress this enough! Kung nagsisimula ka palang maging financially responsible, you can apply the 70-20-10 budgeting rule each time you get paid hanggang sa masanay ka na to adjust your budget to your liking. 70% goes to your essential expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and transpo. Meanwhile, 20% is for your savings and 10% for wants — the fun stuff like dining out, hobbies, and vacations.
Set specific savings goals.
Whether it’s a new gadget, a dream vacation, or a home makeover, having a clear target helps you stay motivated and disciplined. Open a separate savings account for these goals and contribute regularly, even if it’s just a small amount.
Keep an eye on your spending habits.
‘Pag nakapag-decide ka na sa magiging budget mo per cut-off, ‘matic gaganahan kang maging mindful sa mga pinaggagastusan mo. So look for areas where you might be able to cut back, like subscriptions you no longer use or impulse purchases. Redirect those towards your goals.
This is just a warm-up but it’s a great start to make your salary work for you instead of the other way around. Once you’ve nailed your budget to the last cent, the rest will follow, including your spending mindset and habits. Tandaan mo, walang enough na salary sa taong 'di nagba-budget.
So, let your hard-earned money move beyond the bills and seriously start funding your dream life. G?
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