Real Talk: Family Budgeting Is No Joke
There was a time when I used to dread every end of the month — not because of the bills, but because I’d open my wallet and ask myself, “Saan napunta yung pera?” 😅
With rising prices of groceries, tuition, and everything in between, I knew we needed a realistic family budget plan that fits our Filipino household and actually works.
After years of trial and error (and yes, a few emotional breakdowns while checking my GCash balance 😆), here’s the system that’s been saving us from overspending and helping us stay financially sane.
Step 1: List Every Expense (Even the Small Ones)
The first step that truly changed my budgeting life? Honesty.
Yup — no more hiding those milk tea receipts or that “₱99 lang” Shopee sale item.
Every peso counts. Once I started tracking everything — groceries, snacks, electric bill, and even pasalubong for the kids — I saw the bigger picture.
Step 2: Use the 50/30/20 Rule (But Make It Filipino)
Here’s what works for us:
- 50% – Needs (rent, groceries, bills)
- 30% – Wants (occasional family eat-outs or weekend trips)
- 20% – Savings & emergency fund
And because we’re in the Philippines, I also include a small “Pamilya Fund” for birthdays, school events, and unexpected ambagan moments.
Step 3: Go Cashless — But Wisely
GCash, Maya, and online banking make life easier — but they can also make money disappear fast. I learned to set limits and use separate wallets:
💸 One for bills
🍗 One for groceries
💖 One for leisure
That way, I always know where our money goes — no more guilt spending!
Budgeting isn’t about depriving your family. It’s about making your blessings last longer.
Once I learned that mindset, we finally had peace with money — and that’s priceless.
