Being a mom in the Philippines means multitasking your way through life — cooking, cleaning, budgeting, reminding everyone where their things are, AND somehow making the grocery budget stretch like cheese on a super thin pizza.
This 2025, I promised myself one thing: be wiser with money without sacrificing comfort for my family. And honestly? I discovered that small habits add up — and moms are the queens of small habits turned daily magic.
Here are the mom life hacks that actually saved me money this year — real, practical, and doable even on busy days.
1. Grocery Hacks That Make a HUGE Difference
I used to go to the grocery without a list. Bad idea. I’d come home with snacks, ice cream, and of course… something pink and cute for Twinkle that she didn’t really need.
Now I do these:
✔️ Always bring a realistic list (with prices!)
I put estimated prices beside each item. If something is too mahal today, I swap it for another brand instantly.
✔️ Buy “gagawin pang ulam” ingredients — not “pang display” ingredients
I stick to:
- chicken parts
- ground pork
- tokwa
- sardines
- eggs
- veggies that last (up to 1 week)
✔️ Move your eyes to the bottom shelf
Best budget brands are ALWAYS below eye level.
✔️ Shop on weekdays
Less crowd, fresher stocks, fewer impulse buys.
My best savings so far? Around ₱300–₱500 per grocery trip, just by planning better.
2. The Budgeting Apps That Actually Work for Moms
I tried five apps last year. I deleted four. Only two stuck:
✔️ Money Manager
My go-to. Simple, clean, and perfect for tracking daily gastos.
✔️ Notion (Mom Budget Template)
I created a “Mom Wallet” page:
- groceries
- school
- bills
- emergency fund
- wants
Seeing everything in one glance keeps me from overspending on Shopee flash sales (well… most days).
3. My ₱100-a-Day Ulam Strategy
This is my personal challenge, especially when the budget is tight. Some of our go-to meals:
- Ginisang pechay + sardines
- Tokwa’t longganisa bowl
- Chicken adobo flakes over rice
- Misua with patola and ground meat
- Tortang giniling
I also do “one expensive ulam, one tipid ulam” every week. Balance is key.
4. What I Stopped Buying as a Mom (and Never Looked Back)
This one shocked me — these small things were draining my wallet:
✘ Fancy cleaning supplies
Vinegar + baking soda combo works for MOST things.
✘ Cute but unnecessary school supplies
Twinkle loves characters, but I now buy ONE cute item, and the rest are basics. My sister who calls herself Anney buy a lot for her, though.
✘ Too many snacks
I choose 3–4 snack varieties only. Kids are happy, budget is happier.
✘ Coffee runs
I now make café-style coffee at home. But I think I do this once a month.
Savings? Around ₱1,500–₱2,000/month.
5. Kid-Related Savings That STILL Make Them Feel Loved
Raising kids in 2025 is expensive — from school projects to weekend treats. Here’s what helps:
✔️ Buy school baon items in bulk
Crackers, yogurt drinks, snacks — cheaper per pack.
✔️ DIY weekend treats
Instead of mall trips every week, we do:
- movie nights
- air fryer fries
- sundae nights
Twinkle enjoys them more because it feels like a mini celebration at home.
✔️ Limit paid activities
Instead of 3 extra-curriculars, choose 1 they truly love.
Why These Hacks Work
Because they’re simple. Realistic. Mom-approved.
I’m not trying to be the “perfect budgeting mom.” I’m just trying to be wise enough so I can give my family more experiences, less stress, and a healthier financial cushion.
This year, let’s save smarter — not harder.
