Quezon City, Philippines — August 28, 2025. With just one day left before payday, many Filipinos find themselves in ‘petsa de peligro’ also known as that tight stretch when wallets run dry and every peso counts. 

Financial experts remind Filipino workers that while payday brings relief, how we manage our ‘sahod’ or salary helps to budget wisely and use hard-earned money carefully.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), only 25.6 percent of Filipino families had money left to save from October to December 2024. 

This is lower than the 29 percent recorded in the months before, showing that fewer households are able to set aside savings.

This drop in household savings highlights the need for better money habits, especially during payday. 

Experts say that even small adjustments in how we spend and save can help families avoid financial stress and prepare for the future.

To help you stretch your income, here are five expert-backed tips for managing your sahod wisely:

1. Put needs first

Every peso should first cover essentials such as food, rent, utilities, and transportation. Financial advisors advise that unmet basic needs quickly create stress and force risky money choices later. 

Establishing a clear plan to handle these priorities before spending on anything else provides peace of mind and sets a stable foundation.

2. Follow the 50-30-20 rule

A widely recommended method by financial educators is the 50‑30‑20 rule whereas you will allocate 50 % of income to essentials, 30 % to personal or leisure expenses, and 20 % to savings or investments. 

If your salary barely covers your essentials, adapt the percentages that is  70 % for needs, 10 % for wants, and 20 % for savings. 

The goal is a balance that fits your reality while still building savings.

3. Automate your savings

Many Filipinos struggle to save because they wait until the end of the month, only to find that nothing is left. 

One effective strategy is to save immediately as soon as the salary arrives. 

Banks and e-wallets now offer automatic savings transfers, making the process easier. 

Motivational speaker Chinkee Tan noted that saving first before spending is a key step to building financial resilience against inflation and emergencies.

4. Avoid impulsive payday splurges

For many workers, payday means treating themselves to shopping or dining out. 

While there’s nothing wrong with a small reward, overspending right after payday can quickly lead back to petsa de peligro.

Financial counselors advise setting clear limits and curbing unnecessary splurges will help earners realize that financial relief lasts longer when expenses are spread wisely over the month.

5. Start small with investments

Employees and earners are encouraged to start investing even in small amounts. 

Setting aside as little as 500 pesos a month in mutual funds, government bonds, or other low-entry financial products can build wealth over time. 

Studies show that consistent, small investments accumulate significantly and help protect against future financial uncertainty.

A friendly reminder this coming payday

Payday always comes with the urge to spend and treat ourselves, and that’s perfectly normal. But real peace of mind comes when we plan a little smarter. 

Cover the essentials first, set aside some savings right away, and put even a small amount toward the future. 

With a few mindful choices, your salary can go further, help you avoid the next petsa de peligro, and slowly build the security you’ve been working hard for.

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