Tipid Tips: 100+ Ways to Save Thousands of Pesos Every Month

Last Updated – Feb 28, 2023 @ 5:43 am

Saving is incredibly hard – there’s no way to sugarcoat it.

Whether it involves talking yourself out of booking a plane ticket (but all my friends are going!), telling yourself not to buy that overpriced bag (but it’s so pretty!), or getting food delivered (but I REALLY want tacos), saving just isn’t fun.

But the reality is this: getting sick, having emergency car trouble, or losing your job is even LESS fun than experiencing vacation FOMO, not having a trendy bag, or making your own dinner at home.

Obviously, it’s also more expensive.

Saving for rainy days (even if they don’t come at all) is immensely important.

Now more than ever, you must have at least 6 months’ worth of your living expenses saved so when you face problems, you can still have a root over your head, food on your table, and money to pay for a Netflix subscription.

But how can you save? It turns out, there are literally THOUSANDS of ways you can do this. We’ve compiled our favorites below.

Tipid Tips for Food & Grocery

1. Keep track of what’s in your fridge

I know, I know. It’s hard to keep track of what’s in your fridge. You probably have things in there that you don’t even like, but you picked them up without even thinking.

Hang a whiteboard on your fridge and use it to list the food inside. This way, you can easily track what items will go bad soon, or what foods you can use to prepare food when you’re hungry.

2. Eat your leftovers

Cooking your food is expensive AND time-consuming. If you have a bunch of leftovers in the fridge, spruce it up so you can have something “fresh” for dinner.

For example, if you have leftover rice, add some kimchi and fry some spam with it. Voila!

3. Buy in bulk

This is a little tricky. Be honest, you can’t possibly eat 20 kilos of fresh produce in three days. Simply buy practical items in bulk. This could be frozen fruits, meat, oats, and nuts.

Most importantly, make sure to invest in proper storage. The last thing you want is for your food to go bad.

4. Don’t bring your kids to the grocery

Bringing your kids into the grocery store can turn into a free for all. They’ll only end up filling your cart with unnecessary (and unhealthy!) items that you’ll regret buying.

5. Read before you buy

Before getting anything from the grocery aisle, try to read the packaging.

How many grams is it? How much does it cost per gram? And most importantly, is this item good for my family?

If it’s not, leave.

6. Plan your menu ahead of time

Think about all the food you want to eat for the week. This way, you won’t end up wasting money on ingredients that you didn’t have time (or interest) to cook.

7. Pack your lunch

All this talk about money management yet you still bring your lunch to work every day?

Make sure that you pack your lunches at home. This will save you a lot more money.

Don’t have time to prepare your lunch from scratch every morning?

Do a meal prep every Sunday. This way, you don’t have to worry about most meals during weekdays.

8. Always make a list before going to the grocery store

You can save money by making a shopping list out of the ingredients you need. This can be done with a piece of paper and a pen, or even your notes app.

The next time you go to the store, only buy the ingredients on your list. This tip will also do wonders to make your grocery shopping more efficient.

9. Take advantage of grocery delivery

Grocery delivery is now cheaper than ever.

This can help you save thousands of pesos because you won’t be tempted to pick up items you don’t need in the grocery store. This can also help you save on transportation.

10.  Eat before grocery shopping

When you go to the grocery store hungry, you’ll end up picking up tons of items that are not due to necessity, but your current cravings.

11.  Grow herbs in your home

Herbs are one of the easiest organic and cheap ingredients to grow at home. They also require very little maintenance so you can grow them even if you don’t have prior gardening experience.

12.  Bring a senior citizen card (if applicable)

If you’re living on a tight budget, consider obtaining a senior citizen card. You may be able to get a discount on food and other products.

If not, use your parent’s card.

13.  Carry a water bottle

You’ll be surprised at how much affordable reusable water bottles can help you save more money.

When you carry this with you, you won’t have to buy plastic bottled water anymore, which can get expensive, especially in airports and restaurants.

14.  Learn how to make coffee

If your favorite coffee is priced at Php150 and you get it five times a week, it will set you back Php300 per month.

This may not seem like a lot but that totals to Php36,000 per year. Simply make your coffee at home. This may even develop into a new passion.


Tipid Tips for your Monthly Bills

15.  Upgrade your appliances

Yes, you have to initially spend thousands of pesos for inverter devices, but this will help you save more money in the long run.

Old appliances are less efficient and consume more electricity.

16.  Turn off the lights

Electric bills are no joke. By turning off your lights, you can not only save on electricity bills, but also prolong the lifespan of your lights.

17.  Switch to LED lights

LED lights are generally more efficient and tend to last longer than compact fluorescent, halogen, and incandescent lights.

18.  Unplug unused devices

When not in use, unplug your charger, cable boxes, computers, and other devices at home. Don’t let them sit there draining your electricity.

19.  Turn off appliances when not in use

If you’re not using a device, unplug it since it will still consume electricity. This is especially important for your television, air conditioners, and computers.

20.  Cancel unnecessary subscriptions

Most people tend to subscribe to unnecessary subscriptions because it’s considered the norm today.

But think about it: do you REALLY use your Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO Go? This tip also applies to gym memberships.

21.  Share subscriptions with friends or family

If you subscribed to an online service, you can find someone that also uses it and share it with them. This way, you can just split the bill.

22.  Think about your broadband package

The internet is one of the most important commodities in people’s lives, especially for those who work online. But how much do you spend on it?

If you think you’re spending too much on internet fees, reassess what type of connection you really need. This can help you save thousands annually.

23.  Resist the urge to turn your aircon all the time

It’s hot in the Philippines – we know! But if you constantly rely on your air conditioning, you’re going to have to pay for it.

Instead of turning on your aircon all the time, try just using your electric fan, or working in a more airy part of your house.

24.  Assess your phone plan

How much do you pay per month for your phone? Do you constantly have to deal with extra bills? This shouldn’t be the norm.

Canceling your prepaid plan may help you save more, especially if you have Wi-Fi at home.

25.  Consider getting a roommate

Rent can easily get expensive, especially in major cities.

If you don’t mind living with someone, the easiest way to save on rent is to get a housemate or roommate. This way, you can split your rent and utility bills.

26.  Automate all your payments

Automating your bills can not only help you achieve peace of mind but also save on late fees.

This hassle-free way to save money only takes a few minutes to set up, but you’ll be reaping the rewards for a long time.


Useful Skills to Save More Money

27.  Learn to cook

Cooking at home is cheaper, better, faster, and healthier than eating out.

There are tons of YouTube videos, free eBooks, and even Tiktok videos that you can use for inspiration.

28.  Teach yourself basic handyman skills

Basic handyman skills like fixing a broken door or changing a light bulb can save you a lot of money.

If something minor needs to be fixed in your home, chances are, you can find a YouTube guide for it.

29.  Make your cleaning mixtures

The more you know about how to make basic household cleaning products, the less money you have to spend on them.

You’ll be surprised at how common household items like baking soda and vinegar can clean your home efficiently.

30.  Learn how to repair clothes

Did the zipper of your favorite pants break?

Simply learn how to repair it instead of buying a new one! Sewing may not be as glamorous as shopping but it can help you save thousands of pesos.


Tipid Tips for Managing your Debt

31.  Pay high-interest debts first

If you have high-interest debts, focus on paying them back first.

This way, it won’t snowball to become something unmanageable. You can even try to negotiate a payment plan with your creditors.

32.  Always put a reminder on your credit card

This may seem like a no-brainer but we’re still shocked that more people don’t do this. Just set a monthly reminder on your phone for your credit card bills.

This way, you’ll be reminded on a timely basis about this upcoming expense.


Tipid Tips to Improve your Savings

33.  Prioritize your emergency fund

If you have an emergency fund, you’re less at risk of going into debt. If you don’t already have your emergency fund, set aside money for it each month.

34.  Practice tax planning

Tax planning can help you save money (in a legal way of course!). This can be used in your personal and business lives.

Use this guide to learn how to lower your taxes in the Philippines.

35.  Set a goal

It’s easy to say, “I want to save more.” But how will you know if you’ve achieved it?

As much as possible, make your SMART financial goals – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

36.  Only use your bank’s ATM to withdraw

When using ATMs, try using only your bank’s ATM. This will help you avoid additional fees.

37.  Put your savings in a high-yield account

Letting your money sit idle in a regular savings account is now a thing of the past. You should consider putting your money in a high-yield savings account.

This way, you’ll get a bigger return on your savings. Take a look at some of the best high-yield savings accounts in the Philippines here.

38.  Leverage Pag-Ibig MP2

While you are still capable of earning money, take advantage of as many voluntary savings programs as you can. One example is Pag-IBIG MP2.

This offers a 6% interest rate, which is higher than the 5.5% interest rate of the Pag-IBIG Regular Savings.

39.  Research different budgeting systems

Budgeting has changed drastically over the years. There are now more budgeting systems than ever.

Some of these budgeting systems allow you to track your spending, organize your expenses, and budget for different types of expenses.

Do your research and see which one works best for you. Some of our favorite budgeting systems include Zero-based budget, Pay-yourself-first budget, and the classic 50/30/20 budget.

Recommended Reading: 10 Best Budgeting Methods

40.  Get a comprehensive insurance plan

When buying your insurance plan, look for one that is comprehensive.

This is not only applicable to life insurance, but also to auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance, and health insurance.

41.  Create a visual reminder of your savings

Creating a visual reminder through a post-it or a document will help you stay on track with your savings.

Make sure you see this reminder every day so you can motivate yourself more.

42.  Save your coins

Coins are still money. Put all your coins in a jar. By the end of the month, you’ll be surprised at how much money you saved.

43.  Reward yourself

This tip may seem counterintuitive, but there’s a logic behind it. If you deprive yourself, you may end up spending more money.

This is why you have to set a non-negotiable amount of money to spoil yourself each month. You can spend this money on clothes, food, or experiences.

44.  Seek professional help

Have you already tried most of the tips in this list and you still haven’t seen results?

Take this as a sign to hire a financial planner to set your savings goals, investment goals, and monthly budget.

Make sure to ask the planner to do constant follow-ups.

45.  Create a REALISTIC budget

There’s no point in creating a budget that you can’t follow. You know yourself better than anyone so create a budget that is realistic enough to follow.

46.  Assess your current financial standing

Your current financial situation should be evaluated constantly.

  • What is your net worth?
  • What are your bills?
  • How much are you making?
  • What percentage of your income goes to paying for bills and expenses?
  • How much is your savings?

Once you have your answers, you can create a plan to improve your situation.

47.  Assess where you can make cuts in your expenses

In order to save money, you need to find areas in your life where you can make cuts. Some examples are groceries, transportation, and eating out.

48.  Always think about “annual spending”

Remember our tip about making your own coffee?

How did that Php36,000 amount make you feel?

Considering this, try to think of your habitual expenses in terms of one year. If you cringe at the amount, maybe it’s time to cut that expense down.

49.  Start a side hustle

A side hustle will give your current income an extra boost. Take a look at these ideas to inspire you.

50.  Have your car regularly tuned up

Regular tune-ups will ensure that your car will have a long lifespan. It can also prevent serious issues that lead to huge expenses.

51.  Leverage credit card rebates

Many Filipinos are scared to use credit cards, but this shouldn’t be the case.

Most credit cards offer rebates for purchases such as plane tickets, groceries, and gas.

52.  Leverage the power of apps

Apps such as Mint, YNAB, Goodbudget, and Expensify can give you a great way to monitor and control your expenses.

53.  Use student discounts (if applicable)

If you’re a student, make use of the discounts that your institution offers. For example, students can get a discount when purchasing Apple gadgets.

54.  Learn to negotiate

Whether it’s for your loans, shopping, or other expenses, learn how to negotiate.

This can help you save a lot more funds for other important needs such as investments, emergencies, and travel.


Tipid Tips for your Personal Finance

55.  Get a bike or try walking

Bikes are a great way to get around the city. Also, if you’re really tight on cash, walking can be a great way to get fit while saving money.

56.  If you can, take public transportation

Public transportation such as jeepneys and buses come at a very affordable price. Instead of relying on taxis or Grab all the time, leverage these instead.

57.  Invest in devices you constantly use (phones, laptops)

Investing in devices you constantly use can help you save a lot of money. If not, you may end up having to spend more on a new device.

58.  Stop “faking” your life

A lot of people get too caught up in social media and end up spending more than what they can afford so their life can look grander online.

If you do this, you may drown in debt.

59.  Have friends who understand you

Having friends who understand you can sometimes translate to you spending less.

Better yet, have friends who share the same financial goals as you.

60.  Monetize the things you love doing

If you have a hobby, consider monetizing it.

For example, if you like to travel, you can sell your travel photos. If you love shopping and have a decent following count on your social media platforms, become an affiliate.

61.  Stop beating yourself up

Saving is hard. It takes practice. If you failed at first and indulged in something, do not be too hard on yourself.

Instead, see it as a learning opportunity and try harder next time.

Tipid Tips for Shopping

62.  Know the signs of stress spending

You know you’re stress spending when you’re feeling constantly anxious and you always seek out immediate gratification through purchases.

Although you’ll feel better, it will only be temporary.

63.  Learn to distinguish wants from needs

Wants and needs are entirely different things. For example, you may need a car to get around the city, but it doesn’t have to be a sports car.

64.  Make your clothes last

Shopping can cause a huge dent in your savings. Take care of your clothes if you want to make them last.

Two of the best ways to do this is to buy quality clothes in the first place, and let them air dry.

65.  Think of costs not in terms of money, but time

When spending, think about the cost in terms of how long it took for you to make that money.

This will help you assess if it’s really worth it.

66.  Stop watching shopping hauls by influencers

Shopping hauls refer to videos where people show tons of things they bought from a single or multiple stores.

While watching these videos may be entertaining, it can tempt you to spend more money.

If you’re easily influenced by hauls, especially on YouTube and TikTok, take a step back and consciously skip watching it.

67.  Be wary of product promotions

These days, it seems like every person is promoting something on the Internet.

Before buying anything featured on a video or post, try to assess if it’s a product promotion or not.

Product promotions can drive some people to lie or exaggerate product advantages and features just to gain commissions.

68.  Shop clearance sales

Clearance sales are an awesome opportunity for you to cop branded items at a huge discount, sometimes even up to 70% off.

69.  Wait a day before purchasing anything over P5,000

This is a tip to prevent impulse buying. If you wait a day, you will have more time to think about the purchase and weigh its pros and cons rationally.

70.  Determine your personal style before shopping

Before getting clothes and accessories, try to assess if it matches the things you already have in your wardrobe.

When you shop based on your personal style, your outfits will be more cohesive, and you can avoid spending for items you’ll never wear.

71.  Unsubscribe from email lists

Email lists are extremely tempting because they create a sense of urgency for you to buy as soon as possible or else you’ll miss the deal.

Unsubscribing from email lists is a good way to ensure you won’t be bombarded with promotion emails that can tempt you to spend on things you don’t really need.

72.  It’s okay to buy generic drugs and food

There is no need to worry about buying generic. These products usually have the same quality as branded ones.

73.  Wait until the end of the month before making major purchases

Instead of buying something expensive in a fit of excitement, wait until the end of the month.

This way, you will have more time to think about it and weigh its pros and cons.

74.  Stop following trends

Trying to follow trends can be quite difficult especially if you don’t have the knowledge and experience to separate what genuinely piqued your interest and what’s just hype.

Before buying anything, ask yourself if you’re still going to love this product after five years.

75.  Look up coupon codes before shopping online

If you’re going to shop online, look up coupon codes before doing so. This is a good way to get discounts, get cashback, or save on shipping.

Check out our guide on the best coupon websites in the Philippines here.

76.  Don’t “remember” your credit card information

Every time you use your credit card for an online purchase, you have the option to enable your device to “remember” your information.

While this can be practical and convenient, it can also make spending on unnecessary items easier.

77.  Take advantage of monthly sales

Did you notice that each day of the month, the biggest e-commerce platforms have a sale? If you can, only buy during this period.

This will help you save thousands without any effort. Watch out for deals such as 8.8., 9.9., New Year, and Christmas deals, especially if you plan on buying electronics.

78.  Sell old stuff to buy new ones

If you have too many items that you no longer need, consider selling them.

You can then use the money you get to splurge on other things you want.

79.  Always read reviews, you may find negative ones

Sometimes, it just takes one single review to talk yourself out of buying something you want. Before checking out any product online, scour written and photo reviews.

This trick can also help you have a more realistic expectation about the product.

80.  Buy second hand

You can often find second hand products that are still in good condition if you look hard enough.

This can be a good way to save money on your expenses, especially if you’re on a tight budget. You can easily find secondhand stuff on Carousell, ukay shops, bazaars, and Facebook groups.

81.  Always price match

Price matching refers to looking at various online and physical stores to compare the cost of products.

Try to see which store offers the lowest price first before making a purchase.

82.  Take advantage of free samples

If you’re wandering around a department store or any type of retail outlet, take advantage of the free samples they offer.

This tip is extremely useful especially when it comes to make-up, food, and perfume.

83.  Use cash only

This is one of the best ways to save on expenses.

Although the convenience of paying with cards or e-wallets can’t be discounted, using cash can help you discipline yourself.

Tipid Tips for Traveling

84.  Wait for Piso-fare

Flights are one of the most expensive things you need to account for when taking a vacation.

If you want to save thousands of pesos, wait for Piso fare promos before booking a flight.

85.  Volunteer for vacations

Want to travel long-term? If so, try checking out organizations that accept volunteers.

Volunteering can not only help you save your money, but it can also be a great way to learn more about other cultures and make connections with people around the world.

86.  Always buy travel insurance

If you’re planning on traveling, especially abroad, you need to have travel insurance. This will help you save so much money if things don’t go as planned.

87.  Try house sitting

You’ll be surprised that in most vacation spots across the Philippines (and the world!), people are willing to pay you to stay in their house.

Sometimes, this job will require you to do basic property maintenance and pet sitting, but you’ll be able to save so much money since you don’t have to pay for hotels and resorts.

88.  Book your hotel away from the city center

Booking a hotel away from the city center can help you save a lot of money.

For example, if you’re planning to go to Siargao, you may want to choose a hotel outside General Luna.

89.  Always compare rates

Whether it’s hotels, flights, restaurants, or tours, make sure to research rates first. This way, you can find the best deal for your money.

90.  Have a staycation

You don’t always have to book a ticket to a beach destination when you need to have a breather.

Instead, have a staycation in your home, or a nearby hotel.

More Tipid Tips here: 40+ ways Filipinos can save more while Traveling

Tipid Tips for Entertainment

91.  Stop going to the cinema all the time

This is a big one, movie lovers. Although it may seem like a small expense, cinema costs can add up over time.

Instead of going to the cinema constantly, you can simply wait for films to be released online.

92.  Go to free attractions and events

There’s no need to pay for events and attractions all the time. Instead, check out free events in your area, especially when it comes to music, sports, and culture.

93.  Don’t always go to the mall

If you’re not careful with your money, one trip to the mall can take a heavy toll on your wallet.

With that in mind, do your best to avoid going to the mall if you’re easily tempted to shop.

94.  Schedule window shopping

Scheduling a window shopping session may seem counterproductive to people who want to save money but this can be extremely beneficial because it will give you the opportunity to assess what items you really want.

95.  Take a free class and learn a new skill

If you can, take advantage of free classes to learn a new skill. This can be baking, making coffee, bartending, or other skills you’re interested in.

This can also help you make new connections and expand your social circle without spending money.

96.  Take advantage of happy hour

The best way to save money on alcohol is by taking advantage of happy hour. Most restaurants and bars offer “buy 1 take 1 drinks” during this time.

97.  Stop your vices, or at least moderate them

Vices such as online gaming, smoking, drinking, or gambling can set you back a lot of money, especially if you’re already addicted to them.

Worse, you may not even realize how much you’re spending because you’re having too much fun.

Tipid Tips for Family & Friends

98.  Have a “saving” buddy

No matter if you’re still starting your saving journey or not, a saving “buddy” can be extremely helpful.

Have a friend who knows your savings goal and vice versa. This way, you can hold each other accountable for your spending habits.

99.  Invite friends at home instead of going out

Inviting friends to your home is a good option if you want to save a lot of money on food and drinks.

Instead of going out, you can just ask them if they want to do a potluck.

100. Have a spending limit for gifts

If you really want to save money on gifts, have a spending limit. Your friends and family will appreciate your effort either way.

101. Barter with your friends

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If you have friends that have the same personal style as you, arrange a barter session.

This way, you can let go of things you don’t use anymore, and get something new in return.

Tipid Tips for Health

102. Never neglect regular check-ups

You may think regular checkups are a waste of money, especially if you’re not sick or you didn’t find any unusual changes in your body.

However, this will actually help you save money in the long run.

Regular checkups are simply preventative measures that help track your health. The rule of thumb is to have a health check-up annually. Meanwhile, dental checkups should be done twice a year.

103. Get health insurance

Having health insurance or HMO can be extremely helpful in case something happens. This can also help you be more proactive about your health, and stay alert if something is not right.


Tipid Tips for Work

104. Use loans/salary advance wisely

Applying for loans from banks or other lending institutions can be tricky because of high interest rates.

If you really need money fast, consider salary advance options. This usually comes with no interest. However, don’t make it a habit.

105. Take advantage of your office pantry

Office pantries can be extremely useful for workers who want to save money.

Take advantage of your office pantry for drinks such as coffee, and snacks like crackers. 

106. Organize a carpooling initiative

Do you have officemates who live near your home? If so, why not organize a carpooling initiative? This will help you and your colleagues save on transportation costs.

107. Pack your lunch to work

Bringing lunch to work will not only help you save money but also help you become healthier. This doesn’t only apply to your lunch, but also to breakfast (or brunch), and snacks. 

For example, you can make overnight oats at home and bring them to the office for brunch instead of eating out with your officemates. You can also store snacks in your office drawer.

108. Reuse old documents

Tipid tips in your office should not just revolve on lowering your expenses, but also to help your company.

Considering this, reuse your old papers and documents to reduce your company’s paper waste.

109. Ask for a raise

Not many people realize that saving more money doesn’t just rely on minimizing expenses, but also finding ways to increase your income.

If you think you are being underpaid, you should make your thoughts known to your employer. If you are lucky enough, you may end up with a raise. 

110. Save bonuses and 13th month pay

Putting aside your 13th month pay for savings or investment is an awesome idea. Don’t think of it as “extra money.” 

111. Choose to work from home

Working remotely by choice can save you money on commuting, and also improve your productivity.

If you have a comfortable home office and your company encourages working from home, why not choose to do it?

112. Take advantage of your company’s benefits

Almost all companies offer bonuses or other benefits that can save you money. These include discounts, access to special deals, and more.


Tipid Tips for Students

113. Track your spending

If you are a student, you should be very familiar with your budget. Tracking your spending will help you cut costs and in turn, save money.

114. Live within your means

Students usually have no income to fall back on. This means it is more important to save than to spend.

As much as you can, live within your means. You should only spend money on what you need.

115. Apply for scholarships

If you have the opportunity, apply for scholarships or grants. This can help you  pay for school, or cover your books and allowance.

116. Buy secondhand textbooks

Buying new textbooks is expensive. So, why not buy secondhand textbooks?

These are cheaper and sometimes even better than new ones since major points are already highlighted by their previous owner.

Contact your schoolmates and ask them if they are willing to sell their old books.

117. Sell your old textbooks

If you can’t use your old textbooks anymore, you can consider selling them. Eventually, you can use the money to buy other necessities

118. Download ebooks if possible

If your school allows the use of ebooks or PDFs instead of physical books, take advantage of this.

119. Take advantage of campus events

Events such as free lectures or social nights can be a great way to save money and expand your network.

120. Avoid vices

A lot of people start having vices in their college days. As much as you can, don’t smoke and drink alcohol, or at least minimize it.

Avoiding peer pressure can be hard but not following this tip may lead to financial mismanagement.

121. Try saving challenges

No matter what social media platforms you love using, chances are, you’ve encountered saving challenges.

Some famous examples include no spend challenge, and 52-week challenge.

122. Join clubs

Joining clubs and organizations can be a great way to network. There are also clubs that offer exclusive discounts on partner establishments.

123. Don’t be pressured to buy the latest gadgets

Gadgets change on a very frequent basis. You shouldn’t be pressured to buy the latest gadget just because all your friends are doing it. 

124. Eat in carinderias/turo-turo

Living within your means doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself. Try to discover places where you can get food for a price that is not too expensive.

 Carinderias and turo-turo can usually be found near schools. Although cheap, these establishments offer amazing food.

125. Bring your tumbler

Buying bottled water can be expensive. If you are able to bring your tumbler to school, you will be able to save money since you can easily refill this in water stations. You can also use your tumbler to carry coffee.

126. Live in a dorm

If you’re studying outside your hometown, living in a dorm is the best option to save money on accommodations.

Check out walking-distance dorms near your school to save on transportation as well. 

127. Buy an electric cooker

If you live in a dorm that doesn’t allow you to bring a stove, multi-purpose electric cookers can be your best friend.

You can use this to make rice, fry food, and even make noodles.


Tipid Tips for Singles

128. Minimize food delivery

While food delivery can be extremely convenient for those who live alone and are too busy to cook food, do not do it all the time since the cost will eventually add up.

129. Hang out with friends who want to save money

Find friends who share the same objective of saving money as you. This way, you can check up on each other, and even enjoy affordable experiences together.

130. Try out cheap hobbies

Explore affordable hobbies such as painting, drawing, or doing yoga instead of always hanging out in malls or going out. 

131. Live with your family

Don’t force yourself to rent a condo or apartment if you can’t afford it. Instead, live with your family. This way, you only have to contribute to utilities and food. You don’t have to pay rent anymore.

132. Get a roommate/housemate

Is living with your family not an option? Try to get a roommate or housemate instead. This will help you lessen your expenses on rent and utilities.

133. Find a cheap gym

Spending money on a gym membership can be a huge waste of money, especially if you only go to the gym a couple of days per week. Instead, opt for ones that offer extremely low rates.


Tipid Tips for Couples

134. Discuss each others’ spending habits

Spending habits tend to be different between couples. One might spend more than the other. Try to understand each other’s spending habits and motivate each other to do better.

135. Stop spending on dates all the time

Dates often end up becoming one of the biggest expenses for couples. Cook at home instead. If you really want to go on dates, set a budget and don’t go over it.

136. Set goals together

Decide on multiple savings goals to achieve together. This can be a house, your wedding, or your kid’s education. This can serve as your motivation. 

137. Open a joint savings account

Assess different high-yield savings accounts and see which one you like best. Then, use it to store your joint savings.

This tip can help you establish mutual trust and collaboration. You can also use the joint savings account for your monthly expenses or long-term goals.

138. Review your financial status

It’s important for couples to check their financial status every once in a while. Both of you should determine your net worths, debts, and expenses.

Use this as a  guide for your short, medium, and long-term goals.

139. Set spending guidelines

Having guidelines will help you avoid spending more than what you can afford.

Decide your spending limits or boundaries, especially for vacations, vices, and luxuries. Remember to be specific about your guidelines. 

About MJ de Castro

MJ de Castro is the lead personal finance columnist at Grit PH.

MJ started her career as a writer for her local government’s City Information Office. Later on, she became a news anchor on PTV Davao del Norte.

Wanting to break free from the shackles of her 9-to-5 career to live by the beach, she pursued remote work. Over the years, she has developed a wide specialization on health, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, branding, and travel.

Now, she juggles writing professionally, her business centering on women’s menstrual health, and surfing.

Education: Ateneo de Davao University (AB Mass Communication)
Focus: Personal Finance, Personal Development, Entrepreneurship, & Marketing

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