Today, managing your money wisely is more important than ever. Financial coach Alvin Ubaldo is reminding Filipinos that financial planning doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. His approach is simple: focus on the basics, stay consistent, and start with what you have.

Ubaldo, who has been working with individuals and families across different income levels, believes that anyone—regardless of income—can build a solid financial future with a few key habits.

Know Where Your Money Goes

“Before you even talk about savings or investments, you need to know where your money is going,” Ubaldo said during a financial wellness seminar in Quezon City last week.

He encourages people to track their expenses for at least a month. Whether it’s through a mobile app, a spreadsheet, or a notebook, tracking helps people see how much they actually spend on food, bills, transportation, online shopping, and other daily items.

“Many people are surprised when they see how much goes to things they don’t even remember buying,” he said.

Budget Based on Your Real Income

Ubaldo is quick to point out that budgeting is not about limiting your life. It’s about planning it better.

He recommends using the 50/30/20 rule:

1. 50% of income goes to needs (rent, groceries, bills)

2. 30% goes to wants (dining out, hobbies, entertainment)

3. 20% goes to savings or paying off debt

But he stresses that this rule is just a guide. “If you’re earning a small income, your needs might take up more than 50%, and that’s okay. The important thing is that you’re planning intentionally.”

Save First, Not Last

One of the most common mistakes Ubaldo sees is people saving whatever is left at the end of the month. “That almost never works,” he said. “There’s usually nothing left.”

His advice is simple: pay yourself first. As soon as you get your salary, set aside even a small amount—₱100, ₱500, or ₱1,000—into a separate savings account.

“Saving is a habit,” he said. “It’s not about the amount. It’s about doing it regularly.”

Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is money set aside for unexpected expenses—like medical bills, job loss, or urgent repairs. Alvin Ubaldo recommends saving at least 3 to 6 months’ worth of living expenses.

He admits this can take time to build, especially for low-income earners, but even small weekly savings can add up. “Start with ₱50 or ₱100 a week. The goal is progress, not perfection.”

Avoid High-Interest Debt

Ubaldo warns against relying on credit cards and payday loans to cover regular expenses. “These are designed to keep you in debt,” he said.

While not all debt is bad—such as business loans or student loans—Ubaldo stresses the need to understand the terms before borrowing. If you're already in debt, his advice is to list all debts, focus on paying the smallest or highest-interest one first, and work your way through the rest.

Invest Only in What You Understand

Ubaldo has seen a growing interest in investing, especially among young Filipinos using online platforms. While he supports this trend, he warns against jumping into trends like cryptocurrency or forex trading without proper understanding.

“If you don’t understand how it works, don’t put your money in it,” he said. “Start with simple and reliable options—like mutual funds or index funds.”

He also reminded attendees that investing isn’t only for the wealthy. “You can start investing with as little as ₱1,000. What matters is consistency.”

Use Digital Tools to Your Advantage

From mobile banking apps to budgeting platforms, Ubaldo encourages the use of digital tools to help manage money more efficiently. Many apps now allow you to track expenses, set savings goals, and even invest directly from your phone.

“Technology can be your financial assistant. Use it to make saving automatic and budgeting easier,” he said.

Financial Planning Is for Everyone

One of Ubaldo’s most important messages is that financial planning isn’t just for professionals or the wealthy. “Whether you’re a student, a vendor, an OFW, or a young employee, you need a plan,” he said.

To help more Filipinos take control of their finances, Ubaldo offers free webinars, community workshops, and downloadable templates on social media. His mission is to make financial education accessible and practical.

Conclusion: Start Small, Stay Consistent

Alvin Ubaldo’s message is refreshingly simple: You don’t need a big income to start planning your finances. What you need is commitment, discipline, and the willingness to take small steps. “It’s not about getting rich fast,” he said. “It’s about being smart with what you already have.”

His advice cuts through the noise of complex financial talk and reminds us that real financial security comes from simple, consistent habits anyone can follow.