Ugh, my wallet is THINNER than my patience for math class right now.
Anyone else feel me?
Being a high school student in the Philippines is LIT, don’t get me wrong. But between the kachi-kachi with friends, the latest budol finds online, and the pressure to keep up with the sosyal kids… my allowance is, how do you say… CRYING.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Let’s break down this spending cycle, shall we?
Why My Wallet is Always on Empty
We’ve all been there, staring at our empty wallets, wondering where all our money went. It’s like it magically disappeared faster than your crush when you walk by.
Here’s the thing:
- Peer Pressure is REAL: Let’s be real, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) hits DIFFERENT in high school. Everyone’s rocking the newest sneakers, buying milk tea like it’s water, and suddenly, you feel the NEED to fit in.
- Social Media is a TRAP: Instagram, TikTok, you name it. They’re full of influencers showing off their “perfect” lives (which we all know are curated AF). Suddenly, you NEED that new phone case, those trendy clothes, or that aesthetic cafe experience.
- We’re impulsive AF: Instant gratification is our middle name. See it, want it, gotta have it NOW. We’re basically walking, talking impulse purchases waiting to happen.
- Finances? What Finances?: Let’s be honest, most of us aren’t exactly taught about budgeting and saving. We get our allowance, and it’s gastos time!
Signs You Might Be a High School Spender:
- Your idea of budgeting is asking your parents for extra allowance.
- You’re a pro at online shopping, but clueless about your bank balance.
- You spend more time scrolling through Shopee and Lazada than you do studying.
- Your friends jokingly (or maybe seriously) call you the “Sugar Mommy/Daddy” of the group.
- You’d rather die than be caught wearing the same outfit twice.
If any of this sounds familiar, DON’T PANIC! We can fix this.
How to Stop the Bleeding (aka Your Wallet Crying)
Ready for a financial glow-up? Let’s turn those money woes into money flows!
1. Track Your Spending:
- Brutal Honesty Time: Download a budgeting app (there are tons of free ones!) or just use good old pen and paper. Track every single peso you spend for a month. It’s gonna be eye-opening, trust me.
- Identify Your Spending Triggers: Are you a sucker for online sales? Do your friends pressure you to go out? Figure out WHAT makes you spend and WHY.
2. Set Realistic Goals:
- Dream Big, Budget Realistically: Want a new phone? Concert tickets? Cool! Figure out how much you need to save and by WHEN. Break it down into smaller, achievable goals.
- Treat Yourself (Within Reason): Depriving yourself completely is a recipe for disaster. Budget in small rewards for when you reach your savings milestones.
3. Get Creative with Earning:
- Side Hustle Queen/King: Explore side hustles like online selling, tutoring, or freelance work. Every little bit helps!
- Talk to Your Parents: Hear me out! Instead of just asking for more allowance, negotiate. Offer to do extra chores around the house in exchange for a little boost.
4. Become a Saving Ninja:
- Automatic Transfers are Your BFF: Set up automatic transfers from your allowance to a separate savings account. Out of sight, out of mind!
- Challenge Yourself: Try the “52-week savings challenge” or the “Piso Challenge.” They’re fun ways to trick yourself into saving without even realizing it.
5. Change Your Mindset:
- Delayed Gratification is Key: It’s okay to wait for things you want! Resisting those instant gratification urges will pay off in the long run.
- Invest in Experiences, Not Just Things: Memories last longer than material possessions. Instead of always buying stuff, prioritize experiences with friends and loved ones.
Remember: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint!
Changing your spending habits takes time and effort, but trust me, your future self will thank you.
Start small, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. There’s no shame in wanting to be financially savvy!
Now go forth and conquer those financial goals, my fellow high school spenders!