Goal Getter: How to Set Financial Goals That Actually Work


Hi, friend!

Ever feel like your sweldo disappears faster than you can say “petsa de peligro?”  Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. But what if I told you that a few simple money goals can change your story from “lagi akong kapos” to “aba, may ipon ako!”

Let’s talk about Financial Goal Setting—but make it doable, practical, and hindi nakaka-nosebleed.

Step 1: Know Your Short, Medium, and Long-Term Goals

Think of your goals like a timeline:

Short-Term Goals (1 year or less)

Examples:

  1. Build a ₱50,000 emergency fund
  2. Pay off a credit card
  3. Save for a birthday or holiday trip

Medium-Term Goals (1–5 years)

Examples:

  1. Buy a second-hand car
  2. Start a small business
  3. Invest in a VUL or BTID plan

Long-Term Goals (5+ years)

Examples:

  1. Fully fund your child’s college education
  2. Retirement fund
  3. Dream home

You don’t have to write a thesis about it—just jot down what really matters to you.

Step 2: Wants vs. Needs (Yes, There’s a Big Difference!)

Masarap ang milk tea araw-araw, pero mas masarap ang peace of mind.

Ask yourself:

  1. Need ba ito, o gusto lang?
  2. Will this help me get closer to my goal?
  3. Can I delay this for something more important?

A small sacrifice today can give you a bigger reward tomorrow. Choose spending that supports your goals, not your impulses.

Step 3: Align Your Spending With Your Goals

Think of your money like team players. Lahat sila may position and purpose.

  •  Kung ang goal mo ay emergency fund, dapat may auto-save system ka every payday.
  •  Kung may utang ka, focus on that before upgrading your phone.
  •  Kung gusto mong magretire ng maaga, consider insurance with investment options.

Every peso has a job. Let it work for you, not against you.


Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Start, But You Need to Start to Get Rich

Goals give your money a mission. And with a little discipline, konting tiis, at konting sipag, you’ll be surprised how far you can go.

Start small, dream big. And remember—Buhay at Plano is always here to cheer you on.

Comment "more" if you want more tips and tools on making your money work for the life you want.

_____


– Ana Estrella
Licensed Financial Advisor | Advocate for Financial Literacy
Founder 
Plan B - Buhay at Plano

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