Aneth Ng Lim
VerifiedArticles by Aneth Ng Lim
The best things in life are free, including personal finance tips
The best things in life are free, including personal finance tips Taking refuge from the downpour this week, I found myself lounging in Starbucks longer than usual. I picked a spot by the door and saw a rack of neatly packed soil compost. Curious, I came closer and discovered they were being given away for free! Turns out Starbucks bags up their spent espresso and coffee grounds.
5 small banking fees that add up
The news that most banks have waived InstaPay and PESONet transfer fees came as welcome relief for millions of Filipinos. At a time when every peso counts, saving even P10 to 25 on every transfer can make a difference. One of the best things to happen to Filipino consumers in recent years is the rise of digital banking. We can now transfer money in seconds, pay bills without lining up, and even open an account without stepping into a branch.
When discount cards don’t get you discounts
Not all discount cards are created equal. Sadly, I found out after having spent thousands on loyalty programs that come with terms and conditions that don’t really work for me or my spending habits. Buying one can be really tempting these days. If you walk through any mall, or dine at restaurants, or get a facial, or even just open your email, chances are you will be made an offer that sounds like the deal of a lifetime.
Can you really retire at 50?
As we were concluding our business meeting, a colleague shared shocking news: he is retiring at 50 years old. Just a month ago, my impression of him was someone still climbing the corporate ladder, leading meetings, chasing deadlines, and answering emails long after office hours. But now, he is looking forward to taking a break, cashing in on a tax-free retirement package and the freedom to choose what’s next. As I drove home, I kept thinking about him and retirement.
With minimum wage going up by P85 a day, here's how to make sure you actually feel richer
If you're among the minimum wage earners in Metro Manila, you'll soon be taking home a little bit more money. Starting July 25, the first tranche of the historic P85 daily minimum wage increase takes effect, bringing the daily minimum wage from P645 to P695, or P50 more. The next tranche of P35 increase may be implemented sometime in 2027. Approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, this pay hike is expected to benefit more than a million workers.
When to say no to 'gives' or hulugan
Renewing my car insurance, I handed my credit card to the cashier and was asked if I wanted to pay in installments. I’m used to getting that question when shopping in department stores or signing up for spa packages, but it was the first time I found out I could also pay my car insurance premium in “gives.” Curious, I asked if it was at zero interest. Turns out it was, if I chose to pay over three or six months. But for longer payment terms, such as 12 or 24 months, interest rates would apply.
Before the year slips away, here’s how to get back on track with your money goals
Before the year slips away, here’s how to get back on track with your money goals Remember those money goals you made back in January? Let me guess some of them. Save more. Spend less. Finally, build an emergency fund. These are usually the top 3 when it comes to New Year’s money resolutions. Maybe you also added “stop buying things just because they looked good on TikTok” or “ no more payment plans for designer items I can’t afford”.
Smart side hustle or sneaky business? The ethics of flipping thrift finds
Smart side hustle or sneaky business? The ethics of flipping thrift finds I recently sold a designer bag on Carousell. The buyer haggled aggressively, came to my house to inspect the item, and even asked if she could have another item I had listed for free. We completed the sale, exchanged five-star reviews, and I thought that was the end of it. It wasn't. A day later, I received a notification that she had followed my page.
Why Gen Z is not content with making their first P1 million
Did you know that P1 million today can only give you about P680,000 worth of purchasing power versus 10 years ago? Another way to describe this is that what P1 million in 2016 can buy will cost about P1.47 million in 2026. You can blame the huge and depressing difference to inflation. Based on the historical Philippine Statistics Authority consumer price indices, the cumulative inflation increase over the last decade reached roughly 47 percent.
It’s back to school season, but not for all girls
Millions of students are returning to school this June, yet there are countless girls across the country who will be held back. One of the reasons is the lack of menstrual pads. According to the World Bank, 8 percent of girls in the Philippines reported skipping school because of menstruation. Some miss classes due to severe menstrual pain, others from lack of access to menstrual products, and then there’s the fear of bullying or discrimination associated with periods.
7 Ways to decide who to invite to your wedding
You’re getting married! After a romantic proposal, you two begin wedding planning and at first, everything feels magical, from choosing motifs and flowers to your honeymoon destination. That is, until you start making the guest list. This is where you discover that your parents expect their “close friends” to be invited, including those you’ve never met. Your siblings may also weigh in and campaign for their own circle, even Titos and Titas who intend to come with their whole family.
Can you find happiness at work? Filipinos say yes
Let’s be real – when Pinoys talk about work, it’s more rants than raves, more tears than laughs, and more about losses than gains. Conversations about work especially in the Philippines typically revolve around survival. It’s no surprise as employees suffer long hours of daily commute to beat traffic and live paycheck to paycheck thanks to rising living costs. Then there’s the actual work environment where you may face nepotism or favoritism or cronyism.
How to protect your money and earnings from a weakening peso
For months, the peso against the US dollar was trading closer and closer to the P60 mark. It came too close many times that analysts had started to revise their forecasts. Maybe it was just a psychological barrier but when it finally crossed P60, the pain became more real. And then it started to climb even higher. Right now, the exchange rate is at historical highs. Even if you get paid in peso and spend in peso, don’t think your wallet won’t take a hit.
Best money advice from Filipino Moms
Long before budgeting apps and TikTok Finfluencers, Filipinos were already receiving practical money lessons at home, thanks to our Nanays. Whether it was reminding children to switch off unused lights, stretching a week’s budget at the palengke, or joining the neighbors paluwagan for forced savings, Filipino moms have long mastered the art of making money work harder.
Your first paycheck just dropped – here’s how not to blow it all up
One of the most exciting things that can happen to your wallet is getting your first paycheck. As you hold that first slip of paper or see the notification on your phone from your bank, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride. That’s proof that your time, skills, and effort have real value. Something about the first paycheck hits differently. It’s not the money because let’s face it, while that could be the biggest sum for you yet, as first salary goes, it’s probably a modest amount.
Seven money lessons Gen Z can learn from boomers about saving
Turns out not only do Mothers know best, but Grandparents too. These days, social media is full of money advice from Gen Z on how they are building their savings, that they said…wait for it…they learned at their grandparents’ knees. For Gen Z, saving money can feel like trying to hit a moving target. Between rising costs, the pressure to enjoy life now, and a digital world built for instant gratification, it’s easy to see why traditional saving advice sometimes falls flat.
Can you get insurance against cancelled flights?
It’s that time of year when everyone wants to get out of their house. No more school for kids (and teachers) so you’ve filed for vacation days with your employer. With the unbearable heat, many families are ready to take off. But the escalating tensions in the Middle East have led to an unprecedented energy crisis that unfortunately impacts not just our daily spending but even our travel plans. Travelers around the world are coping with cancelled flights due to the fuel crisis.
Are you watching Instagram and TikTok about where to travel next?
Do you still remember the time when planning a holiday meant going to a travel agency, and picking out a package that already includes flights, hotels and tours? On our first trip to Japan about a decade ago, one travel agency handled everything – from processing visas to insurance to airport transfers. When we go again next month, this time every travel decision is being made online, mostly from suggestions offered via Instagram or TikTok.
Sent money to wrong GCash number? Here’s how to get it back
Sent money to wrong GCash number? Here’s how to get it back Mistakes happen, but it’s so much more painful when they come at a cost to your wallet and have no hope of redemption. Last week, a Facebook post proved otherwise, and it went viral. Shared on April Fool’s Day, some netizens took it as a joke but what a relief to know it was a real experience and something we can all learn from if we happen to find ourselves in the same boat. In a public post, Hayden U.
How to gracefully say no to family and friends selling stuff you don’t need
How to gracefully say no to family and friends selling stuff you don’t need Paralympic medalists Dumapong-Ancheta, Medina honored in National Sports MuseumBelle Mariano asks fans to choose kindness: 'Wag na po tayong magaway-away’PH in a good location to be a data center hub: DICTDOE: PH’s current fuel inventory good for 50.94 daysLOTTO RESULTS: Marso 30, 2026Oil prices jump again as March endsPeso falls to record low for 7th time in March It’s tough when the people you love start acting like...
Can you insure yourself against unpaid loans and credit card bills?
Can you insure yourself against unpaid loans and credit card bills? It’s the season for tightening belts, but life goes on and so must spending. When cash falls short, Filipinos turn to loans and credit cards to help manage everyday expenses, plus emergency medical costs, or tuition, or even business capital. But borrowing also creates long-term obligations. In case of illness, disability, or death, unpaid balances can quickly become a financial burden for the income earner and families.
As gas prices rise, save money on groceries with these 8 simple tips
Everyone is watching the price of oil because we know that it will impact our cost of living. That’s because oil remains the primary energy source for global transportation. While there have been giant strides for alternative power sources, oil is still estimated to power roughly 80 percent of all vehicles, ship and aircraft. As the price of oil continues to rise, we can expect to pay more for nearly everything, including our groceries.
When your daughter gets married, here's how to ensure what’s hers stays hers
Between my 20s and my 40s, my husband and I bought a lot of insurance. In our 20s and 30s, they were mostly for us, including life insurance, term insurance and health insurance. The higher our expenses went, which happens when you raise a family and take on a housing loan, car loan and cope with mounting tuition fees, the more insurance we bought so there will be enough to cover all these when the unexpected happens. When we hit our 40s, we shifted to buying policies for our daughters.
7 smart money moves to make in times of trouble
Waking up to news that another war broke out some 4,500 miles from the Philippines can make anyone anxious. It may be far distance-wise, but we know we will feel it soon in our wallets. Having worked in a bank for nearly two decades, I saw that in times of uncertainty, people look to safe havens not just for themselves but also for their money. In the past, news of financial crises, political instability and global conflicts would see banks managing crowds as depositors rushed to withdraw money.
When your partner’s debts become yours
Let’s round up our money and love series with one of the burning questions on people’s minds when they discover their partner owes money: “Am I going to have to pay for it?” I wrote about this a year ago after a reader found out in the most painful way that her husband owed money, and she reached out for help. There are different set of rules whether you and your partner are married or not.
Saving in secret: Is it wrong to hide money from your partner?
These days, if we believe social media, young couples appear to share everything from their food, to locations, to future plans, to passwords. But even they seem to draw the line when it comes to their personal money. Married or not, couples struggle with full financial transparency. Talking about how much each of you makes can be a sensitive topic. Informing one another of expenses, debts and savings just feels complicated.
Do you love them, but not their spending habits? Time for the money talk
Do you love them, but not their spending habits? Time for the money talk When couples fight over money, it’s usually not just about money. More often than not, it’s about spending habits. As we get closer to the year’s most celebrated romantic holiday, how you and your partner decide to celebrate may make you closer or drift further apart. Many couples push back money conversations, not because they’re not important, but because they make them uncomfortable.
Love Without the Credit Card Hangover: 7 Smart Ways Couples Can Handle Valentine’s Day Expenses
Love Without the Credit Card Hangover: 7 Smart Ways Couples Can Handle Valentine’s Day Expenses Love is in the air and for some romantics this can come with financial stress. Between Instagram-worthy dates, “thoughtful” gifts, and the pressure to make it *special*, it’s easy to overspend, even with money you don’t really have. It may not be easy but you can celebrate Valentine’s Day without guilt, resentment, or maxed-out cards. Financial honesty matters more than grand gestures. The good news?
Valentine’s Day comes early for kasambahays in NCR thanks to wage hike
Valentine’s Day comes early for kasambahays in NCR thanks to wage hike An officemate once jokingly shared that she takes better care of her Kasambahay than her husband, making sure she is eating the meals she wants and gets the rest she needs. After all, her husband does not help around the house, but her Kasambahay greets her when she comes home, makes sure there is a warm meal waiting for her, and readies her clothes to wear at night and the next day.
When your partner makes more money
But that’s married life for you. For better or for worse, for richer or poorer, ‘til death do you part. If you come from a double-income family, and have started to make more money than your spouse – be it your wife or your husband – there are ways to ensure financial harmony at home. Consider these 5 tips to navigate your new prosperity. #1 Your worth is not tied to your paycheck The best place to start is to agree early on that who makes more isn’t more important than the one who makes less.
How to ask for financial forgiveness from family and friends
How to ask for financial forgiveness from family and friends Money has a way of making even the closest relationships awkward. In a recent get-together, the name of a former classmate who has borrowed money from nearly everyone around the table came up, and the tense silence that followed reminded me about financial forgiveness. Maybe you forgot to pay back a small loan.
How to get a better job this new year
Did you know that January and February are the peak months for job searching? On the employer side, companies with replenished budgets and fresh initiatives are looking to hire and fill new roles. On the employee side, they are looking for greener pastures, hoping the new opportunities available will give them higher pay and more senior positions.
7 money mistakes to avoid when you welcome the New Year
A new year has a way of making us reflective and hopeful. Reflective in celebrating our wins and owning our mistakes, and hopeful in that we promise to eat better, exercise more, and generally get our lives in better order. But while we’re busy decluttering closets and resetting calendars, our finances often get left behind, carrying the same bad habits into January. The good news? You don’t need a total financial makeover to start strong.
How to make holiday gift giving more Earth-friendly
How to make holiday gift giving more Earth-friendly It’s that time of year when exchanging gifts between family and friends brings smiles to everyone. That is, until the gifts are opened. Let’s face it – not all gifts are welcome. Some are chosen with care, some clearly cost more, and some make you feel like they just wanted to hand you something for the sake of ticking your name off their gift list. And to be honest, you may be guilty of the same.
Trying to claim free PhilHealth medicines, and failing
I’ve been paying PhilHealth contributions for nearly 3 decades, and in that time frame, only managed to make 3 claims. Not that I want to have reasons to file for PhilHealth claims, but 30 years of paying mandatory premiums and only availing it 3 times show I have not really maximized this benefit.
7 tips for choosing which holiday parties you should attend
7 tips for choosing which holiday parties you should attend One week into December and you may be feeling overbooked. The last month of the year has a way of filling up as if there’s a race to see and catch up with everyone before 2025 officially ends. Suddenly weekends are marked with barkada reunions that have been “ten years in the making,” plus office celebrations with mandatory photo ops, those neighborhood potlucks, and of course family traditions you can’t miss.
Worried about holiday overspending? Try micro budgets
Worried about holiday overspending? Try micro budgets Word of the Day for December 1, 2025: AIDSTrillion Peso March 2.0 ends peacefully; organizers open to possible Part 3Metro Manila protests 'peaceful,' says DILG's RemullaLTO holds off impounding of e-bikes, e-trikes on Dec.
Filipinos are turning to social media for money advice – is this good or bad? | ABS-CBN News
Filipinos are turning to social media for money advice – is this good or bad? | Filipinos have always shown a strong interest to learn about money. How to make more of it, save it, grow it, and spend it wisely. They used to turn to family and friends for advice, but over the years, who they turn to and trust for financial knowledge has been changing. These days, Filipinos' hunger for money advice is getting fed, but the buffet isn’t coming from banks, or schools, or certified financial planners.
How to get the most out of your money during your Japan trip
How to get the most out of your money during your Japan trip Visiting Japan for business or pleasure? You may want to make sure you are bringing a credit card that gets you more value for all your yen spending. “As more Filipinos travel to Japan, and international tourism to Japan continues to grow, our cross-border payment opportunities are expanding,” states JCB Country Manager for the Philippines Wataru Tamura.
Donating wisely: How to choose where to give during disasters
Donating wisely: How to choose where to give during disasters When disaster strikes, Filipinos are quick to lend a helping hand. Bayanihan in action is always present, whether it’s a typhoon, earthquake, or volcanic eruption. We are ready to give what we can, but in the rush to respond, it’s easy to overlook an important question: Where should we give? Following every major disaster, we see a flood of appeals, fundraisers, and donation drives. Sadly, not all are legitimate.
Choose the right insurance for you and your family
Choose the right insurance for you and your family This time of year we remember the loved ones we lost with prayers and visits to their graves. It’s a time to also remember our own mortality, and what we can do to secure our future and the future of those important to us. One of the most affordable ways to do that is to own personal insurance. If you don’t have one yet, make sure to do your homework before buying one.
Luxury of airport lounge now within easy reach for most travelers
Luxury of airport lounge now within easy reach for most travelers Considering the state of Philippine airports, access to an airport lounge is a welcome luxury for Filipino travelers. Waiting one to two hours or more before you can board your flight is better spent in a comfortable lounge that offers internet connectivity plus free flowing food and drinks. In the past, this was a privilege only available to business class and first class travelers.
Why you should pay for travel insurance
In the last two months, I’ve been bombarded with travel offers from airlines to hotels to credit card companies. So much so that I started to feel a strong case of FOMO for not having plans to go anywhere in December. As more and more families and friends choose to take a vacation during the holiday season, the travel industry has been launching tempting offers left and right, from affordable airfares, cruise packages, free nights with hotel stays, plus discounted travel insurance.
Learn to say no when friends ask for too much
While catching up with old friends, we ended up talking about the ones who were not around. And it turns out, they were not present for a reason. As I learned the whys, it became clear that money once again played a key role in the breakdown of these relationships. The friends who came said they decided to sever ties with the no-shows after being at the receiving end of too many favors.
Employee safety comes first, earthquake or no
The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted northern Cebu last week left a trail of devastation. But one of the more shocking news came not from the natural disaster, but from the alleged practices of Cebu employers that put their workers in harm’s way. An independent group of business process outsourcing (BPO) employees raised the alarm saying they received hundreds of complaints of labor violations from their member agents.
How to manage your budget amid floods and storms
#2 How’s your emergency supplies? It used to be that some areas have it tougher than others. But this year, maybe because corruption is reported to reach unprecedented levels, places that used to be flood-free are no longer. Look at your emergency supplies and see if they are still in okay condition including flashlights, power banks and first aid kit. If you don’t have an emergency kit, now’s the time to prepare one.
Fraudsters are not always strangers, some come from our trusted circle
Fraudsters are not always strangers, some come from our trusted circle Along with many netizens, I followed the sad plight of content creator Jana Berenguer who lost her savings from not just one, not two, but three accounts in one day. No one deserves to lose their hard-earned money, and in Jana’s case, she shared via a video post that she didn’t just lose her savings: the money was meant to pay suppliers for her small business and, more importantly, for a surgery her young son urgently needed.
When your partner cheats on you with money
If you find yourself in this situation, start by having an honest conversation. You might be angry, you may feel betrayed, but it’s important to stay calm and keep the communication lines open. Sit down and get the full picture of your partner’s financial infidelity. It may not be as bad as you imagined. Is it just this one time? Or has it been going on for a while? How much debt is it? Probe the secret spendings and other money deceptions.
Meeting a real-life hero: Teacher Grace Bohol
Starting September 5, we celebrate National Teachers’ Month, which will culminate in National Teachers’ Day on October 5, in line with the global celebration of World Teachers’ Day. But the celebrations in recent years appear muted, held against the backdrop of pandemic education, learning challenges, and how Filipino students are lagging not just against their predecessors but also their peers in neighboring Asian countries.
The floods are here again: Are you covered for Acts of God?
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