How am I, an average earner saved 14,000 Philippine peso in 1 year?

Saving money is not easy. I have a lot of struggles in saving money when I was younger. Since I started working, I was always told by my mom to save at least Php300 every pay day. So that should be around Php600 per month. She told me to save it and make sure not to spend it.

I once told her, "Mom, I can save Php600 in one month. There's no problem with that. The problem is my urge nspending it." Then, should would scold me telling me that that isn't saving.

So I have been working for 7 years now. For the last 6 years that I worked, I didn't have any saving. Only that last year, I was able to save money because of two things.

• First, I reduced my expenses.

• I had an extra income.

• I count my money every single day for 365 days.

Reduced expenses

Because I really wanted to save money, I told myself I needed to reduce my expenses. Identified my needs and separated it from my wants. Instead of buying at the pantry, I just bring my own meal. I also learned to cook for myself.

Aside from that, I also just gives in to my wants at least once a month. I think I also deserved it.

Extra income

I was working full time in a company. Good thing there was an opening as a secondment program as Process Associate. I didn't know that at first but I was shortlisted to take the exam. I took the test and passed it. I didn't expect it because it is my first time to apply for a different role in the company.

Eventually, I also past the final interview and started training. Since being a process associate requires more time and effort compared with my previous role, there is also an additional allowance. I was very thankful of course.

So I suggested, if you can, find an extra job. And any amount that you can get from that put it to your savings.

I count my money every night, every day

I searched on youtube on tips on how to save money. I cannot remember who posted it but I followed it and worked for me.

So this is what I do. I set my allowance to Php1,500 per week. And then, I count my money every night. I take out the hundreds and then the tenths I put it on my piggy bank.

For example, yesterday, I have Php1500 pesos on my wallet. I went to work. Buy some stuff and went home. When I count my money, what's left is Php 1,270 pesos. Since I take out the hundreds, I will put Php 1,200 pesos back in my wallet to spend the next day and put the Php 70 pesos on my piggy bank.

So, today, I have Php 1,200 pesos in my wallet and since I don't have work today, I only spent Php 20 pesos. So I put Php 1,100 pesos back in my wallet and save Php 80 pesos.

I started Feb 15, 2019 and I accummulated a total of Php 14,400 pesos when I opened it this year. I was so proud of myself. It was a small amount of savings but the dedication I put on it amazed me.

By the end of the day, it doesn't matter how big or small you have saved. As long as you saved it doing good deeds. Just try. You can always start saving. You just really need to decide that you really wanted to save for the future.

I hope these tips can help you save money too.

:) ellimacandrea