Setting Financial Goals
From Phinvestopedia
Setting Financial Goals is the process of defining specific, measurable objectives for your money and creating a timeline to achieve them. In the Philippines, where the culture often encourages "living for the moment" (bahala na) or supporting extended family (utang na loob), explicitly writing down financial goals is a radical act of self-preservation and future-proofing.
Financial goals are typically categorized into three timelines:
- Short-Term: < 1 Year (e.g., Building an Emergency Fund, Travel)
- Medium-Term: 1–5 Years (e.g., Wedding, Down Payment for a Condo)
- Long-Term: > 5 Years (e.g., Retirement, Children's College Fund)
Benefits of the Practice
Why bother writing them down?
- Combats "Parkinson's Law": This economic principle states that "expenses will rise to equal income." Without a goal, a salary increase from ₱20k to ₱30k will just result in more expensive dinners, leaving you with zero savings. Goals force that extra money into a purpose.
- Overcomes "Petsa de Peligro": Having a goal creates a buffer. You stop living paycheck-to-paycheck because you are actively setting aside money for the future before you spend it today.
- Unified Family Vision: For couples, setting goals together prevents fights about money. It shifts the conversation from "Why did you buy that?" to "Does this purchase help us buy our dream house?"
How to Set Goals (The S.M.A.R.T. Way)
A vague goal like "I want to be rich" is a wish, not a plan. Filipino financial planners recommend the S.M.A.R.T. framework.
| Letter | Meaning | Bad Example | Good Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Specific | "I want to save money." | "I want to save for a Down Payment on a DMCI Condo." |
| M | Measurable | "I want a lot of savings." | "I need exactly ₱500,000 for the spot down payment." |
| A | Achievable | "I will save ₱40k/month." (But you earn ₱30k) | "I will save ₱5,000/month by cooking baon." |
| R | Relevant | "I want to buy a boat." (But you live in QC) | "I want to buy a car to avoid the MRT commute." |
| T | Time-bound | "Someday." | "By December 2026." |
Tips for Success
- The "Bucket System": Do not put all your money in one BPI/BDO payroll account. Open separate High Yield Savings Accounts for specific goals.
- *Bucket A (SeaBank):* Emergency Fund.
- *Bucket B (GoTyme):* Japan Travel Fund.
- *Bucket C (MP2):* Retirement.
- Pay Yourself First: Automate the transfer. On payday, move the money to your Goal Buckets *before* you pay bills or buy groceries.
- Start with the "Big 3": If you are overwhelmed, just focus on these three in order:
- Emergency Fund: 3-6 months of expenses.
- Debt Clearance: Pay off credit cards/loans.
- Investment/Retirement: Start putting money in Index Funds or Pag-IBIG MP2.
Pitfalls and "Gotchas" (The Filipino Context)
Cultural traits often sabotage financial goals in the Philippines.
- The "Sandwich Generation" Squeeze
- You set a goal to save ₱5k/month, but your parents ask for money for bills, or a sibling needs tuition.
- * Advice: You must set Boundaries. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Allocate a fixed "Help Fund" in your budget. Once it's gone, it's gone.
- "Pakikisama" and "Libre" Culture
- You are saving for a house, but your office mates invite you to Starbucks daily or expect a "Blowout" on your birthday.
- * Advice: Learn to say "No" or suggest cheaper alternatives. Real friends will respect your financial goals.
- Lifestyle Creep (One Day Millionaire)
- You get a 13th Month Pay or a Bonus, and instead of putting it towards your goal, you upgrade your phone or throw a massive fiesta.
- * Advice: Follow the 50/50 Rule for windfalls: Spend 50% on fun, save 50% for your goals.
- "Bahala Na" Attitude
- The fatalistic belief that "God will provide" or "Batman na bahala."
- * Advice: Faith is important, but it is not a financial plan. You must take active control of your future.
Sources
- Sun Life Philippines - Life Goals Guide
- Manulife PH - Financial Planning Tools
- COL Financial - Goal Setting for Investors
