6 Myths About Personal Finance That Still Persist Today

Managing your hard-earned money can seem like a complicated affair, especially with an abundance of financial advice going around that can sometimes be more impractical than helpful. There may also be instances when you encounter conflicting suggestions from the experts, which can make things even more confusing and challenging.

To help you become better at handling your finances, here are some of the most persistent myths about personal finance that you should STOP believing right now:

Saving Money Means Giving Up Fun

One of the first things that financial advisors tell you to do in order to save more money is to cut down on your frivolous expenses. This can feel quite limiting, to the point that you’re not encouraged to save anymore because you feel guilty and miserable.

However, the key word you need to focus on is “cut down.” It doesn’t mean you have to stop spending money on the things you enjoy; rather, you just need to reduce and prioritize. If you order from your favorite restaurant once a week, consider making it just once a month instead. If you usually get a large cup of cold brew from your neighborhood cafe, switch to a smaller size so you can still get your fix.

Indeed, when it comes to saving, don’t deprive yourself. You’ll feel more inspired to work towards your financial goals if you still give yourself treats from time to time.

When you’re building your savings, it can feel discouraging to see only a small amount in your account or if you’re only able to save a couple of hundred pesos every time. Still, any amount saved is better than nothing at all. Besides, as the saying goes, big things have small beginnings. As you get more used to saving money and as you eliminate a bigger chunk of debt, you can start saving more and more. Before you know it, you’ll have a big amount ready for emergencies or waiting for your next big purchase.

Credit Cards Are a Gateway to Debt

There are many reasons Filipinos don’t want to get their own credit cards, and getting saddled with debt is one of them. Of course, there’s some truth to it. When you use a credit card, it’s just like taking out a small loan from the card provider. However, as long as you’re paying your bills in full and on time, you won’t have any issues. 

Besides, there are actually a lot of perks when you use credit cards. Philippines’ top retailers often have partnerships that let you earn rewards points or enjoy automatic discounts when you use your credit cards to pay. Many providers also take note of your payment standing and increase your spending limit if you’re a good customer; this can give you more options to circulate your funds and maximize your points.

You’re also not obligated to use your credit card each and every time! There are certain transactions that are best paid with cash, while some are ideal to be charged to your card. The bottom line here is that in the hands of a responsible individual, a credit card is a powerful financial tool.

One of the best ways to grow your money is to invest it. Yes, your money earns interest in the bank but investing it can give you much better returns. Fortunately, investing doesn’t actually require a lot of money. Even if you can only allocate Php 1,000 or even Php 500 per month, you can already start investing your money.

The key is to know your options. Do your own research as well, and ask for advice from experts. Little by little, you’ll be more confident in your knowledge and you can start investing more.

Retirement Savings Can Come Later

You’re never too young to start saving for your retirement! In fact, the earlier you start, the better. This gives your money more time to grow and by the time you’re ready to retire, all you have to do is enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

Consistency is your friend here. Again, it’s perfectly fine if you’re only able to save a small amount each month. Just open an account as early as you can so that you can give your retirement money some time to grow.

You Don’t Need a Budget

If you already know where your money is going every month—utility bills, groceries, savings, rent—do you still need an honest-to-goodness itemized budget? The answer is yes. Having a record of your earnings and expenses helps you better keep track of things and also get a good look into your financial status in the future.

Having a budget also makes it easier for you to achieve your individual financial goals, such as saving for a new gadget or setting up your emergency funds.

When it comes to handling your personal finances, remember that there’s no “one size fits all” solution. Again, it’s personal and everyone has different situations. Nevertheless, you can take note of these myths—now debunked! They can help make financial management a little easier.