“Maliit lang naman”: How Tracking Every Peso Can Help You Save More Than You Think
Ever look at your wallet or GCash and wonder, “Wait, where did all my money go?”
You’re not alone.
It’s easy to lose track when it’s just “₱50 lang naman” — your daily coffee, that ride-share upgrade, a quick milk tea, or an impulse checkout on Shopee. But those tiny spends? They add up faster than you think.
If you want to take control of your finances, here’s a simple but powerful first step:
Track every peso you spend for one week.
Step 1: Track Everything - Even the Small Stuff
For the next seven days, write down every expense. Yes, even the ₱20 tip or ₱10 parking fee.
You can use:
Your Notes app
An Excel Tracker
Or good old pen and paper
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s awareness.
Because once you see where your money actually goes, you’ll start spotting patterns you didn’t notice before.
Step 2: Spot the “Leaks” in Your Budget
After a few days, review your list. You’ll probably notice a few “budget leaks”:
- Daily coffee runs that cost ₱1,500 a month
- Lunch deliveries instead of packed meals
- Impulse online buys during “free shipping” promos
None of these are bad on their own—but together, they quietly drain your savings.
When you catch those small habits early, you can make adjustments before they become long-term money stressors.
Step 3: Turn Awareness Into Action
You can’t manage what you don’t measure.
Once you’re aware, it’s easier to make smarter choices:
- Set a daily spending limit
- Move “extra” cash to your savings account
- Use your 13th-month pay to start a small investment
The goal isn’t to cut everything. It’s to spend with intention.
Step 4: Build Consistency
Money tracking isn’t a one-time challenge—it’s a habit.
Try doing it for one week each month, or even just the first week of every payday cycle.
The more consistent you are, the more confident you’ll feel about your finances.
Because financial freedom doesn’t start with a big windfall—it starts with small, mindful choices that add up.
The Bottom Line
“₱50 lang naman” may not seem like much. But over time, it’s the difference between wondering where your money went—and knowing exactly where it’s growing.
So start today. Track your spending, learn your habits, and take back control - one peso at a time.
Want more practical real-world money advice?
Follow Peraktikal, a financial literacy initiative from BetterThrive.
Facebook: /peraktikal
Instagram: @peraktikal