Money isn’t just about math. It’s shaped by our families, culture, and what we saw growing up. And for many Filipinos, that includes habits and beliefs we never questioned because they were “just how things are.”

But some of those habits are quietly holding us back.

This isn’t about blaming our parents or shaming anyone. In fact, most of these money traits come from love, survival, and the deep desire to support others. As we learn more and aim for better, it’s worth asking: Are these still helping us? Or are they keeping us stuck?

Here are a few money mindsets that are all too common in Filipino households, and how we can start letting go of them.

1. “Hiya” Around Talking About Money

We avoid money conversations because they’re seen as impolite, awkward, or braggy. Whether it’s salary, debt, savings, or goals, there’s often a wall of silence.

Why it’s toxic: Staying quiet keeps us confused and misinformed. We make poor decisions because we don’t have all the facts, or we’re too shy to ask.

Try this instead: Start having real, honest conversations about money with trusted people. Ask questions. Share what you’re learning. There’s no shame in wanting to understand your finances.

2. Financial Martyrdom (a.k.a. Helping Everyone But Yourself)

“Basta makatulong.” Many Filipinos grow up thinking we must always give no matter what. But this help often goes far beyond immediate family. We’re expected to support cousins, in-laws, even people who aren’t close relatives, simply because we “have more.”

Why it’s toxic: Stretching yourself thin to help everyone else can leave you with nothing. It builds silent pressure and guilt, and often leads to burnout and resentment.

Try this instead: It’s okay to say no. Help when you can, but not at the cost of your own security. Set boundaries, and remember, taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish, it’s smart.

3. Extreme “Utang na Loob” Pressure

Gratitude is beautiful, but when it turns into a lifelong financial obligation, it becomes heavy. You feel like you owe people money, favors, and loyalty forever, no matter your situation.

Why it’s toxic: This kind of guilt can keep you stuck in unhealthy dynamics. It’s hard to grow financially when you’re always paying back emotional debts.

Try this instead: Recognize the difference between appreciation and obligation. Give thanks, be generous, but also protect your own future.

4. “Bahala Na” Mentality

We’ve all heard it: “Bahala na si Batman.” While it sounds chill, it often means avoiding responsibility or planning, especially with money.

Why it’s toxic: Living without a plan leads to unnecessary stress. Emergencies hit harder when you’re not prepared.

Try this instead: You don’t need to have everything figured out, but a basic plan can go a long way.

• Track your expenses.
• Have a budget.
• Build an emergency fund.
• Start saving for future goals.
• Invest.
• Stay proactive.

5. Over-Reliance on “Swerte” or Luck

Some of us grew up thinking financial success was all about luck. Lotto tickets, lucky charms, waiting for “big breaks”, not actual planning or action.

Why it’s toxic:
This mindset can stop you from putting in the consistent work needed to build wealth. You stay in wishful thinking instead of taking steps forward.

Try this instead: Trust the process. Build good habits. Real financial change usually comes slowly through discipline, not magic.

6. Shame Around Ambition

Have you ever been called “masyadong ambisyosa” just for wanting more? In our culture, wanting to earn well, save, or invest can sometimes be seen as mayabang or greedy.

Why it’s toxic: Shaming ambition discourages growth. It keeps people stuck and afraid to reach for better.

Try this instead: There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big. You can be humble and driven. Two things can be true. Wanting a better life for yourself and your family is a good thing.

7. The Comparison Trap

It’s easy to feel pressure to “look successful”, whether that’s the latest phone, a fancy event, or a curated social media feed. Sometimes, it even means going into debt just to keep up.

Why it’s toxic: You end up spending to impress, not because it aligns with your goals or values.

Try this instead: Live below your means, not beyond your limits. Focus on what matters to you, not what others expect to see.

8. The “Utang Is Normal” Mindset

In many households, utang is a way of life. It’s used for medical bills, birthdays, balikbayan boxes, tuition, or day-to-day needs. Some see it as the only way to survive.

Why it’s toxic: When debt becomes normal, it can trap you in a cycle where your future income is already spoken for and savings never get a chance to grow.

Try this instead: Make room for saving, even if it’s small. Again, build an emergency fund. Avoid debt for wants, and use it wisely when truly needed.

9. The Get-Rich-Quick Mentality

We all want to escape financial struggle, but for many, the dream of getting rich fast becomes a trap. Whether it’s networking “opportunities”, high-return “investments”, or the latest crypto buzz, this mindset often leads to risky decisions.

Why it’s toxic: When we’re desperate for results, we become easy targets for scams. We chase the shortcut instead of building something solid. And when it doesn’t work, we feel shame but still don’t talk about it.

Try this instead: Reframe your mindset. Sustainable wealth takes time. Focus on slow, steady habits: saving, investing in legit platforms, and upskilling. If something promises unbelievable returns with little to no effort, it’s probably not worth believing. Like I always say, if something is too good to be true, then it probably is. 

10. Luxury as Proof of Success

Success is often measured by what you can show off: designer bags, luxury travel, gourmet dining, or the latest gadgets. Some even go into debt just to maintain the image. It’s no longer just about personal choice. It’s about performance. And social media magnifies that pressure.

Overindulgence in luxury, especially performative or image-based spending, is a growing issue. The recent nepo baby scandals only highlight how cultural expectations around wealth and status can become distorted, and how quickly that distortion spreads.

Why it’s toxic: Spending becomes a way to prove your worth. The pressure to keep up can lead to financial instability, especially when lifestyle outpaces actual income. It also creates unrealistic standards for others and quietly encourages entitlement.

Try this instead: Luxury doesn’t define your value. You don’t need to buy things to be seen as successful. A minimalist lifestyle—choosing quality over excess, spending intentionally, and aligning purchases with your actual needs—can bring more peace than any designer label ever will.

We Can Do Better and It Starts With Awareness

We didn’t choose these money mindsets. We absorbed them. We watched our parents stretch every peso, stay silent about finances, and give until it hurt. We saw how being “good” often meant sacrificing ourselves for others, chasing luck instead of plans, or spending to keep up appearances.

But now that we know better, we can do better.

We can question the habits we grew up with and decide which ones are worth keeping. We can say no without guilt, spend with intention, and set boundaries around what we give and what we owe. We can let go of the pressure to perform success, and instead, build a version of it that brings real peace.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being more aware, more mindful, and more free.

You don’t have to be rich to be financially wise. You just have to start thinking differently and make choices that truly serve the life you want.

Tita Tip

Pick one habit you want to work on this month. Maybe it’s saying no to one request. Maybe it’s finally starting a budget. One small shift is all it takes to start the change.