Mother’s Day, as celebrated worldwide, is extra special in the Philippines. In a country known for having “family” as central to its culture, tradition, and values, Filipinos mark the day with hearty greetings, special family lunches or dinners, and simple yet meaningful gestures.
Filipino moms are known to mind their families first and foremost, even on special days when they are supposed to be cared for. This extraordinary selflessness from Filipino moms often leads to unplanned spending, later overshadowing the rest, recreation, and fun, which the day supposedly intends to provide.
Recent studies reveal that many Filipino mothers carry significant financial responsibilities, frequently balancing family budgets under considerable stress. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2023 survey indicated that many households struggle with consistent saving and expense tracking, often leading to financial vulnerability, especially during special occasions when emotions can override budgets.
With Mother’s Day approaching, mindful spending can help mothers honor themselves meaningfully, without unnecessary financial strain. Here are practical tips Filipino moms can follow for a purposeful, stress-free celebration:
Set a clear budget
Moms should determine how much they’d feel comfortable spending on their special day. Budgeting for specific activities or purchases helps keep emotions from driving impulse buys.
Plan ahead
Thoughtful planning reduces last-minute purchases, which often lead to overspending. Whether cooking at home, dining out, or gifting themselves, planning ensures each peso goes to deliberate and thoughtful spending.
Prioritize meaningful experiences
Instead of high-priced items, moms can consider rewarding themselves with meaningful experiences, such as a relaxing massage, a family picnic, or quality time with loved ones, to make the day special without breaking the bank.
Track and allocate wisely
Monitoring expenses and setting aside money for the anticipated Mother’s Day celebration costs can give greater control over finances. On this part, TOP.ph is particularly helpful. This trusted e-wallet has an intuitive sub-wallet feature to help moms set aside and track budgets.
Moms can label their sub-wallets “My Special Day,” “Family Dinner,” or even “Mom’s Care Fund.” With this, the family’s spending on Mother’s Day prioritizes and ensures spending remains enjoyable without the hassle of overthinking if the family is to go beyond the budget.
Ultimately, celebrating Mother’s Day shouldn’t bring financial anxiety but genuine relaxation and fulfillment. By embracing mindful spending with TOP.ph, Filipino moms can reclaim their special day, allowing them to relax, reflect, and enjoy the recognition they wholeheartedly deserve.