One of the most common beliefs about saving and investing is: “I’ll start when I earn more.”
It sounds practical, but it can quietly delay your progress for years.

A better mindset?
“Start small, but start early.”

Because when it comes to money, time matters just as much as how much you earn.

Let’s walk through how you can start saving and investing—even on a starting salary.

To make things more concrete, we’ll use ₱25,000 as an example, but the same principles apply no matter where you’re starting.

Setting the Foundation

A simple way to structure your finances is through the 50-30-20 rule. It’s not perfect, but it’s a good starting point, especially when you’re still building your habits.

Let’s say you’re earning around ₱25,000 as a starting salary. Here’s how it could look:

• 50% for Needs (₱12,500) – rent, utilities, transportation, groceries
• 30% for Wants (₱7,500) – eating out, subscriptions, shopping
• 20% for Savings and Investments (₱5,000)

If setting aside 20% feels like too much right now, that’s completely okay. You can start with 10% (₱2,500)—or even less—and build from there.

What matters more is building the habit early.
Consistency will always beat starting big and stopping midway. 

Stopping Money Leaks

One of the many ways ₱25,000 doesn’t feel like much is because people allow themselves small daily expenses that quickly add up without them noticing.

A quick coffee here, a snack there, or choosing convenience more often than needed—it all feels harmless in the moment. But over time, these habits can take a noticeable chunk out of your budget.

Instead of cutting everything out, focus on being more intentional:

• Swap some purchases for lower-cost or healthier alternatives
• Take a short walk when you need a break—it clears your head and saves money
• Track your spending using tools like the BPI app so you can spot patterns

Awareness is usually the first and most powerful step toward better financial habits.

Build the Safety Net

The first order of business is building an emergency fund. This is non-negotiable because emergencies always occur at the worst possible moment. Being ready for it is a must because treatment is always more expensive when you’re unprepared.

A common guideline is to save:

• 3 to 6 months’ worth of essential expenses

For example, using a ₱25,000 salary:

• If your essentials are around ₱12,500/month, aim for about ₱37,500 to ₱75,000

It may sound like a big number, but don’t let that discourage you. The goal isn’t to complete it overnight—it’s to build it gradually and consistently.

Saving vs. Investing: Where Should You Start?

This is a common question people ask when they start getting serious about their finances. Saving and investing each have their own advantages. It all depends on your financial goals, and how much you’re willing to put aside to reach them.

• Choose saving if you need flexibility and easy access to your money
• Consider investing if you’re planning long-term and are comfortable letting your money grow over time

In reality, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Most people work toward both, depending on their priorities and stage in life.

Beginner-Friendly Investment Options

If you’re ready to explore investing, even with a starting salary, here are some accessible options in the Philippines:

• Pag-IBIG MP2 – a government-backed savings program with relatively low risk and competitive returns
• Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) – professionally managed funds that pool investments
• Stocks – higher potential returns, but with higher risk and more volatility

Each option comes with different levels of risk and commitment. The key is to choose one that matches your:

• Risk tolerance
• Time horizon
• Comfort level with market ups and downs

Start with what you understand, and build your knowledge over time.

Long-Term Building

Growing your wealth isn’t about quick wins or shortcuts. It’s built through small, consistent decisions over time.

It doesn’t matter if you’re starting with a small amount. What matters is that you’re building the habit and sticking with it.

And while saving and investing help your money grow, protecting what you’ve built is just as important. This is where financial protection solutions like insurance and variable unit-linked (VUL) plans come in. They give you a way to stay covered against unexpected life events, while also helping your money grow over the long term.

At BPI AIA, you can get guidance that connects both sides of your financial journey, building wealth and protecting it at the same time. A Bancassurance Sales Executive can help you understand your priorities, walk you through a financial needs analysis, and recommend solutions whether it’s insurance primarily for protection, or VUL plans that combine protection with investment based on your goals, lifestyle, and long-term plans.

Because real financial security isn’t just about how much you earn or invest—it’s about having the confidence, protection, and peace of mind that you’re prepared for whatever comes next.

Talk to a BPI AIA Bancassurance Sales Executive today and take the next step toward a more secure financial future.