The holiday season is indeed the most wonderful time of the year for many Filipinos. The -ber months usher in the start of heartwarming reunions with loved ones, festive meals, fun gift-giving with friends and family, and of course, the anticipated Christmas bonus for Filipino employees.
For Metrobank, one should plan for the holidays even before the –ber months start. The holiday season is a time of joy, but it can also be financially stressful for many Filipinos. Overspending during the -ber months often leads to a January financial hangover – which is why as early as August this year, Metrobank introduced a new financial guide called G.I.F.T. so you can enjoy the festivities without the stress of financial worries and get ahead of your goals in the coming year. G.I.F.T stands for:
Get guided with goals: Starting the holiday season early means you have more time to strategically plan your finances even before the new year starts. Set or revisit your short-term goals like going on a holiday trip, and long-term goals such as setting aside emergency funds or purchasing your dream home. With this, it’s easier to plan how you can achieve them in the next year.
Invest a portion of your bonus: As you receive your bonus during the holidays, commit to reserving a portion for investments that grow in value. Consult a trusted financial advisor on appropriate investments for your life stage. Making meaningful investments can help grow your money instead of spending it all now.
Follow a budget: The holiday season is a great time to treat yourself and your loved ones with meaningful gifts. As you find the perfect present for those who are close to your heart, it is important that you still follow a budget plan. Discipline in tracking your income and essential and non-essential expenses is key.
Take advantage of deals: Avoid the tendency of overspending by maximizing opportunities to save – including keeping an eye out for value-based offers. Smart shoppers are always aware of deals and discounts that will give them the best value for their money.
To help Filipinos easily remember these four tips, Metrobank turned this into The GIFT Song, a catchy holiday carol that’s fit for the season. Watch and listen to the GIFT Song music video on the Metrobank Facebook and YouTube pages. You can also catch it on various radio stations.
“Financial empowerment has always been a part of Metrobank’s advocacy. G.I.F.T. is more than a holiday song or message—it’s a call to action for Filipinos to take charge of their financial future. Let’s shift from surviving the holidays, to thriving financially, not just this season but all year long. Let's create our G.I.F.T. resolutions today and inspire others to do the same,” said Digs Dimagiba, Metrobank Chief Marketing Officer.
With Metrobank’s G.I.F.T, you can definitely make better financial decisions this holiday season and step into the new year with confidence. Learn more about the G.I.F.T. Resolutions here: https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/gift-of-financial-wellness/