Money saving tips to survive 'Petsa de Peligro'

"Petsa de Peligro" is that time of the month preceding payday. As such, tax-paying people are (1) excited it's almost sweldo, (2) hungry because money has run out, and (3) both.

"Sabihin na lang natin muna na nabayran mo na lahat ng kailangan mong bayaran for the month — rent, tubig, kuryente — kaunti na lang ang natitirang pera sayo, sabihin na nating P500. So 'yung P500 na ito, kumbaga, parang operation expenses na ito," said Atom in the latest episode of his online show #Adulting with Atom Araullo, before sharing some of his tips on sustaining oneself until the next paycheck.

1. Go grocery shopping, cook canned goods

Atom suggests it's more necessary to go grocery shopping and cook yourself a meal instead of eating out.

"Ang pinaka effective talaga ang mamalengke, pumunta sa grocery, bumili ng pagkain at lutuin sa bahay," the Kapuso journalist said.

Canned goods isn't exactly the healthiest choice but it's one of the most practical options if you need to maximize your cash. 

"Ang pinaka simple talaga ay ang aminin na natin ang magluto ng mga de lata, it's not the best in terms of nutrition it's not the best in terms of your health but aminin na natin tayong lahat ay dumadaan sa ganyan 'pag kailangan magtipid."

2. Eat bananas

Feeling Erwan-y and still want to be healthy? Boil a banana. "Kami noon bumibili kami ng saba, pinapakuluan namin 'yan, masarap eh. Ako nasasarapan ako sa nilagang saba, nakakabusog pa, at madaling ibaon. 'Wag ka na mahiya sa mga katabi mo...sa totoo lang it's really good for you."

The important thing is not to go hungry, Atom reminds. "Ang importante sa lahat ay hindi ka rin malilipasan ng gutom. So kahit na tipid ka na mas mahal ang magkasakit so alagaan ang inyong kalusugan."

2. Limit transportation expenses by planning your day ahead

One of our biggest "operation costs"? Transportation. One way limit your transpo expenses is to plan your route for your day ahead.

"Maaga pa lang planuhin niyo na; kung meron kayong mga kilala na puwede kayo magcarpool. Kung wala naman, planuhin niyo na lang ang inyong araw nang maayos. Isipin niyo, 'okay for today ito ang gagawin ko from here to here', tapos lahat ng kailangan mong gawin ituhog mo na dun," says Atom.

He also encouraged to people to move and walk, especially when going somewhere near, though he emphasized safety:

"Minsan kasi issue na 'to ng safety eh 'di ba. Kung medyo gabi na, kailangan mong sumakay ng tricycle para safe, 'wag mo nang tipirin."

3. Learn about your mobile phone plan — and maximize it! 

Know of the unlimited promos of your service provider and plan your daily usage of data.

"Kailangan natin mas maging smart sa paggamit ng ating mga gadgets. Alamin niyo na 'yung mga unli unli plan ng inyong  service provider, kung gagamit kayo ng internet."

He notes the data counters of some smart phones: "Merong mga data counter yan, so today, dapat mga 2 Megabytes lang ang magamit ko, so kung gusto mong magtagal 'yan, dapat disiplinado. It's really up to you pano mo i-ba-budget."

4. Don't spend what you don't have

For those who have credit cards, Atom recommends to avoid using it for unnecessary wants that you can't afford.

"Ito ang tip ko sa inyo pagdating sa credit card, huwag kayo gagastos ng pera na wala kayo, dahil kapag ikaw ay gamit nang gamit ng credit card umaasa ka na mababayaran mo naman 'to 'pag dating ng sweldo, or 'pag nagkaron ng ibang emergency, kailangan kagad gastusin 'yung pera mo, mababaon ka ngayon sa utang,problema yan, hindi magandang habit ang gumastos ng pera na wala ka pa."

5. List everything down

Make a list of all your expenses and work backwards: This is how much you're spending, this is how much you're making, see how you can tally them, look which expense you can make do without — at least for the time-being.

Atom notes the age-old recommendations from experts: Save up to 20 percent of your monthly income. If it's a little too hard, start with 10 percent. There is magic in  baby steps, baby!

"Importante rin magtatabi ka pa rin ng savings,  ang reccomendation ay 20% ng iyong  ay isantabi mo for savings pero minsan so kahit 10-20%," he said.