By Dara Clariza Evangelista
Money advice does not always come from books or podcasts. Sometimes it comes from group chats, dinner tables, and slightly unhinged conversations with people who are just figuring things out too.
Here is a list of the most real, funny, and surprisingly useful financial advice I got from the people around me.
1. “Multiply First, Spend Later”
My older sister believes spending should feel earned, not stressful. Her rule is to find ways to multiply her monthly income first. Once she knows money is still coming in, that is when she allows herself to enjoy it. It is not about deprivation, it is about confidence.
2. “Get Someone Else to Pay”
When I asked my younger sister, her advice was simple, and kinda funny. Get your sisters to pay for things. Wow, right? But beneath the humor is a very real reminder that support systems matter. However, this also comes with a boundary lesson: if you are always the one paying, treating, and covering for people just so they like you, that is not generosity, that is being drained. You are allowed to stop funding friendships or relationships.
3. “Less Debt, More Savings”
My mom remains consistent and unshaken. Avoid debt. If you want something, save for it. It sounds old-school, but the mental weight of not having crippling debt is far better for you long-term than buying that bag or booking that trip. Of course, debt can have purpose, but discipline matters more than impulse.
4. “Never Shop Hungry”
One friend warned me that grocery shopping while hungry is a financial trap. You will leave with snacks you did not plan for and regret you did not budget. Very classic advice, but effective. I would also add this: list down your favorite ulams and base your grocery list around those. The first time is annoying, but after that, it gets easier. You cook more, waste less, and spend smarter.
5. “Do Not Outspend Your Reality”
Another friend reminded me not to live beyond my means. We all want nice things, but unless you can support that lifestyle long-term, cutting back is not a failure. It is discipline. I know someone with overwhelming debt to the point of hiding from creditors. They already have one child, another on the way, and yet they own the latest, highest-end iPhone. That math simply does not math.
6. “Save Something, Always”
A different friend swears by saving a portion of every paycheck. Whether it is 50-50, 50-25-25, or any version that works for you, consistency matters more than perfection. Retirement planning starts earlier than anyone wants to admit. If you can, automate it so saving happens before you even think about spending.
7. “Sleep On It”
My boyfriend believes big purchases deserve a pause. Sleep on it. If you still want it tomorrow, then fine. If not, you just avoided an expensive impulse. He applied this to a personal trip we were supposed to follow up on because we enjoyed it so much, we wanted to go back immediately. We slept on it, still wanted it, so plans are still being made. This applies especially to online shopping. Add to cart, do not check out. Sometimes the algorithm will chase you with ads. If you end up convinced, buy it. If you just get annoyed, that usually means you never needed it.
8. “Marry Rich”
My best friend said this and refused to explain. But honestly, there is something deeper here. It is not about marrying for money, but marrying someone with a similar financial mindset. Whether one person is the provider or expenses are split 50-50, money needs to be discussed. It is very hard to build a life when you are not on the same financial page.
9. Invest in Your Wellbeing (But Know the Difference)
One friend said this and laughed, but I fully agree. Sometimes the next thing you need to do to get rich is actually to get happy first. Burnout, stress, and unhappiness make terrible financial decisions. Investing in your wellbeing, whether that is rest, therapy, movement, or joy, helps you think clearer and choose better long-term.
That said, knowing when something is real wellbeing versus just a splurge is a must. Not everything is “healing your inner child.” Sometimes it is simply feeding a habit you already struggle with. True wellbeing spending supports your life, energy, and clarity. It does not quietly sabotage your finances while being justified with cute language.
10. “Track It In A Simple Way”
And lastly, my rule is basic but life-changing. It can also work on top of everything. Track your money. Money in, money out. No complicated systems. I use a simple spreadsheet with three columns: particular, money in, money out. It shows me immediately when I am spending too much, and that awareness alone changes behavior. You can color code it like what I do but in general, that system really helps me.
At the end of the day, money is not just about numbers. It is about habits, boundaries, self-awareness, and the kind of life you are trying to build. You do not need to follow every rule here, and you definitely do not need to do it perfectly. But borrowing a little wisdom from people who have already made mistakes, learned lessons, and lived through the consequences can save you time, stress, and regret. Financial advice does not have to be complicated to work. Sometimes it just has to be honest.
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