Naka-receive ka ba ng invite from friends or classmates na manonood daw sila ng concert ng fave band mo o ng sine? Suddenly, you have that familiar feeling of fear of missing out or FOMO. But you’re also aware na hindi ka naka-budget para dito kaya you say no na lang.
FOMO can make it tempting to use money you weren't planning to spend. Ok lang naman if you want to enjoy yourself with friends every now and then. But spending because na-FOMO ka can make it harder for you to save for goals that truly matter.
But you don't have to choose between having fun and being financially responsible. Instead of FOMO, try embracing SWOMO or saving without missing out.
SWOMO is the idea that you can enjoy life while being disciplined with your spending and committed to your financial goals. Hindi mo kailangang magsabi ng “no” all the time. When you practice SWOMO, you focus on saving for experiences and spending on what brings real happiness or value to your life.
Here are a few things you can do para ang FOMO mo ay maging SWOMO:
Know what really makes you happy or what you value — Even while young, you can already discern the things that you find valuable. It can be anything from clothes, shoes, toys, books, or travel (basta approved ng parents!). If you know these, you know why you should start saving.
Practice goal-based saving — After knowing what makes you happy, you choose what to start saving up for. Do you want to watch a concert? Lunch ba with friends sa isang bagong resto? Or do you want to open your first personal bank account and start a time deposit? Mag-set ka na ng savings goal para sa mga ito!
Try mindful spending — Your spending can be triggered by FOMO or by other emotions such as stress or anxiety. In these situations, madali kang maging hasty sa decisions mo. Before buying, ask yourself: “Do I really want this?”, “Do I just want it because everyone else has it?", or “Am I being caught in the excitement?” Think things through before making a purchase.
Hindi lahat ng fun activity ay kailangang maging mahal or cost anything at all. Meron din namang mas tipid na alternatives na pwede mo i-consider. At the end of the day, your goal is to make smart choices with your money by focusing on meaningful experiences.
Huwag ka nang magpa-FOMO dahil meron nang SWOMO! You can enjoy the present and be happy with the memories you make while building healthy financial habits!
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Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes and does not constitute formal financial advice. Always do further research before making financial decisions and seek professional advice from a certified personal finance counselor. For more information, read the Earnest disclaimer here.