Have you ever wondered why some people always seem financially secure, even when others around them are feeling the pinch? It’s rarely about luck. More often, it comes down to consistent habits, practical routines that help them stay prepared and confident, no matter what life throws their way.

In the Philippines, more people are turning to digital banking to make these habits easier to maintain. Maya, the #1 digital bank in the country, leads this transformation by offering smart tools that help you save efficiently and grow your money steadily. These financial products make it effortless to build a routine that keeps you from ever feeling “walang pera.”

If you’ve ever caught yourself feeling like you’re struggling to stay afloat, this article is for you. Let’s explore the habits that can help you feel more in control of your money and build long-term financial security.

1. They Open a Dedicated Deposit Account for the Money They Intend to Set Aside

Everyone knows how to save money. But what sets financially secure people apart is that they don’t just save; they create intentional friction between their savings and their spending. It’s a subtle adjustment, but it changes everything. When your savings sit in the same account as your daily money, it’s easy to blur the lines and spend more than you meant to. A dedicated deposit account helps you stay disciplined and track your progress without second-guessing every transaction.

The easiest way to make this habit stick? Choose a bank that makes saving simple and accessible. Maya, for example, lets you open a separate savings account in minutes through the app using just one valid ID, with no minimum balance required. Maya is a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-supervised financial institution, and your money is insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), so you can build your savings with confidence. Plus, the app gives you real-time visibility into your balance and growth, helping you stay motivated and in control.

It’s a simple structural shift that helps you feel calm, not anxious, when money gets tight.

2. They Maximize Their Savings by Leveraging High Interest Rates

Leaving money in a low-interest account can feel like standing still financially. People who rarely worry about being broke know that every peso should be working in the background. That’s why they pay attention to the savings interest rate their bank offers and choose providers that reward consistent use.

To make this habit work in real life, you need a deposit account that not only offers a competitive base rate but also turns everyday spending into real-time growth. With Maya Savings, your base rate of 3.5% per annum (p.a.) can climb to as much as 15% p.a. when you use Maya services for daily transactions, like buying load, paying bills, using Maya Easy Credit, paying via QR Ph, or paying with your Maya Card. The boosted rate applies to deposits up to PHP 100,000, calculated daily and credited the next day, so your money grows quietly while you go about your routine.

This habit transforms routine payments into steady financial momentum, proof that consistency can be just as powerful as big, one-off wins.

3. They Set and Fund Clear Savings Goals

A common reason people end up feeling broke isn’t that they don’t save, but that they save without direction, often setting aside whatever’s left. People who stay financially secure take the opposite approach. They give every peso a job, assigning it to specific goals like a new car, a dream getaway, or an emergency reserve. That sense of purpose keeps their money from disappearing unnoticed.

Turning vague intentions into specific targets changes the way you treat your funds and makes discipline much easier. With Maya Personal Goals, you can create and personalize up to five dedicated accounts in your Savings dashboard, each one tailored to what matters most. Each goal account earns up to 8% p.a. on balances of up to PHP 100,000, with tiered interest rates that start at 4% for the first PHP 20,000 and gradually increase up to 8% for amounts above PHP 80,000. Whether it’s for a new gadget, equipment for your side hustle, or a future investment, you’ll see exactly how each savings deposit moves you closer to something meaningful.

Ultimately, clear goals turn saving into a source of control, and that’s what keeps you from ever feeling empty-handed.

4. They Secure Extra Cash in Fixed-Term Financial Products That They Don’t Touch for a While

Another remarkable habit of money-smart individuals you may want to adopt is how they set aside funds not only for emergencies but also for the long haul. By placing what extra money they have in fixed-term financial products, they give themselves two advantages: guaranteed growth and a built-in barrier against impulsive withdrawals.

Maya Time Deposit Plus is designed for exactly this kind of discipline. You can open an account with any amount and immediately start earning a 3.5% p.a. base interest. To unlock a boosted interest rate, simply set a target balance and reach this target. Also choose a flexible tenor of 3, 6, or 12 months. The highest rate of 6% p.a. is achieved when you complete the 6-month term and reach your goal. This setup allows part of your money to remain accessible through your regular savings account deposit, while the rest is locked away, steadily earning a higher, fixed return.

Using a Time Deposit means you’re not relying on willpower alone. You’re building structure around your savings, so your goals are protected even when life gets noisy.

5. They Build Positive Daily Habits around Money

Big financial wins often come from small, consistent actions. Tracking your expenses, setting a budget you can actually stick to, paying bills on time, and checking in with your goals regularly may sound ordinary, but together they form the backbone of financial stability. These positive financial habits are what separate people who feel constantly strapped for cash from those who always seem prepared.

You’ll also notice that the habits of financially savvy individuals extend beyond just saving. They include knowing when to spend, how to prioritize, and how to use credit responsibly. Building these routines takes practice, but the payoff is peace of mind.

When you approach money with consistency and intention, even the smallest smart money moves add up. Over time, they create a sense of calm and control that keeps financial stress from taking over.

Financial security doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through thoughtful adjustments to your routine and the discipline to stick with them. With the right tools, these habits become easier to maintain and more rewarding as they compound. At Maya, we’re here to help you make that shift. From high-interest savings to goal-based accounts and flexible time deposit accounts, we’ve designed solutions that support every stage of your financial journey. Start the change today and take the first step toward a future where “walang pera” is no longer part of your story.