“Adulting” might have started as a meme, but in the Philippines, it takes on a slightly different meaning. Extended family households are the norm in the country, and the idea of adulting goes beyond the literal meaning, covering the responsibilities, goals, and, of course, financial decisions that come when striking out on one’s own. Now that more and more Filipinos are living by themselves or starting nuclear families outside of an extended household, it’s no surprise that the meme hits close to many in their 20s.
Adulting aside, your 20s are a prime time for building wealth and building up your earning power. While your first jobs may not always pay that well, you’ll have plenty of mental and physical stamina to take on the world. Adulting is also simpler than ever, now that the world’s best financial products are accessible straight from your phone.
Here are just some of the essential financial tools you’ll want to have in your early adulting toolkit.
1. A High-Interest Digital Savings Account
If your bank only offers the typical 0.25% interest, you’re already losing out. With a high-interest digital savings account like Maya Savings, you get a base rate of 3.5% p.a., with the chance to boost it up to a market-leading 15% p.a. just by using Maya for everyday transactions like buying prepaid load, paying bills, paying via QR Ph, or paying with your Maya Card when shopping online. You only need to deposit at least PHP 250 to your Maya Savings account and spend at least PHP 500 va QR, card, bills, or load. Once ordered, it’s delivered straight to your doorstep. The card is directly linked to your Maya Savings, so you can seamlessly use your funds and work toward that higher interest rate.
With Maya Savings, there’s also no minimum balance required, so you can get started with whatever you have. Plus, as the country’s #1 digital bank, Maya is fully regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to PHP1,000,000. You can rest assured that your funds are completely safe within the Maya ecosystem.
2. A Secure and Stylish Debit Card
A Maya Card, which comes either as a Maya Visa or Maya Mastercard debit card, isn’t just a symbol of your independence. Under the hood, it’s a fully functional debit card that works at over 130 million merchants in 200+ countries. Whether you're shopping online, paying for groceries, or booking a trip abroad, it’s a reliable tool that keeps your hard-earned money accessible and completely traceable.
As mentioned, you can get your Maya Card for free after opening a Maya Savings account and spending at least PHP 500. Once it arrives, simply activate your Maya Card to enjoy a new level of payment convenience.
3. Customizable Goal-Based Saving Tools
A lot of adulting is simply delaying gratification and waiting for your funds to add up. Of course, it’s easier to save when you can see exactly what you’re saving for. Maya Personal Goals makes this even easier by letting you create up to five savings pockets with specific labels like “Emergency Fund,” “Solo Travel,” or “New Laptop.” Even better, each goal can earn up to 4% p.a., speeding up the time it takes to enjoy these adulting goals.
4. A Flexible, High-Yield Time Deposit Account
If you’re ready to earn even more from your hard-earned money, Maya Time Deposit Plus might be what you need. You can start with just PHP 5,000, choose terms of 3, 6, or 12 months, and earn up to 6% p.a. Maya Time Deposit also improves on traditional time deposits by letting you top up until you hit your deposit goal, which means you don’t need a lump sum to get started. Time deposits have never been easier or more sensible.
5. A Credit Card That Matches Your Spending Habits
Your 20s are a great time to start building the credit history you need for a car or home loan in the future. The smart way to do that is with a beginner-friendly credit card that offers real value. The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card and Maya Black Credit Card are both great choices, depending on your lifestyle. The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card offers big cashback rewards on a wide range of everyday purchases, while the Maya Black card is a premium option for those who like to travel and enjoy the finer things in life.
Whichever credit card you qualify for, use it responsibly. Only spend what you can pay off, and pay on time. In no time at all, you should gain a credit profile that helps you take on the most financially challenging endeavors of your adult life.
Count On Maya for Your Adulting Challenges
With Maya, you don’t have to piece together a dozen different solutions to stay financially healthy. Even those just entering the workforce enjoy full access to a full toolkit with a debit card, savings, credit, and more, all in one seamless ecosystem. Download the Maya App today and discover why it’s the financial platform trusted by millions.
