Marriage brings excitement, new routines, and a variety of important decisions, one of the biggest being where to live. For many Filipino newlyweds, this can mean securing a permanent place to call home or finding a rental that fits their lifestyle. Whatever the situation, managing the financial side of it requires teamwork and smart planning.
When creating a comfortable home, couples can start by identifying their immediate needs, such as a safe place to live, basic furniture, and essential appliances, and then gradually plan for upgrades as their budget allows. This approach allows them to balance financial stability with comfort.
If you’re one of those looking to navigate this exciting but often challenging phase of your new life together with your significant other, here are a few practical tips to help make your finances more manageable.
1. Pool Your Resources and Make Every Peso Count
The first few months after marriage are the best time to review your finances as a couple. Combining resources involves setting clear priorities for what matters most in the short term. Couples can begin by determining how much they can comfortably allocate to housing, furnishings, and other essential costs without affecting their everyday expenses.
Using a joint savings account or a digital banking app that tracks both partners’ contributions can simplify money management and help prevent misunderstandings. Many Filipino couples also find it helpful to include wedding gifts, 13th-month pay, or bonuses as part of their home fund. Approaching pooled resources strategically makes it easier to cover initial expenses, such as essential furniture, rent deposits, or mortgage down payments, when the right opportunities arise.
2. Choose the Right Kind of Financial Boost
Unfortunately, some couples find that their savings are not enough to cover all the costs of setting up a home, and that’s where smart financing options come in. Personal loans from digital banks have become a popular choice for newlyweds because of their convenient application processes and minimal requirements. These loans can be used for anything from buying furniture and appliances to handling renovation or building expenses.
In the case of Maya Personal Loan, you can borrow from PHP 15,000 up to PHP 250,000 and pay it for up to 6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 months. You’ll also be able to enjoy add-on rates starting at just 0.77% per month. In terms of requirements, you must be between 21 and 65 years old, a Filipino resident, have an upgraded Maya account, and have been actively using your Maya account for transactions and purchases. As long as you meet these qualifications, you can proceed and apply through the Maya app.
Note that while this is an easy personal loan option, applications are still subject to credit evaluation.
For smaller, short-term needs, borrowing money through a virtual credit line is an alternative you can explore. Take Maya Easy Credit, for example. It’s recommended for covering smaller expenses like rental deposits, utility setup fees, or initial move-in costs, or cash flow gaps—anything up to PHP 30,000. You have up to 30 days to settle your payment, which should be plenty of time to get many of your requirements in order.
Indeed, digital banks like Maya give you better control over how and when you borrow. The key is to choose financial products that align with your goals and repayment capacity. Keep in mind that responsible borrowing during the early stages of marriage sets a healthy precedent for future financial decisions.
3. Turn a Bare Space into a Comfortable Haven (on a Budget)
Securing a house or apartment is only the beginning. Turning it into a comfortable space takes thoughtful budgeting, especially when starting from scratch. Newlyweds often underestimate how quickly the cost of basic furniture and appliances can add up, so it helps to prioritize essentials first, like a bed, refrigerator, air conditioning units, and basic cooking equipment.
Shopping smart can stretch your budget further. Pre-loved furniture can provide excellent value, and installment plans with low or zero interest make big purchases more manageable. Online marketplaces also often offer deals that help couples furnish their space without overspending.
4. Breathe New Life into a Second-Hand or Rental Home
Not every couple starts in a brand-new house, and that’s perfectly fine. With creativity and planning, even second-hand or rental homes can become warm, inviting spaces. A few affordable changes, such as repainting walls or replacing old curtains, can make a significant difference in both comfort and mood.
Couples can also focus on one room at a time instead of taking on full renovations all at once. The living area and kitchen are often great starting points since they’re where home occupants spend the most time together.
5. Keep Your Finances in Sync as You Settle In
As couples adjust to shared living expenses, staying financially aligned becomes even more important. Discussing how to divide bills, household costs, and savings goals can prevent future disagreements. Some couples prefer splitting expenses equally, while others base contributions on income levels. Regardless of what you choose, what matters is finding a system that feels fair and sustainable.
Using digital banking apps or expense trackers makes monitoring shared costs easier. These tools can automatically categorize spending and show where adjustments might be needed. Building an emergency fund is another essential step to handling unexpected repairs or medical expenses without disrupting monthly budgets.
A home becomes comfortable and functional when both partners plan and manage finances together. Every small decision contributes to a smoother start in married life. Additionally, communicating openly about expenses and using financial tools effectively can simplify the process of setting up a home. With this approach, even a modest space can be transformed into a well-organized, welcoming environment that fits both partners’ lifestyles.
