People often treat budgets like strict diets: restrictive and guilt-inducing. But your budget doesn’t need to be about deprivation. It should, in fact, be a reflection of what matters most to you. After all, you deserve to enjoy your money, not just survive on it. As such, your budget should be more than a strict list of goals; it should be a plan for freedom, fulfillment, and joy. In other words, creating a shopping budget isn’t about cutting out all the fun. It's about finding ways to fund it using the tools you have available, like the best credit cards for online shopping in the Philippines.
So, let’s walk through how to build a budget that helps you spend on what makes you happy, while still working toward your financial goals.
1. Find Out What Actually Sparks Joy
Not everything you spend money on makes you happy. At least, not for long. Think back to your last few impulse purchases. Did they bring lasting satisfaction, or just a temporary high? If it’s the former, then you need to take a moment to reflect on what sparks joy in your life. To do this, think of a time when you felt totally content. Was it a weekend lunch out with your family? A solo trip to the beach? A quiet afternoon with a book? Then, start writing down the items or events that truly make you feel good. These are the “joy expenses” that deserve a place in your budget. Without joy, you’re more likely to give up and go back to spending without intention.
2. Build a Values-Based Budget
Once you know what brings you joy, it’s time to give those things their own space in your budget. Just like you set aside money for rent or groceries, create a category for things like:
- Experiences, like weekend getaways or spa days
- Gifts for loved ones and for yourself
Don’t think of these categories as “just extras." Think of them as things that will enhance your life so you can achieve your bigger financial goals.
Now, if you’re working with a very limited income, it doesn’t mean you have to cut joy out of your life. You just have to be creative. Really into fashion? Check out your local ukay-ukay or sell some of your old clothes so you can buy that blouse you’ve been eyeing for a while now. Passionate about food? Learn to cook your favorite restaurant dish at home. Into travel? Look for staycation opportunities.
3. Use Credit Cards with Intention
Credit cards are often seen as tools for buying more. But used wisely, they can actually help stretch your budget. For example, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card gives you up to 5% cashback at Landers, 2% on dining spends, and 1% on all other qualified transactions.* To unlock the 5% cashback rate, all you need to do is accumulate PHP 50,000 worth of total spending on your card for the month—that’s not just spending at Landers, but anywhere you pay using your credit card. Use this as your credit card for online shopping, groceries, and dining out. This way, you’re not only using your credit card for several categories in your budget. You’re also working towards getting your money back, which you can then spend on other “joy expenses.”
4. Track Expenses and Clean Out What Doesn’t Matter
When you put your plan into action, schedule a monthly check-in to confirm if your new budget makes sense and truly gives you joy. Specifically, take a look at your spending. You can easily do this if you’re using Maya. Just check the built-in transaction history feature in the app. You’ll get a clear picture of where your money is going.
This feature also makes it easier to spot what’s worth keeping (or cutting). A monthly foot massage that relaxes and rejuvenates you? Keep it. Plus, you’ll earn points if you use your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card for such experiences. In contrast, that expensive subscription you barely use? Cut it so you free up money to spend on what you actually care about. This is not you being “tightfisted” with money; this is you being intentional with your spending.
5. Let Go of Self-Criticism
Do you sometimes feel bad about your money habits? You might think you’re not saving enough, or that you're too far behind on your goals. But just the fact that you’re reading this and thinking about budgeting means you care. That’s already a great start.
Besides, money management is more about progress than perfection. So, every time you decide to track your expenses, skip an unnecessary purchase, or set aside money for a splurge that will give you lasting happiness, you're already building a stronger foundation for your life. The important thing is to keep going, even if you make mistakes.
Moreover, your budget is not supposed to look like anyone else’s. Maybe your cousin likes luxury bags. Maybe your coworker always has the latest phone. That’s their joy, not yours. It doesn’t mean it has to be part of your goals. So, stick to your own path. Focus on your own financial peace and emotional fulfillment.
Your Money, Your Happiness
Bottom line, you’re in charge. You get to decide what sparks joy and what’s worth spending on. And your budget should help you feel happy and empowered. So, the next time you sit down to plan your spending, ask yourself: Does this bring me joy? If the answer is yes, and you’ve planned for it, go for it. That’s what your budget is for. Don’t feel guilty for using your money as a tool for living the life you actually want. Because joy is a goal worth budgeting for.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
