Crises have a way of showing up unannounced. Whether it's a global pandemic, a natural disaster, or a personal emergency like a sudden job loss or medical crisis, these events can throw even the most carefully laid plans into disarray. And as recent years have shown, the impact of these disruptions can be far-reaching. When they hit, they can affect your livelihood, long-term goals, and day-to-day survival all at once.
In the middle of such uncertainty, one of the most empowering things you can do is understand the financial tools available to you. Having a clear strategy and access to reliable resources can help you stay calm and make smarter decisions, even under pressure. We at Maya are here to get you to that unflappable state of mind. As a trusted digital banking partner for Pinoy consumers, we provide expertly designed financial tools and advice that you can bank on to ease financial stress during difficult times.
Let’s talk about some actionable strategies that can help you stay financially resilient in the face of crisis so you can protect your stability and take confident steps toward recovery.
Tap into Reliable Emergency Funding Options
Medical bills, home repairs, and other time-sensitive needs don’t wait for the perfect moment. When you're faced with an urgent expense and don’t have enough savings to fall back on, your options can feel limited, and that uncertainty only adds to the stress. But if you have some idea of where you can access funds quickly and responsibly, such as a credit card cash advance or a personal loan, you should find it easier to stay afloat.
Cash advances, while they aren’t ideal for long-term use, can provide you with a quick, short-term financial lifeline when you use them carefully. The trick is to look for a cash advance credit card that users recommend as accessible, transparent, and fair. Maya’s Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, for instance, lets you borrow as much as 30% of your existing credit limit from any Visa-supported ATM worldwide. The process is straightforward, with no hidden fees, which makes it a practical option when you need money urgently and can’t afford delays. Just be sure to repay the advance as soon as you’re able to keep interest costs manageable.
Make Use of Cashback and Flexible Payment Tools
Major crises will make you want to squeeze every peso you spend for as much value as possible. Fortunately, there are many ways you can make your day-to-day spending work harder for you. Even small cashback credit card rewards can build up to a substantial financial cushion over time, especially when applied to routine essentials like food, transportation, or household supplies. It's not about spending more; it's about making the most of what you’d already have to spend for anyway.
The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card is designed to reward you for exactly those everyday purchases. You can earn cashback at different rates across a wide range of categories: up to 5% for Landers transactions, 2% for dining, and 1% for other qualified spends.* It’s an ideal tool for helping you stretch your budget without compromising on your needs. Combined with the Maya app’s built-in tools for tracking expenses and managing payments, this card gives you more control and flexibility when your finances are under pressure.
Reevaluate and Trim Expenses
When your income takes a hit or unexpected costs arise, it helps to sit down and review your spending habits. Look closely at your recurring expenses—subscriptions, online services, meal deliveries, for example—and identify which ones you can pause or eliminate without compromising your basic needs. Small adjustments, like switching to more affordable grocery brands or cutting back on discretionary spending, can quickly add up. The goal isn’t to eliminate all comforts, but to redirect your money toward what matters most while you regain your footing.
Communicate with Your Creditors or Service Providers
Financial hardship doesn’t always have to lead to missed payments or mounting penalties, especially if you speak up early. Many banks, lenders, and even utility providers offer hardship programs, payment extensions, or restructured terms if you’re transparent about your situation. It might feel uncomfortable to make that call or send that email, but doing so could prevent additional fees and help preserve your credit standing. Open communication shows responsibility, and most institutions will appreciate the initiative.
Look for Practical Ways to Earn on the Side
It can be scary to find yourself without a primary source of income, but know that you aren’t without options. In fact, disruptions can be good opportunities to explore short-term gigs or income sources that fit your current schedule and skills. These might include freelance work, online selling, delivery driving, or offering digital services, depending on your skills and interests. Even modest earnings you make from these activities can help bridge financial gaps. The key is to focus on flexibility and low startup costs, activities that can supplement your income without adding extra stress or risk.
Stay Informed, but Avoid Panic
Being informed helps you make smarter decisions in a fast-moving situation, but too much exposure to alarming news can create unnecessary anxiety. Choose a few reliable sources to track news updates and ignore sensationalism that doesn’t help you take action. Financial panic often leads to rash decisions, like selling assets hastily or taking on unfavorable debt. A calm, measured mindset gives you a better chance of navigating the crisis without worsening its impact on your finances.
Don’t feel pressured to have all the answers when it comes to managing your money in a crisis. Financial resilience is less about that than it is about making informed, steady choices in uncertain times. With the right mindset and a strong toolkit, you can regain control and move forward. Start by applying for the Maya Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card and make every step count toward recovery.
*Transactions that don’t qualify include: cash in, cash advance, quasi cash purchases, casinos and gambling, fuel, supermarket, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telco, and government.
