As July brings rising household expenses, school costs and higher prices, Cong TV and Viy Cortez are encouraging Filipinos to adopt smarter financial habits through UnionDigital Bank’s “Kaya Mo” campaign.

The content creators, who built their businesses from humble beginnings in a rented home, shared practical lessons from their “Team Payaman” journey to help families and entrepreneurs navigate the second half of the year.

Think before you check out

Cong said financial discipline begins by distinguishing wants from needs.

“Back then, whenever I saw something nice, I wanted to buy it right away, especially when we were just starting to earn. But Viy has always been the one to keep me grounded. She would always ask, ‘Cong, do we really need that, or is it just for show?’ Now that we have kids, before I hit ‘add to cart,’ I ask myself if that money would be better spent on what the children need or simply added to our savings.”

UnionDigital Bank recommends reviewing bank statements from the past six months, removing unused subscriptions and setting up automatic savings to help build an emergency fund.

Separate business and personal finances

Viy, who manages multiple businesses, said entrepreneurs should avoid mixing household and business funds.

“Even though we’re married, when it comes to business, we each keep a close eye on our own budgets. It’s difficult if you end up using the money meant to pay suppliers to buy groceries for the house. Every peso should have its own purpose.”

The bank advises side hustlers and small business owners to maintain separate accounts to better monitor cash flow and profitability.

Build an emergency fund

Parenthood also changed the couple’s financial priorities.

“Everything changes when you have children. You can’t just leave things to chance when it comes to money.”

UnionDigital Bank recommends building savings equivalent to three to six months’ worth of expenses over the next six months to prepare for unexpected emergencies.

Choose financially responsible company

Cong also emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with people who encourage better money habits.

“That’s why we call it ‘Team Payaman’ because no one gets left behind. It’s not fun being successful on your own.”

The campaign encourages Filipinos to work toward their financial goals together, whether with family, friends or business partners, using digital banking tools to manage and grow their money.

UnionDigital Bank, the digital banking subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, said its digital platform aims to make saving, budgeting and financial management more accessible for Filipinos under its “Kaya Mo” campaign.