Tagal mo nang nasa abroad, wala ka pa ring ipon?

Ilang beses ka ng sumampa sa barko, saan napunta ang sweldo mo?

Akala ko ba mas madaling yumaman kapag nasa abroad?

These are just some of the common things you’ll hear being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). Unlike the common misconception that money comes easy, it’s not. You work long hours, make countless sacrifices, and miss out on family moments—all for the dream of building a better future.

But let’s be honest: kahit malaki ang kita sa abroad, minsan ubos pa rin ang ipon. Why? Most of us can probably relate to this. Even though you are not an OFW yourself. Perhaps a loved one or someone you know is one.

Money is never enough because without the right mindset and habits, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overspending or sending every last peso home.

In this blog, we’ll share realistic and effective saving tips for OFWs, whether you’re in Dubai, Singapore, Canada, or anywhere else in the world. These tips aims to help you grow your savings, secure your future, and make all your sacrifices worth it.

Know Your “Why” – Set Clear Financial Goals

Before anything else, ask yourself:
“Bakit ako nagtatrabaho abroad?”

Maybe it’s:

1. To build a house
2. To send your kids to school
3. To retire early
4. To start a small business back home

Once you’re clear with your goals, you’ll be more motivated to save instead of splurge.
✅ Tip: Write your goals down and revisit them every month.

Create an OFW-Friendly Budget Plan

Just because you’re earning in dollars, dirhams, or euros doesn’t mean you should spend like royalty.
Stick to a simple monthly budget:

Category	Suggested % of Income
Essentials (rent, food, transpo)	50%
Savings & Investments	20%
Family Remittance	20%
Personal/Leisure	10%

✅ Use budgeting apps like Spendee, Wallet, or even GCash to track your expenses.

Open a Separate Savings Account (and Don’t Touch It!)

Avoid mixing your “pang-bayad” funds with your savings.

Open a high-interest savings account in the Philippines or in your host country.
Better yet, hide it from your online banking app so you’re not tempted to use it.

✅ Look into banks like BPI, BDO, or CIMB for savings products made for OFWs.

Be Smart with Remittances

Sending money home is a big responsibility, but you don’t need to send everything.

1. Set a fixed remittance schedule (e.g., twice a month)
2. Agree on a household budget with your family
3. Encourage your family to budget wisely too

✅ Use trusted remittance apps like Wise, WorldRemit, or GCash Remit for lower fees and better exchange rates.

Avoid Lifestyle Inflation

It’s tempting to reward yourself with branded shoes, gadgets, or weekend trips—lalo na kapag bagong sweldo. But remember:

“Live like a local, not like a tourist.”

Avoid comparing your lifestyle to other OFWs. Stick to your budget and celebrate small wins without spending big.

Save Before You Send Money Home

Here’s a new habit:
Save first, send second.

Make it a rule to put at least 10%–20% of your salary in your savings account before you send money to the Philippines.

Treat savings like a non-negotiable expense, just like rent or groceries.

Invest Your Savings

Once your emergency fund is ready (around 3–6 months of expenses), start exploring low-risk investments like:

1. Mutual Funds or UITFs via BPI, BDO, or Sun Life
2. Pag-IBIG MP2 Savings – Tax-free and government-backed
3. Stock market via COL Financial or GInvest

✅ Educate yourself first before investing. If you don’t understand it, don’t invest in it.

Build a Side Income While Working Abroad

Why stop at one income stream?

Use your skills to freelance online, sell digital products, or take part-time gigs in your free time.

Here are some legit online income ideas for OFWs:

1. Virtual assistance
2. Freelance writing or graphic design
3. Dropshipping or reselling
4. Creating YouTube or TikTok content (with monetization)

📖 Related: Legit Online Jobs for Filipinos – Where to Start

Final Thoughts: Save Smart, Live Smarter

Being an OFW is already a big sacrifice—make sure it leads to real progress.

By following these saving tips for OFWs, you can:

1. Build wealth
2. Support your family long-term
3. Eventually come home for good, financially ready

Remember:

“It’s not about how much you earn abroad, but how much you keep and grow.”

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