I’ll say it if nobody else wants to. I think we owe our parents and our grandparents a huge apology, because it’s true: money doesn’t grow on trees. One minute, you’re elated about getting your paycheck; the next, you’re wondering where it all went.

And like most people who can’t live without the internet, you naturally turn to Google for answers. There’s also AI that lets you ask 10 different questions at once and won’t judge you for your financial decisions.

If you’re one of those who’s searching for money advice during the wee hours, welcome to the club. Here are eight money questions Filipinos are probably secretly looking up on the internet, and why they’re worth asking.

1. “How much should I actually have in my emergency fund?”

Your emergency fund usually depends on your living situation and employment status. A good rule of thumb is to save at least three to six months of essential living expenses if you are single, or twelve months to two years if you have dependents. These include rent/mortgage, transportation, groceries, and bills. Basically, anything that’s not an impulse purchase to heal your inner child.

If six months feels like quite a leap, you can always save small amounts. What’s
important is that you do it consistently. Even a modest emergency fund can give you a little breathing room without relying on credit cards or loans.

2. “Where should I put my savings?”

Believe it or not, some people still can’t decide whether to deposit their hard-earned money at the nearest bank or a digital bank. And the truth is, there’s really no right or wrong answer, since it all comes down to your preferences and financial goals.

If it’s for emergencies or a short-term goal like a vacation trip, then you should prioritize accessibility and security. If you’re saving for something you won’t need right away, you can explore other options, such as time deposits. But before committing, make sure you understand the key details, such as terms, interest rates, fees, and withdrawal restrictions.

3. “How do I save when I’m barely earning enough?”

For people who don’t earn much and juggle many responsibilities, saving money can feel like a luxury. Here’s the silver lining, though—you don’t have to start with a rigid percentage of your monthly salary. Maybe PHP 100 per cut-off or even just PHP 50 a day. Start with a manageable daily or weekly amount, and let your savings grow from there. If you want to take it up a notch, set a transfer schedule to your savings account the day your salary lands. You can’t spend what you don’t see.

4. “How do I get out of debt?”

Paying off debts doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Before deciding where every peso should go, list all your debts. Even better if you have a living, breathing tracker, so you don’t have to juggle everything in your head. From there, you can focus on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first while maintaining minimum payments, or clear out the smaller debts first to build momentum. Whatever you decide on, stay committed and stay consistent.

5. “What should I consider before getting a credit card?”

Getting a credit card is relatively easy as long as you meet all the requirements. But using it responsibly? Now that’s an entirely different conversation. One common misconception about credit cards is that they’re free money, when it’s actually the exact opposite. A credit card is a form of a loan. That means every time you swipe that shiny plastic, the bank pays the store on your behalf, and of course, you need to pay them back.

So, before filling out that application form, ask yourself: Do you have a stable source of income, and can you pay the bill in full and on time every month? Because if your brain is already going, “huh…” and “hmm…”, you’re probably better off using the cash you have on hand.

6. “When is it okay to get a loan?”

Loans aren’t inherently damaging to your credit score as long as you know exactly what you’re signing up for. You’re looking at interest rates, processing fees, late payment charges, early repayment terms, and more. That’s why you should be cautious with lenders that have no verifiable office address or add so-called “hidden charges” you never agreed to pay.

And never, ever borrow to pay off another loan, because that’s one way to get your bank account crying, screaming, and throwing up. Whether you’re using the loan for tuition, a much-needed home repair, a family car, or starting a business, remember this: you have to pay it back. The question is, can you? That might be the question you should be asking yourself.

7. “As a beginner, where should I invest my money?”

The short answer? In yourself, your goals, and your future. For a more complex answer, traditional investments usually include real estate, stocks, and mutual funds. They may all sound fancy, but each type of investment carries its own pros and cons. Your choices should depend on your financial goals and how much risk you’re willing to take.

Just remember: If an investment is too good to be true, it’s almost always a scam. It won’t hurt to dig deep and ask questions, because your hard-earned money is on the line.

8. “How do I set boundaries when it comes to money?”

Generosity is such a celebrated Filipino trait. But throw money into the mix, and you’ll soon view generosity through an entirely different lens. You don’t want to look kuripot, so you agree to lend cash to a family member you haven’t heard from in years. Or maybe you’re terrified of coming off as inconsiderate—that’s why you’re always the first one to grab the bill.

These things can turn into resentment, or worse, confrontations where nobody wins. This isn’t to say you can’t extend financial help, okay? But you have to do it based on what you can realistically afford. True financial independence also means knowing when to say no and sticking to it. Simply put, your money, your rules.

So how and where does everyone get their answers?

There was a time when financial seminars were the default way to get money advice. Then the internet took over our screens, becoming a vast ocean of answers, which in turn made it as daunting as it is valuable. Now, there’s AI that’s both powerful and accessible 24/7, and people are turning to AI for help.

To support Filipinos seeking answers and help them make better financial decisions, Metrobank recently launched Ask Earnest, its AI-powered financial mindfulness chatbot, designed to make learning about money feel like just talking to a friend who happens to know their stuff.

“Our advocacy is to promote financial mindfulness, and it starts with normalizing conversations about finances,” said Metrobank’s Chief Marketing Officer Digs Dimagiba. “We want to break the Filipino taboo na ang hirap pag-usapan ng pera, when actually, that’s something that we should be comfortable talking about, so that everybody learns and all of us become better at it.”

Earnest covers the exact awkward topics people tend to shy away from—emergency funds, debt management, savings, spotting scams, and even assessing if you can really afford to buy that new phone.

The best part? Metrobank’s Earnest meets you where you already are. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can type in your questions and get a response that doesn’t give you a judgmental side-eye.

With Ask Earnest, you can now ask and have the most open conversations on finances anytime, anywhere.

Got money questions on your mind? Just go to earnest.ph and click on the icon at the top right.