‘Tis the season… to not go crazy!

MANILA, Philippines — Let's face it, while the pressures of adulting are already hard enough, there’s nothing like the pressure of the holidays on young professionals. From the strain of endless expenses—gifts for family, friends and colleagues; travel costs to visit loved ones; and a seemingly endless stream of festive parties—the whole year can sometimes feel like just a prelude to the chaos of the holiday season.

Social calendars overflow with obligations to family, friends and work events, all vying for precious time. Balancing these commitments with an already demanding work schedule can leave little room for breathing, let alone holiday cheer.

But worry not! There are easy ways to survive adulthood during the holidays, as co-yuppies who have done it every year can attest:

1. Ho-ho-hold your spending! Budget wisely this Christmas!

Having adult money can be exhilarating, but with the holidays, it's easy to overspend. Kiesha, the eldest in her family and a middle manager at work, overspent on gifts and ended up with a credit card bill that took months to pay off.

“I think most of us have felt that pang of anxiety when you see your bank account dwindling during the holidays. For me, it's not just about the money itself, but also the pressure to spend to keep up with everyone else,” she said.

However, holiday spending doesn’t have to be ho-ho-horrible. Learning to budget and track your spending is key. Kiesha advises, “Create a detailed budget at the beginning of the season, allocating specific amounts for gifts, parties and travel. Also, track your spending throughout the month to make sure you’re staying on track.”

2. Like Santa, plan ahead

Part of adulting is managing a crazy work schedule, which leaves little room for social and personal obligations brought about by the holidays. To avoid the impending holiday meltdown, Hakim, an NGO worker and family breadwinner, swears that planning ahead is essential.

“I swear by my planner! I meticulously schedule everything, from shopping trips to parties, and prioritize the most important events. I also consolidate errands to save time.”

Hakim also recommends planning ahead for online shopping to avoid crowds, compare prices easily, and book travel in advance to secure the best deals on flights and accommodations.

3. ‘Tis the season of giving, embrace the potluck

While hosting family or friend gatherings can be fun, it can also be stressful. Louise, a government employee and the eldest of two sisters, experienced this; but this year, she decided to break the Christmas curse and go potluck instead!

“This year I’m finally opting for potluck-style gatherings instead of elaborate dinners. It's a fantastic way to share the cost and effort of holiday meals—everyone brings their favorite dish, which not only lightens the load but also fosters a wonderful sense of community. Plus, let's be real, it's much easier on everyone's wallets!"

4. Think outside the gift box: Get creative with presents

With a lack of time and the anxiety of breaking the bank during the holidays, being creative has helped yuppies like Miko, a BPO employee, to save money and earn extra brownie points for thoughtful gifts.

“I focus more on experiences and meaningful gestures, like concert tickets, cooking classes or weekend getaways, which often end up being more budget-friendly.”

5. Even Santa takes a break! Set boundaries and enjoy the holidays

The rush and excitement of the holidays can feel like a non-stop marathon of festive obligations. Remember, even Santa takes a break from toy-making to indulge in milk and cookies, so why shouldn't you?

Lilia, an employee at an auditing firm, had to learn this the hard way. Previously a “yes” woman to avoid conflict and spread holiday cheer, she realized it was unhealthy and took a toll on her mental health.

"I've learned to say 'no' to some invitations. It's okay to decline if you're feeling overwhelmed. I also set boundaries with family and friends, explaining that I need some downtime during the holidays," she shared.

To make time for herself, Lilia decided to give herself the gift of “me time,” stating, “The holidays can be chaotic, so I make sure to schedule some time for myself. Whether it's a yoga class, a relaxing bath or just some quiet time to read, self-care is essential for staying sane."

So, take it from these yuppies, as you gear up for the holiday season, remember this: a joyous celebration doesn’t have to come with a side of debt and a nervous breakdown. Budget wisely, plan ahead, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries; your sanity will thank you. And in case you need the extra help, GLoan, GCash’s instant cash loan can help you navigate unexpected costs and enjoy the holiday season without stress.

For eligible users, GLoan offers instant cash up to P125,000 straight to your GCash wallet, which you can use as needed, be it for traveling to your hometown, extending your gift-giving to your neighborhood workers, repairing broken appliances or furniture ahead of Noche Buena or managing regular monthly expenses that also typically increase during the holiday season.

With GLoan, you can also pay as low as P265 a month for 5-24 months, giving you the flexibility to pay according to your monthly budget. Eligible users also get instant approval with no additional requirements needed, ensuring you get financial help just when you need it. And remember, it's okay to ask for a little help sometimes, just make sure to loan the amount you need and can afford, and to repay on time.

This year, ditch the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday and embrace the perfectly imperfect one that's truly yours.

Kumpleto ang pabueno dahil masasalo ka ng GLoan sa sabay-sabay na gastos ngayong Pasko! You can access GLoan through the GCash dashboard or click the “Borrow” button. GLoan subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply. No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

GCash is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

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Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by GCash. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.