by: Angelica Arquero

As Christmas approaches, many workers eagerly await their 13th month pay.

But for some, the extra income slips away quickly.

A financial adviser is now urging employees to use the benefit more wisely.

Babet, a gasoline attendant from La Union, travels to Baguio City for work to support her family and help send her nieces and nephews to school.

She said she usually spends her 13th month on home construction needs. “I use it to buy materials for the house because my sibling also contributes,” she said.

She also added that she often needs more time to complete these expenses, especially with schooling costs.

Another worker, security guard Ernenio Lamodevar, said he sometimes spends a small part of it on personal habits. “Sometimes I use a bit for small vices, like a little drinking, but not the whole amount,” he said.

Licensed financial adviser Melody Dawn Capangpangan Valenton emphasized the need to differentiate between bonuses and the legally mandated 13th month pay. “The 13th month pay should be viewed with purpose. It’s not like a bonus, which is voluntary. It’s really compensation for your work throughout the year,” she explained.

She advised workers to set aside a meaningful portion for long-term goals. “It’s better if it goes to something meaningful. We have what we call the financial pyramid, like savings,” she said.

Valenton reminded workers to enjoy their earnings but stay disciplined. “You deserve it because you worked hard for it, but it’s more fulfilling when something long-term comes out of it.”

She added, “Money should serve our joy today and our peace tomorrow. It shouldn’t be all for the present, balance is important.”

As holiday gift-giving and parties fill the season, she encouraged Filipinos to remember a simple rule: don’t spend more than what you earn, and spend wisely.