by: Jose Robert Inventor

As many Filipinos set financial goals for the new year, a financial advisor is encouraging the public to take part in the 2026 ipon challenge by starting small and staying consistent.

The idea of saving, even through coins, has proven effective for some.

One example is Rogelio Fortes Jr. of Agoo, La Union, who was featured last year after successfully saving loose change that eventually amounted to 126,000 pesos.

He later used the money to buy a motorcycle to help his child commute to college.

Fortes said he started his personal saving challenge with one-peso and five-peso coins until the habit gradually grew.

According to licensed financial advisor Fortunato Galang Jr., saving may seem difficult at first, but it becomes manageable when goals are clear.

He emphasized the importance of revisiting personal financial goals to determine where money should be allocated and what priorities should be set for the year.

Galang also recommends following the 50-30-20 rule in managing income.

Under this method, 50 percent of earnings should go to basic needs such as food, electricity, and water; 30 percent to wants such as travel or personal rewards; and 20 percent to future needs like savings, emergency funds, and investments.

He added that assigning percentages to income helps ensure proper monitoring and prevents money from being wasted.

Galang also advised workers, especially minimum wage earners, to consider having a side hustle to increase their income, provided that earnings are managed properly.

Regardless of the method used, Galang stressed that consistency remains the key to successfully completing the ipon challenge in 2026.