Can you really enjoy life and stay financially responsible at the same time? For Registered Financial Planner (RFP) Marion Evangelista, the answer is a resounding yes—but only if you’re doing it the smart way.
“Excess cash in your savings account can afford you to buy items that make you feel and look better,” Evangelista shared in an exclusive interview with Financial Adviser PH.
For Evangelista, self-care and responsible money habits don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, he regularly advises clients to set aside money for things that bring joy—whether that’s a vacation, new wardrobe, or even a luxury item—as long as it’s paid in cash and not debt.
“By saving monthly, individuals can build cash to fulfill their short-term goals,” he explained. “I have clients who save a few thousand pesos a month so they can have a travel fund at the end of the year.”
The logic is simple: When you pay in cash, you don’t just avoid interest—you also avoid the regret that often follows impulse credit card purchases. “Cash can enable you to settle personal expenses with less hassle,” he said.
Evangelista stresses that there’s value in planning for indulgences. It removes the guilt while ensuring your long-term financial goals stay on track. “Life does need to be enjoyed,” he added, “so better to indulge from time to time.”
And there’s no shortage of tools to help you do just that. “There are many ways to store cash,” Evangelista noted. “The most liquid is to have it on hand, or through your ATM or e-wallet.” For higher returns while you wait, he suggests “higher interest earning accounts” and even “time deposit products from traditional and digital banks.”
What sets responsible indulgence apart is intention. You’re not buying on a whim—you’re buying with a plan. And it’s a habit that Evangelista says anyone can adopt with a bit of discipline and foresight.
In a world obsessed with “Buy Now, Pay Later,” his advice flips the script: “Save now, enjoy later—without the baggage.”
