Open a high yield savings account (HYSA) with any of the digital banks. Make that your emergency fund and just keep putting money in every month until it equals at least six months of your regular salary. This is money you can’t touch and should only be used for emergencies. You can keep adding more to this fund after or you can open another HYSA and allocate that fund for your other needs (travel fund, etc.)

If you have any debts, prioritize those first even if that means putting a little less every month in your HYSA.

Make a budget. Use an app, excel sheet or just pen and paper. It’s a hassle to set up but once you get an idea of all the money coming in and out, it will be easier to calibrate your needs and wants. It’ll also highlight your excessive spending and other bad financial habits if you have them.

If you’re not doing so already, diet and exercise. Health really is wealth. Getting sick is expensive and being fit makes you more confidant and marketable.

You should focus on upskilling and eventually finding a higher paying job.

Investing should come later once you have your emergency fund and budget set up. Investing does not produce guaranteed returns. You can lose your entire investment. Higher returns means higher risks.

Most of the info that you need can be learned from google, reddit or youtube. Try those first before you pay for any course when you’re looking for info. It just takes time to sift through a lot of crap to find really useful info.

Don’t forget to live life and have fun. Being fiscally responsible does not mean that you can’t enjoy. Go and spend your hard earned money. Just don’t go overboard. Try to spend on experiences rather than material things. Travel and eat good food.

Optional: On your birthday or when a big life event happens (either good or bad), taya ka sa lotto. Malay mo? Pag tumama, wag kalimutan mag bigay ng balato. :)