From paycheck to purpose: 5 practical money moves from today’s girl bosses

As the new year begins, many of us reassess our money habits and set intentions for a more secure financial plan. Building lasting wealth often comes down to a series of decisions made over time, from how we manage our income to how we plan for the future. For many, financial freedom can feel elusive, not because of a single major setback, but due to small, commonly overlooked money habits that gradually add up.

Entrepreneur Vanna Garcia and financial content creator Thea Sy-Bautista share practical habits that helped them achieve financial stability and peace of mind. Their experiences show that with discipline, strategy, and the right tools, you can build a lasting foundation for your finances and take control of your future.

Start with intentional saving

The very first recommendation that Vanna makes is to practice intentional segregation of income. “Whenever I receive payment, I allocate it immediately into separate accounts for savings and expenses. This keeps me disciplined, and I’m also often pleasantly surprised by the growth of our savings,” she shares.

For Thea, consistency is key to all her financial decisions and systems. “Everyone’s income and responsibilities are different, so the amount you can set aside will vary. What matters is developing the habit of saving, no matter how small. Treat it as a critical requirement every payday,” she says.

“Many people delay saving because they think they’ll start once they earn more—but if saving is conditional, you’ll always find a reason to delay it,” Thea adds.

Get debt under control 

As you build a buffer for unexpected expenses, Vanna emphasizes that getting a handle on debt is just as essential to long-term financial well-being. Vanna shares, “This is why it’s important to treat savings as a non-negotiable expense — set it aside first, so you clearly see what you can actually afford and avoid falling into debt.”

“When lifestyle spending takes over, progress stalls. Living within your means is what allows your finances to grow steadily and sustainably,” she notes.

Vanna adds that steering clear of high-interest debt not only protects your income but also gives you the breathing room to strengthen your financial health without the constant weight of financial stress.

Thea agrees that managing debt begins with the right mindset. “When you’re in debt, your goal is not to hit your first million; it’s to get back to zero—and there’s no shame in that,” she shares. “Zero represents your fresh start, and the habits that brought you there are the same ones that will help you reach bigger milestones later on.”

Choose smarter tools that help you do more with your money

Once your finances are on stable ground, the next step is making your money work harder for you without losing sight of protection. As Vanna points out, growth should always come with intention. Not every financial product is built to support both your goals and your security, which is why it’s essential to choose tools that are designed to help you grow, protect, and stay on track at the same time.

The goal isn’t just to invest, but to invest smartly. This means using solutions that maximize your savings and align with how you want to build your future.

“When you’ve built enough savings, it’s time to let your money work for you, but in a way that still feels secure,” Vanna shares. “That balance between growth and protection is crucial, and it’s exactly what AXA’s Vision Achiever plan is designed to provide.”

Thea echoes the importance of being intentional. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The worst investments I’ve made were driven by emotion, especially FOMO. The best ones were those I studied and understood before putting in any money,” she says. “The goal isn’t to avoid risk but to take calculated risks that match your goals and comfort level.”

Building wealth, staying disciplined, and making timely decisions are all part of the journey, but having the right tools makes a real difference. As a worldwide leader in insurance, AXA designed Vision Achiever as a practical solution for people who want their money to do more: grow, adapt, and protect at the same time.

Vision Achiever is expertly designed for real life—where goals evolve, markets change, and long-term security still matters. It allows you to grow your savings by regularly investing your premium payments in professionally managed global funds. This plan is also built to drive the maximum growth of your funds through higher investment allocation and fund bonuses along the way.

Beyond growing wealth, it keeps protection at the core by providing life insurance coverage up to age 90, so your loved ones remain financially supported no matter what stage of life you’re in. You can also add or top up your plan whenever you want, which can further increase your investments as well as your insurance coverage at the same time. Overall, it’s a plan designed to help you move forward with confidence, not pressure.

Vanna shares that this balance of life protection and investment growth is ideal for those who want their money to work harder without sacrificing security.

Thea adds that priorities shift with each life stage. “In your 20s, focus on building a base. In your 30s, increase coverage and investments. By your 40s, protect what you’ve built and plan for retirement.”

No matter where you are, she reminds, “Be consistent and patient. Everyone moves at their own pace, and steady progress matters more than instant results.”

With AXA, know you can support your financial goals and start building a stronger tomorrow. Discover Vision Achiever here.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by AXA Philippines.