3 Financial Habits Haunting Filipino Wallets

Halloween is the season for spooky tales, creepy encounters, and frightening surprises. But some of the scariest things don’t come from horror movies or haunted houses. Instead, they sneak into everyday life in the form of overdue bills, unexpected expenses, and budgets that seem to disappear long before the next payday.

As the year draws to a close, spending habits tend to shift into overdrive. According to data from Skyro, an SEC-registered fintech company, financed purchases increased by 49% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with previous periods.

With year-end bonuses, major shopping sales, and holiday expenses fast approaching, the excitement of the season can easily turn into a financial nightmare when spending habits go unchecked.

To help keep your finances in check, here are three money monsters to watch out for this Halloween—and practical ways to keep them from haunting your wallet.

1. Add-to-Cart Aswang: Impulse Buying

Hiding in shopping apps and online marketplaces, the Add-to-Cart Aswang waits for the perfect moment to strike through flash sales, limited-time offers, and irresistible discounts that seem too good to miss.

These promotions can pressure consumers into making rushed purchasing decisions. During major shopping events, it’s easy to end up with a cart full of items that were never part of the original shopping list. Much like an aswang lurking in the darkness, impulse spending can creep up on shoppers late at night, one scroll and one click at a time.

Before hitting that checkout button, take a moment to ask yourself whether the item is something you genuinely need or have already planned to purchase. With the year-end season approaching, there’s nothing wrong with finally buying that essential appliance or gadget you’ve been saving up for.

The secret is to shop with intention. Take advantage of promotions that deliver genuine savings, but avoid letting attractive discounts dictate your spending decisions.

For bigger planned purchases, such as appliances, gadgets, or furniture, a Skyro Product Loan offers an option to spread payments over a longer period. Eligible customers may qualify for promotional offers starting at 0% interest and ₱0 down payment, depending on the loan and applicable promotion.

2. Multo ng Nakalimutang Bayarin: Missed Payments

Bills and payment deadlines may seem harmless when they’re still weeks away, but missing a due date can quickly lead to late payment fees, additional interest, and bigger bills the following month. These unexpected charges can disrupt cash flow and make it more challenging to manage other financial obligations.

As the holiday season approaches, the combination of additional expenses and multiple payment deadlines makes it even easier to overlook important due dates. Like ghosts from the past, missed payments have a way of returning when you least expect them.

One simple way to keep this money monster away is to organize all your monthly payment deadlines in one place. Whether you use your phone’s Notes app or a traditional notebook, maintain a clear list of due dates and set reminders to ensure no payment slips through the cracks. Whenever possible, schedule payments around your payday so you have enough time to prepare for upcoming obligations.

For purchases that require more flexibility, SkyroCredit offers a reusable credit line with up to 45 days at 0% interest. This gives customers additional time to manage their expenses and prepare for payments, provided the required amount is paid in full by the due date. Customers can also earn up to 30% cashback when paying through QR Ph at participating merchants.

3. Bahala Na Bakunawa: No Emergency Fund

For many Filipino families, a single unexpected expense—whether an emergency trip to the hospital or a relative needing financial assistance—can throw an otherwise carefully planned monthly budget off balance.

Without savings set aside for emergencies, households may find themselves struggling to pay other bills or turning to lenders offering unclear borrowing terms. Much like the mythical bakunawa swallowing the moon, one unexpected financial setback can consume an entire budget.

The best way to fight this financial monster is to start building an emergency fund, even through small but consistent contributions. Set aside a fixed amount every payday, no matter how modest, and keep it separate from your regular spending money. If you receive a year-end bonus or 13th-month pay, consider allocating a portion toward your emergency savings.

For unexpected expenses that arise when existing savings are insufficient, Skyro Cash Loan provides eligible customers access to additional funds of up to ₱250,000, with flexible repayment terms ranging from 3 to 18 months.

This Halloween, don’t let unhealthy financial habits continue haunting your wallet long after the spooky season is over.

With Skyro, discover practical ways to make everyday finances less frightening and more manageable. Visit skyro.ph and follow its official social media channels for more updates and financial tips:

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