Metro Manila, Philippines - Saving money has been in most Filipinos’ New Year resolution list; but for some, it is easier said than done.

Having that emergency fund comes in handy for unforeseen expenses such as getting sick or losing a job.

Registered financial advisor Bea Roquero shared some tips on saving money in the new year.

Cash flow analysis

One option is the cash flow analysis, which is done by writing down income and expenses. This would help assess if there is enough left to set aside for savings.

Without the surplus, Roquero suggested looking for extra income or cutting down on spending.

“Kapag hindi mo nakikita… ‘Ba’t parang lumilipad ‘yung pera ko? Parang ‘di ko na alam kung sa’n siya napupunta.’ Kasi unang-una sa lahat, ‘yung hindi natin nasusulat, hindi natin nata-track,” she said.

[Translation: If you do not see it, you wonder, “Why does it seem my money goes down the drain? I don’t know where it went.” First of all, we do not write it down. We have not kept track.]

Roquero said she has been using the cash flow analysis for around eight years now.

Money jar system, bank saving

Roquero said another option is the money jar system, whereby savings and spending are apportioned.

A sample breakdown: 50 percent for expenses, 20 percent for savings, 10 percent each for insurance and investments, tithing, and wants.

“You can adjust,” said Roquero. “It varies on what lifestyle you have talaga, anong klaseng [what kind of] income flow na meron ka [you have].”

She also suggested farming out savings in different banks to identify which institution offers the highest interest.

Start small

The financial advisor encouraged those who want to save to begin with a small amount, noting that some stop saving for failing to meet the target.

“Mas ma-a-appreciate mo ‘yan kung magsisimula ka sa maliit tapos tuloy-tuloy. Mas mahirap kasi na malaki agad tapos ‘di mo na tantsa tapos ‘di mo na siya matutuloy-tuloy. Ngayon, parang masisira na,” Roquero explained.

[Translation: You would appreciate it if you begin small and continue with it. It would be difficult if you begin with a huge amount that cannot meet your capacity to continue, then things fall through.]

Roquero further advised those who want to save to walk the talk and be consistent in achieving their savings goal.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.