As the Ber months approach, they offer Filipinos a natural moment to pause and reflect — not just on the year that has passed, but also on whether they are building the kind of life they truly want.
That reflection can extend to the everyday choices we make, from how we spend and save to how we plan for the future.
According to EastWest Ageas’ newly launched PURPLE Report on Consumer Trade-Offs and Intentional Spending, more Filipinos are becoming deliberate about their financial decisions as they work toward their goals. And that intentionality often begins with five simple questions.
1. Am I on Track?
It may seem like a simple question, but Filipinos ask themselves this in many areas of life.
Are you where you want to be in your career? Are you making progress toward your health goals? And when it comes to your finances, are you saving enough?
For 52% of Filipinos surveyed, keeping track of their budget is part of answering that last question.
But being on track does not necessarily mean having everything figured out. Sometimes, it simply means knowing what matters most and taking steps, however small, to get there.
That can be easier said than done. Taking a step back every now and then can help people see where they are, identify what may need to change, and figure out what to do next.
2. Am I spending on the right things?
For years, progress was often associated with big milestones—a promotion, a new home, or another major achievement.
But increasingly, Filipinos are also finding meaning in the everyday choices they make, particularly when those choices reflect what matters most to them.
That is changing the way people look at spending. Whether it is an online purchase, a weekend getaway, or a subscription renewal, more consumers are taking a moment to consider whether something genuinely adds value to their lives.
The question is no longer simply, “Can I afford this?” but also, “Is this worth it to me?”
3. What can I let go of?
Intentional living also means recognizing that not everything deserves the same amount of attention — or spending.
The PURPLE Report found that 42% of Filipinos are cutting back on non-essential expenses, reflecting a growing willingness to be more selective about where their money goes.
The same mindset can extend beyond finances. It can mean deciding which commitments to take on, where to spend your time, and what is worth making room for in your life.
Far from being restrictive, these choices can reflect a clearer understanding of personal priorities. After all, letting go of something can create more space for the things that truly matter.
4. Who Am I Doing This For?
Behind many of the choices people make is a deeper motivation.
People save because they want security. They work hard because they want opportunities. They plan ahead because they want peace of mind. And they prioritize their health because they want more time with the people they love.
In many ways, financial decisions are rarely just about money. They are about the life people hope to build—and the people they want to care for along the way.
This idea is at the heart of EastWest Ageas’ latest campaign, Life Looks ____ in PURPLE.
PURPLE stands for Purpose and People. Whether consciously or not, many of our biggest decisions are shaped by our plans for the future and the people who matter most.
Whether you are a parent building an educational fund, a young professional hoping to move out of the family home, or a breadwinner preparing for unexpected expenses, you likely have a vision of how you want your life to look.
5. How Do I Want Life to Look?
The blank in Life Looks ____ in PURPLE is an invitation for people to define what a good life means to them.
After all, everyone’s vision is different. For some, it may mean building a fulfilling career. For others, it could mean supporting loved ones, achieving financial security, or simply having more time to pursue personal goals.
The challenge is that life rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Circumstances change, new opportunities come along, and unexpected setbacks can shift even the most carefully laid plans.
That is where purpose can serve as a guide. Knowing what matters most can make decisions easier to navigate, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
There is no one-size-fits-all definition of a good life. What matters is understanding what that life looks like for you and making intentional choices along the way.
After all, when your path is guided by your purpose and the people who matter most, every choice can bring you one step closer to the life you truly want.
DISCLAIMER: This article was produced in partnership with EastWest Ageas, a joint venture between EastWest Bank and Ageas, which offers life, health and wealth solutions aimed at helping Filipinos plan for their financial goals and protect the people and priorities that matter to them. The company combines EastWest Bank’s three decades of local banking experience with Ageas’ more than 200 years of global insurance expertise.
Through its Life Looks ____ in PURPLE campaign, EastWest Ageas is encouraging Filipinos to think about what they want their lives to look like and how their financial decisions can help them work toward those goals.