Rising living costs are reshaping how Filipinos manage their money, often at the expense of long-term financial security.
This was the pressing reality underscored in Sun Life’s latest Financial Resilience Index 2026. The study reveals that while Filipino households continue to meet their day-to-day needs, confidence in their financial future is weakening. The proportion of highly resilient households dropped significantly from 33% to 19%, reflecting a shift toward more vulnerable financial positions.
With 95% of Filipinos saying inflation has made it harder to cover monthly expenses, the findings highlight how cost pressures are influencing both financial behavior and mindset. Essential expenses such as utilities (99%), transportation fuel and groceries (98%), cooking fuel (97%), and healthcare (95%) are driving this strain.
Short-term decisions, long-term impact
The study shows that many Filipinos are making short-term adjustments to cope with rising costs – decisions that may impact future financial stability. About 22% report drawing down their savings, 30% are reducing or skipping essential spending, and 9% have paused retirement contributions.
As a result, overall financial preparedness remains limited. Only 7% of Filipinos feel very financially secure, and just 24% say they can sustain themselves for more than six months without income.
Managing daily expenses has now become the top financial priority for more than half of respondents over the next 12 months, surpassing saving and long-term planning.
Building resilience starts with knowledge and planning
Sun Life’s latest study highlights financial literacy and long-term planning as key drivers of resilience. Filipinos with higher financial literacy are significantly more prepared for rising costs and more confident about their financial future.
Those who plan ahead are also more than three times as likely to feel confident in achieving their long-term goals, yet only 22% of Filipinos currently have financial plans that extend beyond five years.
Digital tools are also playing an increasingly important role in financial decision-making. The Index shows that 52% of Filipinos now use generative AI for financial guidance, with 65% expecting their usage to grow in the next year.
While technology offers convenience and accessibility, respondents continue to value human advice – particularly for more complex, long-term financial decisions.
Empowering Filipinos to Live Bright Now
“These findings reinforce why empowering Filipinos to take control of their financial journey matters now more than ever,” said JJ Moreno, Country Head and CEO of Sun Life Philippines. “As Sun Life marks Financial Independence Month this June, we reiterate our commitment to helping Filipinos become more financially resilient.”
For Financial Independence Month, Sun Life is rolling out a series of initiatives throughout June, designed to help Filipinos build better habits and take action towards a more financially secure and healthier future:
- FinLit Fridays featuring Donny Pangilinan
- Bite-sized financial education content aimed at making money conversations more relatable and easier to understand.
- Sun Day Collective
- Community events that bring together wellness and financial empowerment in accessible, engaging ways. The launch event will happen on June 28, 2026, from 6:00AM – 10:00AM at Ayala Car-Free Sundays in Makati.
- Stories to Live Bright Now
- A new video series highlighting real Client journeys, including business owners and overseas Filipino workers, and how they are building resilience
- Financial Literacy Content from Influencers
- Practical and relatable money content from Jax Reyes, Jan Ocampo (The Present PH), and Nicole Alba, aimed at helping Filipinos take control of their finances through everyday insights and actionable tips
- Employee Diaries
- A content series featuring real employees sharing the practical ways they manage their finances
- Shine Pinoy Moments
- A spotlight on the stories of Overseas Filipino workers, celebrating their resilience and commitment to securing their families’ financial futures
Through these initiatives, Sun Life aims to make financial conversations more accessible, relatable, and actionable. Catch these content series on Sun Life Philippines’ Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/SunLifePH
“Financial independence is not achieved overnight,” Moreno added. “It is built through consistent, informed decisions. Sun Life is here to help them strengthen their financial knowledge and provide the right guidance, so Filipinos can live brighter today while building for tomorrow.”
View the Philippines findings of the Sun Life Asia Financial Resilience Index here 2026: www.sunlife.co/FinancialResilienceIndex2026
To learn more about how Sun Life can help you live bright now, visit www.sunlife.co/LiveBrightNow. Stay updated by following @sunlifeph on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
