“Adulting” appears to be a long checklist of expectations for many young adults, most of them unclear and a little intimidating. From managing bills to understanding credit and taking steps to becoming financially independent, it often feels like you're supposed to know what you're doing before anyone actually teaches you how. That pressure can make financial progress feel more like a series of stressful obligations than something worth acknowledging.
But the truth is, progress doesn’t always look like a new car, a six-figure salary, or a condo purchase. More often than not, it looks like small wins—quiet decisions and responsible habits that slowly build toward something bigger. These moments deserve to be recognized because they’re signs that you’re thinking ahead and staying consistent with financial management.
If you’re still figuring things out, having the right support matters. As a trusted digital bank, Maya is here to help make those financial milestones easier to reach through smart, accessible tools designed for your everyday life. Let us walk you through the kinds of “adulting” wins that may not get a standing ovation, but should absolutely earn a pat on the back.
Starting to Build Your Credit Profile
Getting access to credit for the first time is a key step toward financial independence. It means you're ready to take on greater responsibility—not just managing what you earn, but handling borrowed money wisely. Used well, credit can help you build a strong financial reputation, which plays a role in everything from getting approved for future loans to renting a home or applying for certain jobs. That’s why learning to manage credit early on—by tracking your usage, keeping your balance low, and paying on time—is such a meaningful milestone.
Beyond applying for your first credit card, you can also look into using Maya Easy Credit once you’re ready to begin borrowing responsibly. It’s a pre-approved, revolving credit line you can unlock directly through the Maya app. Once activated, you can use it to pay bills, shop online or in-store, or even cash in to your Maya Wallet—all with no separate card or new account required. Credit limits vary based on your eligibility, and you only pay a small service fee on the amount you use. Repayments are flexible with a payment window of up to 30 days, and you can monitor everything within the app for full visibility and easier tracking. It’s a beginner-friendly way to build your credit profile while keeping control over how and when you borrow.
Taking Out Your First Loan
There’s often a lot of anxiety around borrowing money, especially for the first time, with many myths and misconceptions about loans that can only add to the noise. However, the truth is that a thoughtfully used loan can be a tool that brings you closer to your goals or helps you weather emergencies more comfortably. You might need a personal loan to pay for a laptop you need for work, for instance, or to jumpstart a small side hustle at just the right time. What matters most is that you borrow with a clear purpose and stick to a plan to pay it back.
Maya Personal Loan is the personal loan Philippines’ borrowers trust most to make that process easier and more accessible. You can apply directly in the Maya app and borrow anywhere from PHP 15,000 to PHP 250,000, depending on your eligibility. We make it a point to display all interest rates and fees clearly so you don’t run into any unpleasant surprises. Once approved, we’ll disburse the funds directly to your Maya Wallet, and you can choose repayment terms of 6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 months, so you’re bound to find the right terms that fit your needs.
Skipping Out on Unplanned Spending
Impulse spending is one of the easiest habits to fall into, especially when online shopping and digital payments make purchases feel almost frictionless. That’s why saying no—to a sale, a late-night food delivery, or a spontaneous trip—is a real financial win. Your choice not to spend when you technically could shows that you’re thinking long term, not just reacting in the moment. When you pause, assess, and walk away from unnecessary expenses, you’re performing a quiet but powerful act of self-control that helps you protect your financial goals.
Starting an Emergency Fund
Most financial experts still advise that a healthy emergency fund can cover around 3-6 months’ worth of regular expenses. This figure might seem intimidating, but it’s fine—and in fact worth celebrating—to start small. Those modest amounts you’re setting aside today will do their part to protect you from the unpredictable tomorrow: job disruptions, health concerns, sudden repairs, or even family needs. They ultimately speak well of your commitment to your future self, since you’re now preparing for future financial pressure instead of simply reacting to it when it comes.
Investing for the First Time
An investment portfolio doesn’t have to be huge or cost you a small fortune. Even if you commit just a small sum for investment to start with, this is already a meaningful shift in how you approach your finances. It shows that you’re thinking beyond day-to-day expenses and starting to plan for growth. You might go with a time deposit, mutual fund, or beginner-friendly investment app; regardless, the decision to invest reflects both confidence and foresight, and also signals that you’re ready to take calculated risks for the sake of long-term rewards. That mindset alone is worth celebrating because it shows that you’ve started making your money work for you.
The quiet, everyday kind of progress may not look like much, but pausing to recognize it can help build confidence in your financial journey. When you’re ready to take the next step, we at Maya are here to support you with flexible credit and loan products that fit your lifestyle. Explore our solutions through the Maya app and don’t hesitate to use them in your pursuit of goals that truly matter to you.
