Arthur Fuentes

Article (news)

Aneth Ng-Lim

<div><br/></div><p>These past weeks, our weather is wet, wet and wet.</p><p>When the rains are coming down heavily, I always feel that our money is also pouring down the drain.  We pay more for transportation.  Food is more expensive.  It’s tough not to get sick when you are exposed to the elements and that means doctor visits and medicine purchases.  Your house may need repairs.  Maybe your car too if you have one.  The list just goes on.</p><p>It’s easy to feel helpless, but you can also take action and avoid or minimize these losses.  Here are a few things you can do to manage your budget and protect your home and wallet from the monsoon season.</p><div><strong>#1 Check your pantry</strong></div><p>Plan for food for at least one week or longer. This way, you won’t have to risk going out, or paying a premium for delivery.  Rainy season affects the prices of goods from vegetables to fruits to meat to eggs.  One of the reasons is that farm to market cost goes higher.  With a well-stocked pantry, you can make some savings and also stay dry at home.</p><div><strong>#2 How’s your emergency supplies?</strong></div><p>It used to be that some areas have it tougher than others.  But this year, maybe because corruption is reported to reach unprecedented levels, places that used to be flood-free are no longer.  Look at your emergency supplies and see if they are still in okay condition including flashlights, power banks and first aid kit.  If you don’t have an emergency kit, now’s the time to prepare one.</p><div><strong>#3 Cash is king</strong></div><p>Speaking of emergency kits, one item recommended by experts is to have cash on-hand.  Emergency situations can sometimes limit your access to banks, ATMs and digital payments.  Your emergency kit should have enough cash for a few days or even a week, preferably in small bills. Keep copies of your ID, bank accounts and insurance too for easy access.</p><div><strong>#4 Stay connected</strong></div><p>Bad weather can affect our internet connection which if you’re working from home can limit your productivity.  To avoid having to go to the office, have a Plan B that may be a coffee shop near your home, or a relative’s place nearby, or a prepaid internet set-up.  Staying connected can also help you stay informed of the situation and take necessary action, which may include evacuation, if needed.</p><div><strong>#5 Watch your utilities</strong></div><p>Our bathroom’s water pipe burst a few days ago, and it was expensive to find someone to fix it in the middle of a typhoon.  We had no choice but to pay up but thankfully, the fix-it guy did not only repair the problem – he also showed us how to shut off our water supply if this should happen again.  In severe weather, it’s safer to shut off gas, electricity and water and we all need to know how to safely turn off these utilities. </p><p>When the weather turns bad, we all want to stay home.  But it’s important that our home is a safe haven for us.  So keep it well-stocked with the supplies you need.  Secure your surroundings by bringing in outdoor items, reinforcing your windows, and checking your roof regularly for weak spots. Protect your important documents by placing them inside waterproof or fireproof bags. The rains shall pass, but until then, do your best to stay safe and dry.</p>

<p>Here are a few things you can do to manage your budget and protect your home and wallet from the monsoon season.</p>

Here are a few things you can do to manage your budget and protect your home and wallet from the monsoon season.

How to manage your budget amid floods and storms

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How to manage your budget amid floods and storms

Aneth Ng-Lim

Published September 30, 2025 02:20 PM PHT

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personal finance

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Aneth Ng-Lim

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