For many members of Gen Z, saving is the default choice whenever they have extra cash on hand.
This may be partly due to a desire to keep their money easily accessible in times of need.
A survey conducted by Filipino-focused socio-cultural research firm The Fourth Wall and communications agency Uniquecorn Strategies, as published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, found that three out of four Gen Zs value self-reward.
But despite this penchant for treating themselves, young Filipinos are still uncertain about their long-term career paths.
As a result, investing isn’t a priority.
Unfortunately, this short-term focus may cause them to overlook an essential financial goal: growing their money.
DO GENZS NEED TO START THINKING ABOUT INSURANCE?
Insurance, for instance, rarely tops their financial must-haves.
However, with the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) now in effect, the interest earned on your savings is now subject to a 20-percent tax.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
Read: How the 20 percent interest tax affects bank depositors
It may be a smart time for Gen Zs to consider other financial options.
According to Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Sun Life Philippines’ chief client experience and marketing officer, Filipinos, in general, understand the value of insurance.
When it comes to Gen Z, she noted a common sentiment: “Afford ko ba?”
Sarah Geronimo with Sun Life executive Carla Gonzalez-Chong
Photo/s: PR
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
At the media launch of Sun Life’s Save & Protect product on August 12, 2025, singer-actress Sarah Geronimo gave voice to the evolving mindset of younger Filipinos.
“I’ve always known how important it is to be financially secure. But when I was younger, I thought saving was the only way to achieve this.
“It was much later when I realized that I shouldn’t put all my eggs in one basket.
“So taking small steps at a time.”
But she makes sure that every choice—no matter how mundane or profound, how big or small—helps her face any battle.
“Katulad po ng sinabi ko kanina, I chose to have, to see another day as a beautiful one, di ba?
“Kahit na may mga issues tayo sa buhay, kailangang laban lang nang laban, di ba?”
Meanwhile, Jasper Tiongson, who hosted the launch event, stands out as an exception.
Host Jazper Tiongson at the media launch of Sun Life’s Save and Protect.
Photo/s: PR
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
At a young age, he already holds 10 insurance policies—a move that is not only rare but financially strategic.
After all, the younger you are, the lower the premium.
Sun Life’s newly launched product starts at just PHP 2,500 per month, and offers “insurance coverage of up to 20 times the annual premium.”
It also comes with a guaranteed money-back feature, returning at least 100% of the total annual premiums paid after 20 years.
As Sarah emphasized: “I have to go beyond saving, I also need financial protection.”
She also encouraged young professionals to start their financial journey early: “Don’t be afraid to ask experts.
“Tutulungan po tayo with the, with the right guidance and advice from them, from the experts.”