5 Legitimate Ways to Grow Your Money: A Guide for Financially Responsible Filipinos

More Filipinos, especially the younger generations, are taking charge of their financial future. Whether it’s saving for a house, planning for a business venture, or simply wanting more financial capacity, the goal remains the same: to make money work harder for one’s self. But with endless “get-rich-quick” schemes flooding the market, how do you separate real opportunities from empty promises?

This is why choosing the right financial tools matters. At EastWest, we believe that growing your money starts with trusted guidance and practical solutions tailored to meet your financial goals. Our approach, from accessible investments to rewarding banking products, is designed to help you move forward with confidence. 

In this guide, we offer practical and legitimate ways to help you grow your wealth and to build lasting success and stability.

Unlock the Power of Investments

Investing is one of the most effective ways to grow wealth over time. While short-term fixes may offer quick returns, real financial progress comes from investing with purpose--pursuing opportunities that align with your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. A well-planned investment strategy can help turn savings into assets that grow steadily, creating long-term stability.

EastWest makes investing more accessible with a diverse range of investment products suited to different financial needs. From Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) to government securities and corporate bonds, these professionally managed portfolios provide structured growth while balancing risks and rewards. Whether you're new to investments or expanding your portfolio, our options offer flexibility, transparency, and expert-curated strategies designed to support real financial goals. 

By committing to a thoughtful investment approach, you move beyond simply preserving your wealth and start actively building toward meaningful financial progress. 

Maximize Returns with High-Interest Savings Accounts or Time Deposits

Financial growth isn’t limited to investments. If you have some funds set aside for short- or medium-term needs, high-interest savings accounts and time deposits offer a secure way to make your money work harder without exposing you to unnecessary risks. These options provide predictable returns, making them ideal for those prioritizing stability and capital preservation.

While standard deposit accounts offer modest interest, time deposits typically reward you with higher rates, especially when you commit to set periods. Even better, they offer reliability because your returns are fixed and insulated from market fluctuations. EastWest Time Deposits offer competitive rates, helping you maximize your returns with the flexibility of no lock-in period. This means you can access your funds when needed without sacrificing potential earnings.

Choosing the right deposit product allows you to grow your money in a way that aligns with your risk comfort and timeline, making it a practical step toward long-term financial confidence. 

Make the Most of Loyalty Programs and Cashback Tools

Everyday spending does not have to be a missed opportunity to build wealth. When used strategically, rewards programs and cashback tools can turn everyday purchases into financial gains, helping you stretch your budget while steadily growing your savings. The key is choosing programs that align with your lifestyle, ensuring that essential expenses like groceries and utility bills work in your favor.

Credit cards with cashback or rewards structures are a good place to start. There are cards, such as EastWest’s Cash Back and Rewards Credit Cards, that offer immediate savings or reward points after each transaction. 

While these tools won’t replace traditional investments, they complement a smart financial strategy by providing steady returns on purchases you already make. When paired with disciplined spending, cashback and loyalty programs help you build wealth, proving financial growth is ultimately about using money wisely.

Diversify Income Through Side Hustles or Freelance Work

Relying solely on one income stream can make it harder to build wealth, especially when unexpected costs arise. To give you more financial control, it’s best to supplement your earnings through other income-generating projects such as freelance work, consulting, or even small-scale ventures.

Many Filipinos are already transforming their skills into profitable side hustles that fit their lifestyles and financial goals. These gigs range from online services like writing or graphic design to tutoring, selling baked or cooked goods, or offering pre-loved clothes, books, household items, and others. Choose a gig you can sustain easily along with your full-time job. It is also best to leverage digital platforms to connect with customers or clients. 

Invest in Education and Training

Investing in yourself is a powerful, often overlooked, and highly sustainable way to increase your earning potential and build wealth. By expanding your knowledge or acquiring new skills, you can open doors to higher-paying positions, explore new industries, or even launch your own venture.

This doesn’t always mean going back to school full-time. Short courses, online certifications, and workshops can deliver practical, career-boosting value without requiring a large financial investment and time commitment. Whether you’re sharpening technical skills or improving business knowledge, every step contributes to your long-term financial resilience.

When approached thoughtfully, personal development becomes more than self-improvement but a prudent strategy that can pay dividends well into the future. By choosing to invest in education and training, you position yourself for greater income opportunities and more control over your financial journey.

There’s no universal formula for building wealth, but progress starts with decisive action grounded in clarity, intention, and trust. With the right tools and mindset, financial growth becomes less about uncertainty and more about making informed, confident choices that shape your future.

As you embark on your journey, reach out to us at EastWest to learn more about our investment options and financial products designed to help you build a secure financial future.