Financial Literacy for Students: Cha-Ching’s One Million Students Philippines
On May 29, 2024, in Pasig City, Prudence Foundation, in collaboration with Junior Achievement Philippines, celebrated a significant achievement: teaching one million students nationwide essential money management skills through the financial literacy program, Cha-Ching. The event gathered beneficiaries and supporters to mark this milestone.
Cha-Ching Financial Literacy Program Philippines
Cha-Ching, created by Prudence Foundation, is designed for children ages 7 to 12 years old. The program features a series of animated cartoons developed by Cartoon Network Asia and the Emmy award-winning Children’s Educational Specialist, Dr. Alice Wilder. They collaborated with Junior Achievement Asia Pacific which is a school curriculum that is also created to instill sound financial values, knowledge, and behaviors in children.
Celebrating the Milestone
The event previewed the shared commitment of Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation, along with Junior Achievement Philippines and Junior Achievement Asia Pacific, to equip young students with the necessary financial literacy skills to build a brighter and more secure future through the Cha-Ching curriculum.
A panel discussion featured speakers from both of the public and private sectors who shared insights on the importance of financial literacy for students, the education, the progress in integrating it into school curriculums, and future plans to advance financial literacy nationwide. Notable panelists were Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pia Warburton, and Dexter Galban.
Sanjay Chakrabarty, President & CEO of Pru Life UK, emphasized the company’s dedication to financial literacy through Cha-Ching, aligning with its enitre community and investment efforts aimed at building long-term community resiliency.
Future Strides for Cha-Ching in the Philippines
Cha-Ching continues to innovate significant initiatives such as “Cha-Ching Money Adventures,” an interactive online game and learning platform designed to teach essential money management skillsets to both students and teachers. The program has received several prestigious awards, including the Silver Asia-Pacific Stevie® Award in 2021 and 2024, and the Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards in 2022, highlighting its commitment to enhancing financial literacy among Filipino youth.
About Pru Life UK
Pru Life UK, a pioneer of investment-linked life insurance products in the Philippines, has expanded to over 170 branches and general agency offices across the country. Boasting the largest life insurance agency force with more than 37,000 licensed agents, the company ranks #1 for New Business Annual Premium Equivalent and Total Premium Income from Variable Life Insurance Products, as per the Insurance Commission’s Life Insurance Sector Quarterly Statistics for Q1 2024. Pru Life UK is headquartered in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.
For more information, visit Pru Life UK.
About Prudence Foundation
Prudence Foundation is the community investment leg of Prudential plc in Asia and Africa, dedicated to creating a brighter future by enhancing community resiliency. It upholds and runs regional and local programs in partnership with NGOs, governments, and the private sector to maximize impact.
For more information, visit Prudence Foundation.
About Junior Achievement Philippines
As a member of JA Worldwide®, this organization empowers youth through programs that promote financial education, work preparation and readiness, and entrepreneurship skills. JA Philippines is recognized for its numerous contributions and partnerships.
To volunteer with Cha-Ching and help shape young minds, visit Cha-Ching.
Financial Literacy for Students: A Simple Guide to Start Strong
Money is something we use every day and for students, they use it pang-baon, for projects, food trips, at minsan pang-emergency—but very few students actually learn how to manage it well. The good news? Hindi mo kailangan maging adult para maging financially smart. You can start now.
Here’s my simple and practical guide to help students build good money habits early.
1. Know Where Your Money Goes
Before anything else, alamin mo muna saan napupunta ang pera mo. Baon, transportation, school requirements, food, drinks, and leisure like gaming or shopping. Tip: For one week, list down every expense. You’ll be surprised how small purchases add up.
2. Create a Simple Budget
Budgeting is simply telling your money where it shoud go and what it should do. A simple student budget can be 50% needs (baon, fare, school needs), 30% wants (merienda, fun stuff), and 20% savings. The goal is control and staying within your budget. It’s not about perfection.
3. Start Saving Early (Even Small Amounts!)
Even ₱20–₱50 a day can grow over time and do wonders for your savings! What matters is the habit, not the amount. You can save using a piggybank, bank junior/savings account, or an e-wallet savings feature.
4. Avoid Impulse Buying
Ang dali-daling gumastos pag stressed, bored, or influenced by friends. Before buying, ask: “Need ba talaga?” “Pwede bang next time?” “May mas mura bang option?” One delayed purchase can mean more savings for something you truly value.
5. Learn to Earn (Even as a Student!)
Many students have side hustles like selling printed notes or reviewers, starting a small online business, baking, freelancing, tutoring, or reselling items. Earning your own money teaches discipline and real-world skills.
6. Understand the Basics of Money
Know the basics: income (money coming in), expenses (money going out), savings (money you keep), needs vs. wants (big difference!), and budgeting (a plan for your money). Master these and you’re already ahead of many adults.
7. Set Small Money Goals
Goals make saving so much fun! Examples: “I’ll save ₱1,000 this month,” “Bibili ako ng shoes using my own money,” or “I’ll build a ₱500 emergency fund.” Small wins build confidence.
- You might like: How to Build an Emergency Fund in the Philippines
8. Learn From Your Mistakes
Sometimes, you may spend more than your budget and that’s okay. It’s normal to make mistakes so don’t feel bad. Reflect, adjust, move on and remember that good money habits grow through practice.
Need a Financial Literacy Speaker? Book Ameena Rey-Franc
As a financial literacy advocate and speaker, I, too, am passionate about helping students build strong money habits early. Over the years, I have spoken for various universities and student organizations, teaching fellow Filipinos how to manage their money with confidence and clarity.
If your school, organization, or event is looking for someone who can deliver practical and engaging talks on personal finance, you can have me as your speaker. I customize my sessions based on your audience’s needs—from budgeting basics to saving, earning, and building a solid financial foundation.
Email me at thethriftypinay@gmail.com or check out my clients and speaking engagements.
Financial Literacy for Students: Cha-Ching’s One Million Students Philippines