Budget Literacy Program: Make Smarter Choices with Your Money
Look, managing money doesn't have to feel like decoding ancient scrolls. Our program breaks down budgeting into practical skills you can start using right away. Whether you're trying to save for something specific or just tired of wondering where your paycheck disappeared to, we've got your back.
Get Program DetailsWhat You'll Actually Learn
Understanding Where Money Goes
Start by mapping your actual spending patterns. We'll show you tracking methods that don't require spreadsheet expertise—some participants prefer apps, others use notebooks. Find what clicks for you.
Building a Flexible Budget
Forget rigid systems that fall apart after two weeks. You'll create a budget framework that adapts to your life, not the other way around. Real scenarios included—because bills don't always arrive on schedule.
Handling Unexpected Expenses
Emergency funds and backup plans sound boring until you need them. Learn how to prepare for life's curveballs without sacrificing everything that makes daily life enjoyable.
Setting Goals That Stick
Generic advice about "saving more" doesn't cut it. We help you define specific financial targets that matter to you, then map realistic paths to reach them—even with a modest income.
Smart Shopping Strategies
Cutting costs doesn't mean giving up quality of life. Discover practical approaches to reduce expenses in areas that don't matter much to you, so you can spend freely on what does.
Making Progress Reviews Simple
Check-ins keep you on track without becoming another chore. We'll establish quick monthly reviews that take 15 minutes but reveal exactly how you're doing with your financial plans.
Meet Your Program Facilitators
Celeste Viray spent eight years helping families across General Santos City organize their finances. She's particularly good at explaining concepts without jargon—probably because she remembers struggling with her own budget after college. Her workshops focus on practical tools people actually use beyond the classroom.
Rhea Tolentino brings experience from both corporate finance and community education. She's worked with everyone from fresh graduates to business owners, which gives her insight into how different life stages affect money management. Rhea's known for her direct feedback and realistic planning approaches.
Both facilitators emphasize peer learning. You'll spend time discussing challenges with other participants who face similar situations—often the most valuable part of the program, according to past attendees.
Program Structure and Schedule
How It Works
- Eight weekly sessions, each running two hours on Saturday mornings (September through October 2025)
- Small groups capped at 15 participants to allow for meaningful discussion and individual attention
- Workbook and digital resources included—templates you can customize for your specific situation
- Optional one-on-one consultations available during the program for personalized guidance
- Access to our online participant community for questions and support between sessions
- Certificate of completion for those who attend at least six sessions and complete practice exercises
Ready to Take Control of Your Budget?
Next cohort begins September 6, 2025. Enrollment opens July 15, 2025. Spaces fill quickly—we run only four cohorts per year. Early registration gets you access to our pre-program planning guide.
Reserve Your Spot