Summer is here, and Filipinos know what that means: rising temperatures and rising expenses! The temptation to splurge on vacations, outdoor fun and cooling solutions—which can jack up your electricity bill—is strong.

But fret not because higher expenses don't have to be your summer story. With some strategic planning, you can embrace the warmth without scorching your budget. Home Credit, one of the country’s leading consumer finance companies, is here to help you navigate the season with these cool summer tips and hacks.

Create a summer budget

Summer is the time to rest and have fun, but don't let it be an excuse to overspend and ditch your budget. Make this season a breeze by creating a comprehensive summer budget tailored to your specific needs.

Categorize your spending for entertainment, travel and utilities. Since summer often brings changes in expenses, prioritize your spending and factor in potential unexpected costs. This way, you'll ensure you have allocated funds for every aspect of your summer plans, allowing you to enjoy the season without financial stress.

Take advantage of the summer discounts

The scorching heat isn't the only thing rising this summer—so are the hottest discounts on appliances and gadgets! Dive into the season as a smart shopper by seeking out the latest summer deals at your favorite stores.

These deals aren't just about saving money, they're about aligning your budget with your summer needs, and having options to better manage your cash flow. By strategically shopping and focusing on your essential purchases, you can enjoy significant cost savings while avoiding the temptation to overspend. Remember, smart shopping doesn't mean buying less, it means buying better.

Utilize energy-efficient appliances

Summer in the Philippines is synonymous with scorching heat, making appliances like powerful fans, refrigerators and air conditioners essential. But choosing the right ones can impact your budget significantly, like appliances powered by inverter technology.

Unlike traditional appliances, inverter models are designed to optimize energy consumption. This translates to a cost-effective and ecofriendly solution for battling the summer heat. These energy-efficient wonders offer the ultimate double win: keeping you cool while keeping your electricity bills down.

Plan summer travels wisely

Rest and relaxation are a must do during summer, but you will only get nothing but stress when these are not planned strategically. If a summer escape is on your mind, do it smarter, not harder. Start by exploring budget-friendly destinations and consider visiting during off-peak times. This not only avoids crowds, but also unlocks hidden gems that won't break the bank.

Another pro tip to follow is to book in advance to not only secure your spot early, but also unlock discounted prices on flight and accommodations. Remember, a little strategic planning goes a long way to ensure you make the most of your summer adventure without burning a hole in your pocket.

Find alternative summer activities on a budget

If you want to celebrate fun in summer on a budget, don’t worry because it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This is the perfect time to explore rewarding and relaxing activities that won’t break the bank.

Gather your loved ones for a picnic in a scenic park, enjoying fresh air, delicious homemade food, and quality time together. You can also head to a nearby mall for a cool escape. Relax in a café, grab a meal at a restaurant, or simply browse the shops.

Lastly, if you have a family, create lasting memories at home. Play outdoor games with your kids, have a movie night with refreshing drinks, or simply chill out with the cool air provided by your inverter AC.

Keep your cool during summer with Home Credit’s hottest deals

Summer fun shouldn't strain your budget! This season, Home Credit offers sizzling deals to help you stretch your summer spending.

If you need a cash boost, you can apply for a quick and easy cash loan* through the My Home Credit App, with approvals taking just one minute. Choose a loan amount from PHP 3,000 to PHP 150,000 to cover your summer expenses.

Additionally, Home Credit will offer 0% interest deals that can help you purchase your new cooling appliances which can help you manage the heat summer season brings. Plus, these amazing appliances and offers will be available on Shoppingmall.ph.

Don't miss Home Credit's exciting deals available from March 15th to May 31st!

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the Home Credit Online Loan App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in Shoppingmall.ph.   

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). *Available to select customers with Home Credit Cash Loan offer    

A weekend of no work, just play! Lazada Philippines, the country’s one-stop online shopping and selling destination, offers retail therapy at its finest for every hardworking individual who wants to get countless discounts on clothing, apparel, accessories, and everything else in between in its Labor Day Sale this coming 24 April to 01 May.

The much awaited ‘national day-off’ is coming up in a few days’ time so start marking your calendars for the long weekend, book your trips and accommodations, and pack those Instagram-worthy outfits! Rounding up all your favorite Labor Day Summersentials, here’s a helpful guide that can definitely make you beat the heat with amazing buys that could bring the ultimate summer escapade.

Whether you’re on the beach or underwater, capture unforgettable moments with the Xiaomi 16MP Action/Sports Camera. It comes with a free monopod and waterproof casing which allows you to film even if you’re 40 meters submerged in water. It has built in wifi so you can load your videos in a snap! Get yours at an affordable price of only P4,399.

Get rid of those air mattresses and sleeping bags and have your inflatable game on point this summer with a Banana Bed! It comes in a variety of colors to choose from depending on your mood and we promise—this will be your new best friend all throughout your vacation. Definitely an eye candy, own one for only P199!

Breeze through the summer heat with the Sava Ares 24-Speed mountain bike now at 68% off. Whether its keeping fit for the summer or checking out new trails during family outings, this alloy bike will make you want to go farther and faster through your summer adventures. Get yours for only P6,999.

Prefer to stay at home with the family? Organize your own pool party and surprise your kids with the Transparent Sea Life Pool for only P259. Invite family and friends and make a splash in your very own backyard with games and delicious finger foods!

Freshen up from the summer heat with Nivea shower gels at 68% off. Check out the different variants that are not only dermatologically-approved, but also gives the much-needed moisture your skin needs. For only P68, you can get all variants to suit your different summer moods. Lazada Philippines gives you enough reasons to shop more and spend less with sizzling offers in this week-long sale! Go ahead, relax and enjoy the summer break with essentials that is sure to put more fun in your summer.

Visit www.lazada.com.ph or download the mobile app for free.

The sun is out and summer is here! As Filipinos prepare to spend vacations with their families and friends, leading mobile shopping app Shopee shares its widest range of best buys yet for the summer.

“Shopee continues its mission to provide users with the best online shopping experience by offering the largest selection of products at the best prices this season. We already have an incredible range of products especially in Beauty and Fashion that our users love to shop for and we are happy to share our new additions for the summer, especially must-have gadgets, electronics, and home items,” says Macy Castillo, Shopee’s Head of Commercial Business.

Here are some products and tips to help get more out of the summer break without breaking the bank.

Be fearless under the sun

Spending time outdoors is a staple for the season, which means it’s important to keep yourself cool and protected. Rechargeable fans (prices start at ₱90) and refillable water bottles (from ₱35) help manage soaring temperatures, while sunscreen like Belo’s SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 (₱329) and Dewy Tree’s Brightox Multi Sun Cream SPF 50 (₱849) protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

Capture every moment

These days when everything is shared on social media, arm yourself with cameras and gadgets for every adventure you take. Enthusiasts can choose amongst action cameras from Xiaomi, SJCAM, A7, and Supremo, which start at ₱699 or camera drones, which start at ₱2,000, while selfie fans can count on finding a variety of monopods with shutters, clip lens, magnifiers, and ring lights that start at ₱30 -- there’s really no excuse to miss any moment this summer.

Dress to impress

Summertime means socials. From coffee and brunch to sunset cocktails and all night parties, options abound from classic button down shirts (from ₱100) and little black dresses (from ₱130) to eye-catching shorts (from ₱75) and printed playsuits (from ₱250), as well as swimwear in every color (men’s from ₱150, women’s from ₱200) -- never run out of options to mix and match. Ladies can finish off these outfits with waterproof Heroine mascaras (₱600) and KJM Cheek and Lip Stains (₱150), while lads can get sleeker looks with pomades from Eight Wolves (₱250).

Fun at home

Those who prefer to skip the out-of-town trips can stock up on games and activities like all-time classics Monopoly and Jenga or the wildly entertaining Pie Face and Speak Out each for endless hours of fun. Alternatively, home cooks and avid bakers can get easy-to-use tools like food processors, hand mixers, and cooking utensils to improve their kitchen skills. All are available on Shopee at under ₱500 each, so staying at home doesn’t have to mean missing out on the fun.

Earn over the break

Feeling entrepreneurial this season? If you’re more in the mood to make money than shop, start your own business over the summer by selling products on Shopee! Sell with the same account you use when you buy – simply take a picture, write a short description, set a price, and upload! Sit back, relax, and wait for orders to come in.

All items come with Free Shipping nationwide on orders ₱500 and above along with Cash on Delivery payment option via the Shopee app.

Shopee is available for download for free on Google Play and the App Store. Visit www.shopee.ph for more information.