WHEN one is single, one can pretty much live for the self. There’s more money to go around to buy that new cellphone and that new pair of shoes, and to go out with the barkada for gimik nights.

But when one starts a family, everything changes. Suddenly, there are responsibilities: mouths to feed, bills to pay, and future needs to prepare for. The days of frivolous spending are over. As financial journalist Salve Duplito, pioneer Money Smarts blogger, wife and mother of four said, “Motherhood made me realize that ‘irresponsible with money’ and ‘good mother’ don’t go well together. As parents, it’s up to us so the family won’t get buried in debt.” This “spending addict” has reformed and is on a crusade to help others learn to handle their finances well.

In her recent talk at the Family Finance 101 seminar organized by Money Sense magazine, Salve shared these basic tips to handling family finances responsibly:

1. Use things sparingly, carefully and thankfully.
The things that we have and buy are blessings and should be used up wisely. Salve advised that kids (and dads) be trained to take care of their stuff well so they will last. She also believes in the “simot” mentality: Go through your pantry and use up what you can until your next scheduled grocery day. No emergency trips to the grocery to buy one missing ingredient because chances are you will buy more than just one ingredient. Also, don’t overdelegate to the maids, who may not be conscious of saving.

2. Think long term.
How much will a latte a day for a year cost you? It may be money better spent on tuition. Salve warned the audience against careless spending. Even buying a toy to shush up a wailing child may have long-term consequences in terms of finances.

3. Make smart plans.
Salve’s precious tips include:
* Save 50 percent on transportation or gas weekly by being on time and planning trips wisely.
* Watch where you buy.
* A weekly meal plan can reduce food wastage to zero and cut your food expense by 40 percent.
* Convenience and quick fixes are very expensive.

4. Be a wise consumer.
Don’t go to the grocery when you’re hungry. Killing electric vampires can eliminate at least 25 percent of your electric bill. If you’re a spend-a-holic, avoid going to the mall with cash and credit card.

5. Know your numbers.
A spending plan is the foundation of financial wellness. Create and use one that works for you. Salve advised the audience to skim off the top—to take out from the paycheck once received—your savings before you spend on anything. Anticipate balloon expenses (such as tuition fees) by saving up for them.

6. Enjoy yourself.
“Good money management is important but it should never go before family and relationship,” said Salve. She ended by asking the audience, “Can money buy happiness?” The answer is yes, she said, “but only when we learn to let go of it. It’s not what we have that matters. It’s what we can give.”