'Be Liquid', Money Tips from Camille Prats, Iya Villania, and Suzi Abrera

There is a point in adulthood where money stops feeling like something you simply spend, and starts feeling like something you manage very carefully.

That shift was exactly what Camille Prats, Iya Villania-Arellano, and Suzi Entrata-Abrera talked about in the latest episode of their newest podcast Kami ang Inyong Mga…, as they reflected on saving and spending wisely, and how their money mindset has evolved through the years.

As Iya said: “The thing with money, the way it matters changes as you get older.” It became the anchor of the conversation, as the hosts reflected on how money slowly shifts from wants to responsibility.

Camille, who began working in show business at seven, reflected on how money felt during her younger years, when life was simpler and decisions were driven by personal wants and needs.

“‘Pag bata ka, wala kang pamilya, sarili mo lang iniisip mo. Ang goal mo lang ay mabili mo ‘yung mga bagay na feeling mo deserve mo kasi pinaghirapan mo, o makapunta ka sa mga lugar na pangarap mong puntahan,” she said.

Iya emphasized that this stage in life carries the most weight when it comes to building financial stability:

“I highly recommend that while you’re still young and without a family to support, it’s the best time to start investing, even if it’s small. Because the moment you have a family, the moment you have children and a husband, you’re paying for all—you’re paying for a home, you’re paying for rent.”

She continued, “While you’re still living in your parents’ house and your food is still free, use this time not just for wants. You can set aside a little for a trip or that bag you want, but now is really the time to invest because you’re going to be grateful by the time you settle down and get married.”

The conversation also moved into how finances shift once you are in a relationship or marriage.

Camille shared how she and her husband structure their money in a way that balances independence and shared responsibility.

“We have our own allowances for my spending, for his spending and then all our accounts are in just one joint. And every decision that we have to do financially, we have to talk about it.”

Iya shared how she and Drew are also aligned when it comes to money, and Camille commented:

“Kasi ‘yung iba, Mars (Iya), ang struggle nila eh kapag hindi talaga pareho ‘yung way [that] they see money. Like one can be a shopaholic while the other is super practical. Then doon magkakaroon ng conflict… So it’s hard when you don’t see eye to eye.”

Suzi also reminded viewers to take advantage of online resources when it comes to managing money:

“But most importantly, ito ‘yung opportunity din natin in the internet age, etc. na pwede na kayong mag-research kung ano ‘yung mga iba't ibang ways para palakihin ninyo ‘yung pera ninyo. Kasi we keep saying save, save, save. Eh alam niyo naman na ang interest sa bangko, mas mababa kumpara sa inflation rate—‘yung pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin kaysa sa tinataas ng interest ng savings account ninyo.

So pwede niyo rin kausapin ‘yung banker niyo, people at the bank. May options doon na puwede mong iwan ‘yung pera mo for, say, six months, tapos pagkuha mo, tumubo na siya ng ganitong amount of money. Malaki.

So educate yourselves kasi may opportunity na tayo na malaman kung saan natin puwedeng ilagay yung investments natin para mas lalo siyang lumaki.”

The hosts also acknowledged how external influences shape spending habits today, especially social media.

Camille pointed out: “We live in a time and season na talagang you only live once. The pressure is so high because of the things that we see on social media. But we have to be smarter than that.”

“For me, it’s important to be liquid. Okay lang naman gumastos to do things for yourself, pero always save for the rainy day. I really believe in that. ‘Pag may nangyari, may pangangailangan ka, may mahuhugot ka,” she added.

Read here to learn how the “we, not me” mindset can help you budget better as a couple.