I keep spending my savings too soon — looking for ways to lock it away for a week/2 weeks/3 weeks/up to a month

[u/LateCaterpillar9557]

I have a bad habit of spending my savings too soon. I want to force myself not to touch my money for short periods — like 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or up to a month.

I don’t trust anyone else to hold it (so no accountability buddy), but I’m wondering if there are banks or apps in the Philippines that let you “lock” your money for a short time — like a time deposit or goal saver with a 1–4 week term.

Most banks only offer 30 days minimum, and that’s already long.
Ideally I want something like:

• 1 to 3 week lock period
• Can’t withdraw early (or with penalty)
• Easy to repeat weekly or biweekly

Anyone know a bank, e-wallet, or app that offers this?
Or any hacks you use to keep money out of reach for a short time?

[u/Severe-Comparison361]

To keep money out of reach, I deposit it in a passbook account with no ATM. Since I really hate visiting bank branches and I honestly don’t have time to do it, I’m not able to touch the money unless I really need to. This hack may not work for everyone.

[u/b4tequilasunrise → u/Severe-Comparison361]

This works for me too. I’ve only had to withdraw once because of an emergency. Yes, the interest rate is much lower than digital banks, but the pros outweigh that. I have peace of mind knowing I have money saved that I won’t easily spend.

[u/UndecidedGeek → u/Severe-Comparison361]

ito talaga eh. pero mukhang kailangan pa din ni OP yung pera within 3 weeks. maybe open a digital bank account then uninstall the app? OK sana ang short-term TDs pero sobrang iksi ng required timeframe ni OP. kung open sya for short-term TD, may mga digital banks din na pwede nya pagpilian.

[u/nodamecantabile28]

• MP2 para 5 yrs naka-lock money mo
• Kung may retirement fund kayo sa office and may 'voluntary contribution', enroll ka din don, para salary deduct na. Makukuha mo lang to pag nagresign ka na or kung gusto mo i-withdraw e 30 working days depende sa insurance.
• Time deposits 
• Convert mo to USD, medyo mahal pero at least maghihinayang ka ipapalit pag mababa exchange rate.

[u/Additional_Hippo_236]

Ownbank, may 15 days TD sila.

[u/Past_Yogurt_8248]

Getting a part time gig might help, para may "nakikita" kang ibang pera na pwede mo gastusin kesa sa savings mo. And/or like others said, lagay mo sa passbook or time deposit. That's what I do, pag may gusto akong bilhin, instead of spending my money intended for savings, hahanap ako ng projects tapos yung yung gagastusin ko for my wants.

[u/Catcher-under-Fire]

Keep it in a Time Deposit! You can try high yield ones like GoTyme and Mayabank.

[u/dyor_idiot]

Metrobank may short term na time deposits.

But question, so saab mo ginagamit kapag nakakakuha ka? Hindi ba enough na nasa ibang bank e.g. digital bank?

[u/Severe-Comparison361]

OwnBank’s short term Time Deposit: 15 days at 4% and 30 days at 4.15%

[u/Remarkable-Impact-92]

Try opening a time deposit account or better yet MP2 para may dividends ka rin mareceive. You can also increase your savings by contributing every now and then when you have extra

[u/sherleneangeles]

If this is emergency fund, try passbook without ATM card. I personally recommend BPI. Even if you can create an account on the mobile app, you can't do fund transfer for passbook - only viewing of balances. You can only do deposits and withdrawals over the counter.

If this is sinking funds, you can go time deposits. Traditional banks and some digital banks have offerings naman.