Freelancers don’t really get a 13th month pay the traditional way.
What we get is a good month, a big client payment, a bonus project, or a rare stretch where invoices get paid on time. Still, I like calling it my 13th month pay—because mentally, it helps me treat that money with intention instead of impulse.
Here are 13 sensible, practical, and doable things you can do with your 13th month pay if you’re freelancing in the Philippines—based on what actually works, what I’ve done myself, and what I wish I did sooner.
1. Pay off high-interest debt first
This is boring—but it’s also the most powerful move you can make.
If you have credit card balances, GCash loans, online lending apps, or any debt charging painful interest, paying it down immediately gives you a guaranteed “return.”
No investment right now beats the peace of mind and monthly cash flow you get from killing bad debt.
I’ve done this myself, and the mental clarity alone was worth it.
I still have a lot of debts but at least I’ve cleared a few and I’m hoping to clear it all entirely in the next two years.
2. Build or top up your emergency fund
An emergency fund is not optional for freelancers—it’s survival gear.
Aim for at least 3 months of bare-bones expenses, even if you have to build it slowly.
Your 13th month pay is perfect for this because it’s unexpected money. When a client disappears or a payment gets delayed, this fund buys you time instead of panic.
Panic is bad because it makes you grab onto what’s available instead of getting the type of rates that you deserve.
3. Set aside money for taxes (future you will thank you)
Yes, I know.
Taxes are not exciting.
But penalties and stress are worse.
If you’re earning decently but haven’t been disciplined with tax savings, use part of your 13th month pay to fix that gap. Even setting aside 10–20% now can prevent you from scrambling later—or worse, borrowing just to pay the BIR.
Plus… if you want to travel, you will have to present an ITR as proof that you do have an income and not planning on doing TNT once you reach your destination.
4. Upgrade one piece of equipment that directly improves output
Not everything needs upgrading—be selective.
A faster laptop, a second monitor, a better chair, a reliable microphone, or a proper webcam can directly improve your productivity and the quality of your work.
If the equipment helps you work faster, take on more projects, or appear more professional, then it’s a sensible investment—not a luho.
5. Fix your workspace ergonomics
Your body is part of your business.
As someone who cares about long-term sustainability (and backs), I’ve learned this the hard way.
There was a time that I worked straight for 16 hours just writing content because I had 3 clients at that time and although I was earning a decent amount of money, I was also hurting myself physically.
In the end, I lost them all because I burnt out.
A proper chair, desk height, wrist support, or footrest may not look exciting—but they prevent burnout and injury.
You can’t earn if your body gives up before your deadlines do.
6. Invest in one skill that increases your rate
Courses are useless if they don’t lead to higher pay.
Use your 13th month pay to learn one monetizable skill—SEO refinement, conversion copywriting, AI-assisted workflows, email marketing, automation, or niche-specific expertise.
The rule is simple: if it doesn’t help you charge more or work faster, skip it.
One of the best investments I made in 2023 was to enroll in an SEO course that led to me working today as an SEO Specialist for a great company called ZyWave.
(BTW… we’re still looking for more writers, so… if you want in… send me an email with your resume attached at [email protected] and place on the subject line “I Want to Join Zywave!”)
7. Prepay essentials to reduce monthly pressure
Lower fixed expenses = more breathing room.
Prepaying internet, mobile plans, software subscriptions, or even rent (if allowed) reduces your monthly stress. This is especially helpful during slow months when income dips but bills don’t.
It’s not flashy—but it’s smart.
8. Create a “client gap buffer” fund
This is different from your emergency fund.
A client gap buffer is money you set aside specifically for periods when contracts end and new ones haven’t started yet.
Freelancers live in transitions, and this fund prevents you from accepting bad clients just because you’re desperate.
This has happened to me several times in the past and I wish I had someone to tell me this because I took on some really bad clients… at one time I was writing about casinos. Sheesh!
9. Upgrade your online presence (only if it’s outdated)
Your portfolio is a silent salesperson.
If your website, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile looks like it’s from 2019, now’s the time to fix it. This doesn’t mean expensive redesigns—just clarity, updated samples, and proof of results.
A polished presence attracts better clients without extra outreach.
If you have to pay someone to do it, do it.
10. Buy tools that save time, not just money
Time is your most valuable asset as a freelancer.
Paid tools for automation, project management, accounting, or AI assistance are worth it if they reduce mental load and repetitive work. The goal isn’t more tools—it’s fewer hours spent doing things that don’t pay.
And yes… I said AI assistance… although I’m not that much of a fan of AI… it has helped me in other ways like finding the right keywords, narrowing down audiences, etc. just don’t rely on it too much or you might end up becoming too dependent.
11. Allocate a small “future income experiment” fund
Not everything has to be safe—but it should be controlled.
Set aside a portion of your 13th month pay to test something new: a small digital product, a niche blog, paid ads for services, or a side project.
The key word here is small.
Experiments should never threaten your stability.
In my case, I’ve bought domains like Jectra and Biyernes with the intention of turning them into ad earners and so far, that has worked well. It will take time but it will be time you’ll be thankful you invested.
12. Take care of health-related needs you’ve been delaying
Health expenses don’t get cheaper with time.
Dental work, eye exams, physical therapy, or basic checkups often get postponed because freelancers prioritize work.
Using your 13th month pay for health is sensible because untreated issues eventually cost more—in money and lost productivity.
13. Set aside guilt-free rest money
Burnout makes freelancers quit more than lack of skill.
Use a portion of your 13th month pay for proper rest: a short trip, a few days off, or something that genuinely resets your brain.
When done intentionally, rest improves focus, creativity, and long-term income.
Make the Next 12 Months Easier with Your 13th Month Today.
The point of a 13th month pay—whether traditional or freelancer-style—is not to feel rich for one month. It’s to make the next 12 months easier.
If your money reduces stress, increases earning power, protects your health, or buys you time, then you spent it well.
Flashy purchases fade fast.
Stability lasts.
If you go into 2026 with less debt, better systems, a healthier body, and clearer finances—you already won. I hope you get a sizeable 13th month in the next few days!