MOST Filipinos expect their finances to improve in 2026, despite only a few rating their present economic well-being as good, a study by a premier health and wellness company has found.
The APAC Health & Economic Empowerment Survey 2025 by Herbalife found that while only 30 percent of Filipinos feel good about their current financial situation, a remarkable 74 percent expect things to get better in 2026.
The study attributed this optimism to planned financial adjustments, with 57 percent of the respondents saying they intend to cut non-essential spending, and 40 percent expressed interest in learning more about investing.
The study also found that family is a major motivation for these changes, with 73 percent saying loved ones drive their financial goals.
Challenges, however, remain. Economic uncertainty worries 43 percent of respondents, and half say their own financial commitments are a hurdle.
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“In the Philippines, where many individuals are exploring additional sources of income to support their families amid rising costs, more people are looking at entrepreneurship as a viable option,” the study showed. It further noted that entrepreneurs are especially optimistic, with 86 percent expecting better finances next year, compared to 70 percent of non-entrepreneurs, feeling more empowered, and being healthier overall.
“Contrary to the common perception that entrepreneurship is inherently stressful and leads to burnout, the survey shows that entrepreneurs demonstrate higher levels of economic optimism, confidence, and empowerment,” Allan Domingo, Herbalife Philippines general manager, said. The survey also showed a strong link between health and financial outlook among the respondents, with nearly 80 percent expecting their health to improve in 2026, many of whom plan to exercise more.
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The study was commissioned by Herbalife and surveyed across 11 Asia-Pacific markets in October 2025, with a total of 8,505 respondents.
