Toni Gonzaga now describes herself as "a typical mom kung saan addict sa discount, addict sa sale."
She tells PEP.ph at the Pampers diaper showdown with sister Alex Gonzaga, "I'm very practical, I'm very matipid."
Her spending approach has changed especially now that the needs of her son Seve always come first.
She also credits husband Paul Soriano for constantly reminding her to go for quality.
Toni continues, "When it comes down to your family, especially when it comes down to Seve, sabi niya [ni Paul], always invest with the right brand and the right product. Siya 'yung nagsabi sa akin nun. You get what you paid for.
"Sabi niya, 'Kapag cheap, e, di cheap 'yung quality na makukuha mo.' Lagi siyang ganyan. You get what you paid for, so don't complain.
"Sabi niya sa akin, when it comes to Seve, he deserves the best brand. Give him the right brand, huwag mo siyang tipirin."
CHANGE OF PRIORITIES
Back when Toni was not a mom yet, the price was not her primary consideration when shopping.
She says, "Ang weird nga, e. Before when I was still single, when I didn't have Seve, okay lang sa akin 'yung hindi discounted, hindi sale.
"Nung naging mommy ako, nakaka-addict pala yung word na 'sale' saka sa 'discount.'
"Kapag nakakarinig ka '50 percent off,' kahit wala ka namang bibilhin papasok ka lang kasi sabi mo,' Ay sale!'"
But the Kapamilya host-actress acknowledges that the way she handled her money back then made the difference now.
"I realized when I was still single, hindi naman ako ang may hawak ng finances.
"Ngayon, alam ko na, 'Ah, ganito pala 'yung expenses. Ganito pala yung budget.'
"Naglalaan ka ng priorities, necessities, at saka 'yung luxuries."
At this point, luxuries are "bottom priority."
"Laging necessity yung sa top priority. Of course, sa baby, ang top priority mo diyan ngayon, especially with Seve as a toddler: milk, diaper, food."
This story originally appeared on Pep.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Femalenetwork.com editors.
