Majority of Filipinos who continue to “hustle” or take on extra work are more upbeat about their financial status despite heightened concern from rising prices and other economic factors, according to a survey by Chicago-based data firm Numerator.

According to the 2025 Shopperscope report by Worldpanel and Numerator, 75 percent of Filipinos reported continuing to juggle multiple jobs to manage their finances more effectively.

The annual survey, which covered 2,000 respondents, was conducted from February to April.

Results of the survey showed that 47 percent of Filipinos believe their financial situation will improve in the next 12 months, an improvement from last year’s 41 percent.

In the same manner, 48 percent of Filipinos are expecting their status to remain the same, down from 52 percent in last year’s findings.

Laurice Obana, director of shopper insights at Worldpanel by Numerator, said that while optimism is on the upsurge, there are concerns that are forcing Filipinos to have an extra job

Obana noted that health and well-being are tied with inflation as the most pressing concerns among Filipinos, standing at 60 percent.

In terms of health, Numerator found that local households are most worried about another pandemic crisis, as well as their physical and mental health. Meanwhile, inflation concerns are driven by rising fuel and grocery prices.

The report showed that global and environmental issues, resource shortages, and the economic and financial state of the country are the other top concerns.

“It's valid that they feel that way since most of their concerns are happening or continue to happen in the current day,” the report read.

The survey showed that 11 percent of Filipinos described themselves as struggling due to difficulties in coping with increased living costs, down from 19 percent last year.

Despite the improvement, Obana said this indicates that a segment of the population has yet to feel the effects of the recent slowdown in inflation.

At the time of the survey, the average inflation rate stood at 1.9 percent, which has since eased to 1.7 percent in August.

Meanwhile, 14 percent of Filipinos are comfortable with their current economic situation, up from eight percent last year, driven by better career opportunities and the capacity to save money.

The bulk of Filipinos, who are managing to meet their needs, grew to 75 percent from last year’s 73 percent.

Despite better signs of financial relief, Numerator expects purchases of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) this year to more or less reach the 6.4 percent growth posted in 2024.

In an initial forecast, the firm projected that the FMCG industry would grow four to five percent this year. As of end-June, growth stands at 4.5 percent.

Regardless of their financial standing, Filipinos are found to always prioritize value, wherein choice is not just driven by what is the lowest price in the market.

Obana said households are shopping smarter by stretching their budgets to accommodate more FMCG categories—from buying basic needs like coffee mixes and powder laundry detergents to affordable upgrades like liquid laundry detergents and ready-to-drink coffee.

"Our research shows that as financial relief trickles down, though at different stages, Filipinos will continue to practice temperance, balancing their savings but not forgetting to allow some treats for themselves,” she said.