Small amount of wealth, big dreams for you and your family. These are a few dilemmas millennials like you face today. But one thing you must always remember: Always put yourself first before anything else. Sounds selfish? When you think about it, if you can secure your financial plans and financial protection now, then you can confidently secure your needs and the people who depend on you in the future. To be able to achieve these, it’s not just about knowing how to save money, it’s about protecting it, too.

Here are six habits you can start now so you can protect and build your wealth:

1. Stop telling these to yourself, "I need to buy this. I deserve this."

You don’t need to try out all the food trucks near the office, to rush to the mall for the big sale, and to travel during holidays. These are a few of the biggest mistakes when it comes to financial planning. Don’t be pressured to go shopping and to travel just to post something interesting on social media. Think of it this way: The amount of money you have now may only take you to Baguio, but if you stop spending and start on financial planning, your future money may take you to a colder and grander place like Japan or Korea.

2. Prioritize your bills every pay day.

Get the bills out of the way before spending your money. This way, you don’t end up with more money for shopping but less money for monthly dues. Making the bills your top priority is a great step to financial literacy.

3. Save as much as you can every month.

Learn how to save money and how to start early. According to CNBC, the goal in your 20s is to set aside 25% of your overall gross pay. If you think you don’t need to spend too much on other things, increase your savings up to 26% to 30%. Practice this: when you receive your salary, before spending on anything, set aside your target amount for savings plan. More savings = more protection for the future.

4. Invest, invest, invest.

There’s no such thing as “too early to invest”. There’s no such thing as “too young to think about retirement”. In growing your money, time is your ally so the earlier you start, the better. Also, it’s not just about learning how to save your money, it’s about learning how to protect it, too. Start being a budget planner by mapping out ways on how you can invest by working with your monthly income. This insurance and investment plan is a great way to learn how to value money and to level up your financial literacy. Talk to an expert to help you start your financial plan.

5. Manage credit card debt.

As much as possible, avoid excessive use of your credit card. Installment kind of payment process may be helpful, but make sure you have an effective plan on how to pay your monthly dues. Pro tip: Always pay more than the minimum monthly required payment. Successful money managers even pay in full. Be a master budget planner so you can live freely and happily within your means.

6. Protect the ones you love with your investment.

Building your wealth is not just about protecting your financial needs, it’s also about protecting the needs of your loved ones. Free yourself from worry and doubt by investing in a life insurance that provides financial protection for you and your loved ones no matter what happens. Get a family insurance that allows you to customize the kind of protection for you and your family, from unexpected mishaps to health issues to medical bills. There’s nothing more rewarding than building your wealth for you and your family.