The Agoncillos are frugal and proud

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncilo share why budgeting is a must in their household

Despite the level of stardom Judy Ann Santos and her husband Ryan Agoncillo pull in showbiz, the way they raise their family only draws them closer to the masses. Proof is in the snippets they share on social media, showing they are just like any other household, with the same goals and principles.

Discussing finances in the Agoncillo household is never off the table. 

But if they can help inspire other families to live better, given their platforms, the Agoncillos will always be up for it, just as they’ve agreed to their newest partnership, in which they reveal they are frugal and proud.

Dubbed the “Agonsulits” for a family campaign for McDonald’s, Judy Ann and Ryan even enlisted the help of their daughter Luna to show others that being frugal doesn’t have to be a drag.

“In our home, it’s all about living large without the splurge, proving you can go with budget-friendly moves that still deliver all the feels,” explained Ryan.

“Imagine kicking back at a peaceful lakeside, just the family and nature vibing together. No expensive setups, just good old-fashioned quality time. That’s the Agonsulit style,” he added with pride.

Ryan’s even got it down when it comes to home hacks. In a recent viral post, he shared how he didn’t rush Luna to the dentist when she came to him with a wiggly tooth. Instead, the top TV host reached for some dental floss and gently turned to the dentist, showing that sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest and cheapest.

Meanwhile, mom Judy Ann will do everything to ensure their children won’t grow up feeling privileged.

In her post featuring eldest daughter Yohan, the superstar demonstrated that public transport isn’t just a way to get around; it’s a classroom on wheels.

“Lessons in life don’t happen in a lecture hall alone but on buses and jeepneys,” she said. So, with Yohan going to college for the first time, Mom made sure she learned how to commute and, in the process, also know the real deal about money and how the proverbial everyday Juan lives and travels.

“For us, this is not just practical; it’s a way [for our children] to stay grounded and connected to their roots.”

It, therefore, follows that discussing finances in the Agoncillo household is never off the table. Ryan and Judy Ann keep it real with open conversations about cash flow, ensuring everyone from the eldest to the youngest knows about it and learns how important it is to save.

“As parents, it’s about setting up a future that’s as secure as it is bright, and keeping everyone in the loop means every choice is a shared win,” Ryan conveyed.

“We believe in being smart with our resources, which means finding quality options that are also affordable. Wais kaming mag-asawa pagdating sa pamilya. Gusto namin mataas na kalidad at murang-mura para sulit. Kaya nga Agonsulit di, ba? [We’re wise when it comes to family spending. We want high quality for a low price because that makes it worthwhile. That’s why they call us Agonsulit, right?),” Judy Ann asserted.

Drawing in their partner within their message, the family confirms that when the munchies hit, McDelivery is their hero, delivering big flavors without the hefty price tag.

Judy Ann, with her chef’s insight, put it simply: “McDelivery isn’t just quick food; it’s smart eating. It’s about getting our favorite meals without the guilt, so the app is a staple on our phones.”

To make the most of every delivery, the Agoncillos advise families to order the special deals offered online.

“Movie night magic happens with the Chicken McNuggets Family Bundle, which has 20 McNuggets, BFF fries, and three Coke Floats. It’s a blockbuster deal without the blockbuster prices,” Ryan cited as an example.

In using the McDelivery app, the grounded parents say they are only too happy to show their kids that using apps isn’t just for snaps and laughs; it’s for learning the ropes of digital pesos and cents.

“Teaching our kids to budget through apps like these makes money management relatable and real,” Judy Ann enthused.

By making such examples public, the Agoncillos can only hope they put their celebrities to good use as they go about the same journey every family — famous or not — must navigate.