Abstract This qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach. The results of the study indicate that The management of daily workers' income in Makassar City reflects the adaptive efforts of working families in coping with fluctuating incomes and relatively high living costs in the city. Most of their income is allocated to basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education and health costs, although it is difficult to set aside savings due to limited income. Common strategies include simple record-keeping, prioritising spending, saving money by shopping at traditional markets, and diversifying income sources by involving other family members. Limited access to formal financial institutions means that many workers rely on social gatherings, cooperatives, or loans, with some even falling prey to loan sharks. Government social assistance programmes such as BPJS, PKH, and basic food subsidies help ease the burden, although low financial literacy and minimal income remain major obstacles. Thus, the welfare of daily labourer families depends not only on their ability to manage finances, but also on structural support through government policies, improved financial literacy, and diversification of economic opportunities in urban areas.