4th blog

From Spare Change to Life Change: Saving and Investing Wisely

 

I was just 15 years old, standing in line at a bank in Greenhills, San Juan City, clutching a crumpled Php15—the first money I had ever saved. It felt insignificant, almost laughable, but to me, it was a spark of something bigger: the beginning of a habit that would shape my life. I never had much, but I understood the power of saving.

 

Looking back, I owe this lesson to my mother. As a child, I used to see her as a relentless penny-pincher, questioning every purchase and holding on to every peso like it was gold. I didn’t understand then—how could I? But now I see it clearly. She wasn’t hoarding; she was building. She was quietly, selflessly sacrificing so that she could leave behind enough for her children—a legacy of love and security. And for that, I will forever be grateful.

 

Let me fast-track to my college days. I spent a year at the College of the Holy Spirit, living in a dormitory while our house in Wilson, Greenhills was under construction. It was an adjustment, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise—I saved quite a bit since I had no transportation costs. With fewer distractions and less temptation to go out and splurge with friends, I focused on my studies and managed to make it to the dean's list. Every peso I saved from my allowance felt like a small victory, proof that discipline and determination paid off. Not long after, I transferred to the University of the Philippines, ready to face new challenges armed with my savings habits and a growing sense of independence.

 

My days at the University of the Philippines were anything but easy, yet they shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. Each morning, I boarded a bus to campus, knowing I would end my day on the same route home, tired but determined. Within the sprawling campus, moving between department buildings meant hopping onto the jeepneys.  It was challenging, but back then, public transportation felt safe. I guess it’s a different story nowadays.

 

Lunch was a frugal affair—half the time I ate in the bustling cafeteria, surrounded by the chatter of fellow students. The other half, I carried my own lunch box, a small but significant gesture toward saving every peso I could. Those moments of simplicity weren’t just about cutting costs; they were a quiet act of resilience, a way to carve out opportunities from the little I had. Looking back, those days taught me that sacrifices fuel ambition and that even small efforts can lead to something greater.

 

After graduating from college, I found myself navigating the world of teaching, working in various foreign English schools. Each role brought new challenges and experiences, and for about a year or two, I also served as an associate teacher and instructor at the University of Asia & the Pacific. The pay for most of these jobs was modest—far from lucrative—but somehow, I managed to save. Every peso set aside felt like a small triumph, a testament to the values of discipline and foresight. It wasn’t easy, but even in those humble beginnings, I learned the importance of preparing for life’s unexpected rainy days.

 

 

After a string of teaching stints at foreign language schools and UA&P, I took a leap into our family printing business—a decision fueled by both pride and practicality. There’s something deeply fulfilling about working with your own family, where every effort feels personal and every success shared. My salary wasn’t much, but I vividly remember the thrill of earning commissions whenever I brought in clients, and the joy of designing company logos that added a little extra to my income. It was exciting, even exhilarating at times, as I poured my creativity and dedication into every task.

 

But life isn’t always kind to small dreams. Despite our hard work, the business struggled against the relentless tide of Chinese competitors in the same industry. Eventually, the walls that my parents and siblings had built crumbled, and the dream we had nurtured faded away. It was a heartbreaking chapter, one that taught me the harsh realities of the market. Picking up the pieces, I found myself working as an administrative paralegal in my father’s law office. The allowance I earned was modest but fulfilling.

 

Now, as a single woman at this stage in my life, I’ve come to rely on passive income streams to sustain me. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of diversifying my savings approach—spreading my resources across different methods to ensure stability and growth. One guiding principle that has stood the test of time for me is the 50/30/20 rule. It’s a simple yet powerful formula that helps me strike a balance between living comfortably, enjoying life, and preparing for the future. This strategy has become my anchor, giving me a sense of security while navigating the ever-changing tides of financial independence.

 

There’s a well-known saying, almost a cliché by now: 'Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.' As an English teacher, I’ve always been intrigued by the beauty of language and its many expressions, so I sought out alternative ways to convey the same wisdom. Here are a few that stood out to me: 'Spread your risk to avoid a fall,' 'Diversify to fortify,' 'Don’t bet the farm on one crop,' 'Have a Plan B (and C),' 'Keep your options open,' and 'Never hitch your hopes to a single horse.' Each one has its own charm and nuance.  I find these expressions not only fascinating but also incredibly practical. To this day, I keep them tucked away in the back of my mind, applying their lessons whenever life calls for careful decision-making. After all, a little diversification—whether in language or in life—goes a long way.

 

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