This is the last day of our #11DaysToMagandangAraw challenge. The entire experience started with using the Insular Life Finance Manager app and documenting our budgeting hacks to reach our goals. But this challenge has taught more than just using an app and listing our expenses:
1. Setting a SMART goal – by smart, I mean a time bound goal and one with figures! Tulad ng marami, nakakatakot maglagay ng deadline o presyo sa mga pangarap. But because of this challenge and with the help of the app – I was able to take brave steps to know more about my dream and be specific on how I can achieve this. The financial planning calculator is a wonderful gift to all Filipinos who dream of a bright future. It’s like what the late Ernie Baron would say, knowledge is power. With more knowledge about our dreams we have more power over it instead of the fear of failure to achieve it.
My total savings, mostly from not going to the supermarket by reviewing and using what we still have and bringing own food, water, and snacks when traveling.
2. Creating a budget – because I targeted to save P5,000 I had to re-think my budget especially items that can be tightened. For instance, being a blogger means attending events and expending money on transportation. I was able to discover new ways to save so I can cut my travel expense and be more thoughtful on how I spend my time and energy. I also listed down and “v-logged” quick year-end saving hacks for mommies like me.
3. Financial literacy and awareness – my dream is to start investing in an educational plan for my son, before this challenge I had very little knowledge of what an educational plan look like these days. But, because this challenge pushed me to learn more and visit the Insular Life website – I was able to see different options, realize the effects of inflation, and overall – the benefits of starting as soon as possible. Time really is gold!
A huge part of this challenge is documenting my experience on this blog and writing about financial literacy is something I really like to do – I learn more in the process and share the same to my readers: ordinary Filipino mothers like me who have extraordinary dreams for their children.
Minsan, inaantok na talaga ako but this challenge has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and do something extraordinary if you really want to achieve something. The Magandang Araw speakers were such an inspiration because they are living proof that passion and hardwork can make big dreams come true. Now I also dream of having a career in finance to help more Filipinos achieve financial literacy 5 years from now.
Magandang Araw, Magandang Bukas
Finally, the best gift that this challenge has given me is how me and my husband started to have more conversations about our budget. 7 out of 10 arguments of married couple are money related. Both of us don’t like fighting each other especially over money and so we never talk about it! But now, both of us are using the app and we have conversations on costs vs. returns of our daily activities, how we can save more with our lifestyle, and paying insurance premiums.
This is a big blessing and instead of us competing or being on our own separate spreadsheets, for our son’s future – we always set differences aside and this challenge helped in doing that. We are excited to make small steps everyday for our son’s wonderful future.
Magandang araw, magandang bukas!
