If you ask me what my job was before I embraced freelance writing, you'd be surprised it's all about numbers. The first five years of my career, I worked in a bank handling investments. The last five years were spent preparing budgets and analyzing the financial statements. I can say that I had a fulfilling career and I excelled in my field. I had financial stability. Unlike freelancing, I received my paycheck twice a month.
My dad did not approve when I told him I don't want an 8-5 job anymore. He was in the corporate for 30 years and my mom was a dedicated public school teacher for 20 years. I was only working for a decade and already calling it quits.
So, why did I leave?
I want to quit my job and do what I love at age 30.
It was actually easy even though most of the time I don't get compensated. My husband is financially capable of supporting me and I'm confident my parents will be there for me no matter what. I thought to myself, this is financial independence! I don't need to work but the bills get paid and I don't need a lifestyle change.
I spent too much. My savings got depleted. My parents passed away. I was broke and depressed. My financial situation was a big mess. I'm an accountant who let my finances control me.
My journey began with acceptance. It was the moment I admitted that I was just making myself believe I was financially independent but the truth is I was financially dependent from my husband and parents.
My husband is way better than me when it comes to budgeting. It's a shame that I was so strict with the company budget but unmindful with my own money. I relearned how to manage my money. Budgeting is very important no matter how much money you have. Setting a weekly and a monthly budget helped me track where my money is spent.
Knowing where my money is spent, I started becoming debt-free. I made sure I don't make unnecessary purchases using my credit card. I don't buy things I don't need even if it's on sale. I don't travel just because everybody does or there's a promo. I don't fall for the 0% interest. If you find it difficult to control yourself from swiping that card, leave it at home.
I used to say, I blog for passion. I don't care whether I get paid or not. This kind of thinking is wrong. I should care because I incur expenses. How am I supposed to achieve financial independence if I don't have an income?
I still write for passion. But I am now smarter in choosing the events I attend. I also grab writing opportunities that pay me without the need to leave home. I work hard in making my blog generate income.
This is my latest vision board. Now that I am earning, I have vowed to invest sensibly. I want to be prepared for life's unexpected expenses. My family spent more than a million when my mom got cancer and underwent chemotherapy. My dad's hospital bill was P700,000 when he was confined for almost a month. The most recent was my sister's emergency CS that cost us P326,000. Am I ready for that should something happen to me?
Should I really get an insurance or should I invest again in the bank?
I have already checked the different products and services offered by Sun Life Financial and even computed if I could afford using the the life insurance calculator.
At first, I was just looking for an insurance product since I currently have two 5-year fixed rate investments in the bank. But when I saw the Sun MaxiLink Bright, it was a eureka moment. It is an investment-linked life insurance plan that offers a combined benefit of insurance protection and investment.
I got in touch with Neri, my co-blogger and a Sun Life financial advisor, to give me more information about Sun Maxilink Bright. She was able to explain everything I want to know. In a few days, I will be receiving "the gift" for my 42nd birthday. I get to enjoy life more and worry less because I know I am financially prepared for whatever life will throw at me.
Do you want to be financially independent? Learn from my experience. Set a goal. Plan. Act. Achieve. While it's better to start young, what is more important is for you to start NOW.