No matter where you are in your 20s, 30s, or even 40s, it’s never too late to start.
Adult money truly hits different, especially ‘pag doble o triple na yung sinasahod mo kesa sa edad mo. For us millennials and Gen Z, we mostly spend that money on things we love, lalo na yung mga bagay na ‘di natin afford when we were younger. “Heal your inner child and might as well have fun while you can,” they say.
Pero aminin mo rin, deep down you’re also wondering about marriage, buying a home, investing — yung mga bagay na inasikaso ng mga parents natin before they had us. At the same time, we’re also accepting that they lived in a completely different time compared to ours. Theirs was a time of securing stability; ours is all about doing what you love. While some are truly born lucky they get to have the best of both worlds.
Sadly, most of us have to work harder for it. Sa panahon ngayon, can we afford to be kids at heart while we save up for life’s biggest milestones?
Well, the short answer is: yes. But it doesn’t mean you need to have everything figured out. Here’s why:
Navigating life is not about the destination.
Think of your financial goals as a journey. While oo, ideally talaga the best time to start that journey was years ago — upon getting your first paycheck or first big allowance in your freshman year nung college — the earlier you start, the more you’ll benefit down the road. Pero ‘di naman lahat tayo ay nabigyan ng ganyang privilege, that’s why merong second-best time, which is entirely up to you.
It’s all about taking those first simple steps.
Usually when we think of big purchases, like a house or car, hinihintay muna natin maging stable tayo before acquiring them. Pwedeng mag-manifest yun in the form of reaching your savings goals; getting hired at a conglomerate with livable benefits and big bonuses; or earning extra from your business centered around your passions.
‘Pag narating na natin ang stage na ito, dun palang tayo nagte-take ng first step, be it building a budget or saving a huge chunk from our salary and profit. Ikaw na bahala when to make the first move, ang importante may plano.
Eh, ano bang plano mo?
When you’re in your 20s and 30s, it’s easy to feel like you’re in an unspoken competition with your peers. Suddenly, there’s a whole new pressure to be in a serious relationship, get married, own a house, get a promotion, start a business — to be something. So naturally, pinaplano mo yung magiging future mo around these expectations, even though deep down you’re just not ready for that kind of commitment yet nor do you have the means to support it.
That’s why it’s crucial to be honest with yourself and accept where you are in your life. While creating a financial plan for the rest of your life on earth is essential, it’s equally important to set realistic goals that reflect your own timeline and desires.
Prioritize your own journey.
Remember, everyone’s path is different. Just because your friend buys a house or gets a big promotion doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Focus on what makes you happy and what you can realistically achieve.
This could mean prioritizing moving out of your family home, paying off debt, saving for travel, or investing in personal development. Your financial goals should align with your values and where you see yourself in the future.
Start small and build momentum.
Begin with small, manageable steps. Open a savings account, start an emergency fund, or invest a small amount each month. While these actions seem minor, they build a strong foundation for your financial future. As you see your progress, you’ll gain confidence and be more activated to tackle more serious financial goals.
Last but not least, enjoy the present!
Yes, the future is a big deal at dapat lang talaga magkaroon ng direksyon ang mga buhay natin habang tumatanda tayo. But at the same time… just respect your own pace. And never forget that life is happening right now, so it’s okay to spend money on experiences that bring you joy and fulfillment. Tandaan mo, balance is key — save for the future while living a meaningful life today.
The bottom line…
Navigating life and finances in your adult years can feel overwhelming, especially with the pressure to keep up with your peers. Remember, journey mo ‘to and no one else’s.
Here’s how to take control:
Be honest with yourself. Accept where you are in life and set realistic goals with your values and timeline.
Start small. Begin with feasible steps like opening a savings account or starting an emergency fund. Small actions build a strong financial foundation.
Build momentum. As you see progress, you’ll gain confidence and be more motivated to tackle larger financial goals.
Enjoy the present. ‘Wag masyadong advance mag-isip. Save for the future while also spending on experiences that bring you joy. Your future self will thank you.
Wishing you good luck on your way to a happy, balanced, and full life. And all it takes is taking that first step today. Kaya mo ‘yan!
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