Top Financial Wins and Lessons You Need to Hear
Have you ever experienced being broke yet earning or even before your income came, it was already gone. I feel you. Let’s be real—managing money is a mix of highs and lows. I’ve had my moments of celebration and, of course, some lessons learned the hard way. That’s why I’m excited to share my top financial wins and lessons that made me more responsible in handling my finances.
I believe you can do too. Whether you’re figuring things out like I once did or looking for inspiration, these stories are here to show you that every win, no matter how small, brings growth. You know those moments when you actually did something right with money and those don’t come easy. But when those wins with lessons come, they’re worth celebrating. Besides, we all make money mistakes. What matters is what we do after.
Let’s dive into this together!
Biggest Wins: What Worked for Me (and Could for You Too!)
Of course, you and I want to hear first the wins because it's normal to choose celebrations rather than dwelling on lessons, right? Don't get me wrong as lessons are important in financial success. Let me share with you the top 3 actions that worked for me to overcome the financial struggles and I believe could help you too.
Win #1: Finally Sticking to a Budget Plan
How many times have you made a budget, only to abandon it halfway through the month? I’ve been there. Starting is easy, but staying consistent? That’s the real challenge. So, when I finally stuck to my budget plan, it felt like unlocking a new level in the game of adulting! I stopped treating my budget like a punishment and started seeing it as a plan for my future. Instead of micromanaging every cent, I focused on the big picture. What do I want out of my money? A guilt-free vacation? A stress-free bill payment day? A growing emergency fund? Well, all of them!
Here’s what helped me stick to a budget plan.
Baby Steps Are Still Steps – I didn’t overhaul my entire spending overnight. I started small like cutting back on takeout one week, tracking my spending the next. Over time, those small wins added up to big progress.
The Power of Fun Funds – I gave myself permission to spend on things I love. Seriously, a “fun fund” changed the game for me. Knowing I could guiltlessly buy that book or indulge in my weekend café run kept me motivated to stick to the rest of my plan.
Celebrate the Wins – Whether it was saving ₱1,000 or managing to stay on track for a whole month, I celebrated. A quick pat on the back or even a small splurge from my fun fund reminded me that progress deserves recognition.
And the best part? Sticking to a budget wasn’t just about money; it was about building discipline, confidence, and a sense of control. I’m not perfect, and there are months when I slip, but the important thing is that I always get back on track.
So, if you’re struggling to stick to your budget, let me remind you: You’ve got this! Start small and make it yours because every step counts.
Win #2: Investing in Myself (Literally)
You know that saying, “You’re your best investment”? I didn’t just stop at self-care Sundays or reading productivity books. I put my hard-earned money into my growth. I realized that the best returns don’t just come from external investments but from what you pour into your personal growth. I decided it was time to level up in ways that would challenge, inspire, and empower me. That meant taking a good, hard look at my priorities and saying: Okay, where do I need to grow? What’s going to add real value to my life—not just financially but emotionally, mentally, and skillfully?
With that being said, to be part of a circle where there's a common interest is my investment. What I truly love about this group is the inspiring and uplifting stories that hold long-term goals in alignment with a beautiful mission. And what I'm talking about is a writing group. As a writer, joining a community where you feel belong and being supported is the greatest investment I will forever grateful to my old self.
Moreover, I've mentioned earlier self-care which is part of investing self, I finally got serious about creating boundaries and saying no to things that drained me. Besides, investing in yourself doesn’t always have immediate or tangible returns, but it builds a foundation. It sets you up for future wins and shows you that you are worth the effort, the money, and the time. Also, it doesn’t have to be huge, even small steps can lead to big transformations. Whatever you're going to do in investing yourself, commit to it. You’re worth every penny and every second of effort.
Win #3: Starting a Side Hustle
Ah, the magic of a side hustle! It's not just about padding your wallet (though we all love extra cash); it’s about exploring your passions, testing out new skills, and maybe even discovering a whole new side of yourself. Think about it. Do you have a hobby or skill that people are already noticing? Do you want to sell handmade crafts, offer freelance services, or even start a blog about something you love - this could be your moment to explore it.
A side hustle can be as small or as big as you want it to be. It's all about starting where you are with what you have. And the beauty of a side hustle - flexibility. If you can spare an hour or two on weekends or evenings, you’re already halfway there. The key is to pick something that lights you up! It should feel less like work and more like an extension of what you enjoy doing. The cool thing about side hustle, it doesn’t just give you financial wins but teaches you valuable lessons about managing time, marketing yourself, and even dealing with customers. Plus, there’s an empowering vibe about earning from your talents and creativity.
Want to hear a story? I've quickly mentioned earlier being a writer and member of a certain writing group. Years ago, I started to monetize my passion for writing. Evidently, it became a side hustle that earns money. Of course, income from a side hustle isn't that big. And learning is a continuous process along with the community I'm part of. Nevertheless, starting another source of income is eye-opening to me which I consider a financial win. Plus, having it from the passion I already had since childhood - indeed, fulfilling and rewarding.
Pro tip: Don’t stress about perfection when starting out. Side hustles thrive on trial and error. Sometimes, the smallest beginnings can lead to the biggest wins!
“Oops” Moments: Lessons from the Not-So-Pretty Side
Now, here's the challenging yet exciting part of one's financial journey - the mistakes made. Well, the good thing about mistakes, there are always lessons you can get. You just have to accept and embrace those mistakes for you to learn. So, let's discuss these top mistakes I made which you can avoid if you never experienced, yet. But, if you already experienced it, let's learn together.
Mistake #1: That Time I Spent Too Much
Oh, let me take you back to a time when my financial life was... let’s say, "adventurous." Picture this! Payday had just hit and I was feeling rich. You know that feeling, right? Like your wallet could take on the world. I decided to treat myself—buying this and that without realizing those things don't meet my needs.
It started innocently enough with tempting sale items. Well, I'm justifying myself: sale naman... minsan lang 'to... deserve ko ito... and so much more. Okay, don't get me wrong on rewarding yourself since it's part of motivating one's self to work. However, if spending or buying things beyond what you should, then it should be thought wisely. Like what I'm saying on sale items, within an hour I was juggling shopping bags filled with things I convinced myself were essential but the reality they're not. By the end of the shopping, I felt victorious... until I checked my account or cash balance.
Looking back, I wasn’t treating myself, instead, I was chasing short-term happiness that didn’t even last. That experience taught me the golden rule: a sale isn’t a bargain if you didn’t need it in the first place. Now, before I spend, I pause. Do I love it? Will I use it? Can I afford it without sacrificing my priorities? If the answer isn’t a confident yes to all three, I walk away. (Okay, sometimes I sulk a little, but at least my budget stays intact!)
Mistake #2: Playing It Too Safe
We’ve all heard the saying, “Better safe than sorry,” but when it comes to finances, being too safe can sometimes backfire. Sure, playing it safe feels comfortable—you’ve got your savings tucked away in a low-interest account, no risky investments, and you avoid any move that feels even remotely uncertain. But here’s the thing: comfort zones don’t grow wealth.
Imagine this: you’ve been diligently saving for years, but inflation’s sneaky little hands are quietly nibbling away at your money’s value. That rock-solid savings account you’ve been proud of? It’s shrinking in terms of purchasing power. Yikes!
The truth is, a financial growth often requires a bit of calculated risk. Start to engage in investing. It doesn't need to be huge since you need also to consider investing what you can afford to loss. It’s okay to start small—dip your toes into investing, or explore ways to diversify your income. Or even a side hustle can yield much higher returns than your savings account ever could. It’s not about throwing caution to the wind—it’s about finding a balance between security and growth.
So, step out of that financial comfort zone. Yes, it’s scary at first, but so is riding a bike for the first time. And look where that got you—wind in your hair, going places. Your future self will thank you for being brave enough to grow.
Mistake #3: Letting Emotions Take Over
Ever bought something just because it felt right at the moment? Or maybe you held onto a bad investment thinking, It’ll turn around—just wait! If yes, welcome to the club. Letting emotions steer your financial decisions is a mistake most of us have made at some point.
The thing is, money decisions are better off being logical, not emotional. But it’s easier said than done, right? After all, we’re human! Maybe you felt FOMO (fear of missing out) when everyone was raving about the latest investment trend. Or perhaps guilt crept in when you decided to save for yourself instead of lending money to a friend.
Here’s a tip: pause and take a breather before making any big financial decision. Ask yourself. Is this choice rooted in facts or feelings? Sometimes, all it takes is stepping back to think through your goals and what truly makes sense for you.
Remember, your emotions are valid, but they shouldn’t dictate how you handle your finances. Treat your money with care—it deserves a clear head and steady hands.
What I’ve Learned About Money (and Life, Honestly)
If I’m being honest, my journey with money has been a mix of aha moments and facepalm-worthy mistakes. From overspending on things I didn’t need to discovering the sweet satisfaction of hitting a savings goal, each step has taught me lessons that go far beyond dollars and cents. And the more I figure things out, the more I realize that money is deeply tied to life itself.
Take budgeting, for instance. It’s not just about tracking expenses—it’s about figuring out what matters most to you. When I started focusing on where my money was going, I saw where my energy was going too. Was I spending more on things that brought me joy or on impulse buys that left me feeling empty? Spoiler: It was mostly the latter at first, but that’s changed.
Another lesson? Small habits make a big difference. I used to think financial success came from some huge, dramatic change, but it turns out it’s in everyday decisions. Skipping unnecessary splurges, automating savings, saying yes to side gigs that align with my goals—those little steps add up faster than you’d think.
But life isn’t just about work and saving. I’ve also learned to give myself grace when things don’t go as planned. There have been unexpected expenses that derailed my budget and moments when I felt like I wasn’t doing “enough.” The key? Not letting those setbacks define you. Life, like money, is about progress, not perfection.
And here's the big one: money isn’t the end goal—it’s the tool. It’s the means for a life you want to build, the dreams you want to chase, and the experiences you want to savor. I'm not being religious here, but only injecting simple biblical principles when it comes to money. Money is a blessing from God, but the love of money is sinful and the root of all evil. Handling your finances needs stewardship that considers money as ultimately God's property, not yours. And when you look at it that way, managing money doesn’t feel like a chore anymore. It feels like empowerment that God entrusted something for you to use wisely.
So, what I remind myself every day (you could too). Life and money are both about finding balance, embracing the journey, and knowing it’s okay to stumble. Every choice, every step, is part of the process—and that’s where the beauty lies.
Conclusion: Financial Wins and Lessons
Let’s face it—money is one of those things we’re always figuring out. There’s no perfect path, no magic formula, but every step you take matters. Looking back on my journey, I’ve learned that the small wins often hold the biggest lessons. Saving a little extra, paying off a small debt, or even sticking to a budget for the first time—these moments add up in ways you don’t always notice right away.
The thing is, your financial journey is uniquely yours. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and it’s okay to take your time. Celebrate those small victories, learn from the bumps along the way, and keep your eyes on the bigger picture. Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s okay too.
At the end of the day, financial wins and lessons go hand in hand, shaping how we approach money and life in general. So keep going, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to give yourself credit for how far you’ve already come. You’re on the right track and take the next step with confidence. You’ve got this!
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