The Stoic Life Chaser: Live Intentionally, Run Freely

Turning 35 was a sobering moment. As I reflected on my life, I couldn't help but acknowledge some significant financial missteps. Like many others, I succumbed to the allure of instant gratification, peer pressure, and impulsive spending.   The Cost of Procrastination One of my biggest regrets is not prioritizing saving early on. I could have significantly accelerated my financial progress through the power of compound interest. By delaying my savings journey, I missed out on valuable opportunities to build an emergency fund, invest in the stock market, and secure my financial future. The High Price of Impulsive Decisions Another regret is my impulsive decision to purchase a house and a car. While these assets can be valuable, they also come with significant financial burdens. The monthly mortgage and car payments have drained my resources, hindering my ability to save and invest. I should have carefully weighed the pros and cons of these purchases and considered the long-t...

“I stopped liking my job but I keep working because it pays well, and that makes me feel sick but not sick enough to quit which makes me even more sick” – from the movie Good Grief (2023) After spending nearly 13 years in the BPO industry, I've held a variety of roles, from a regular agent to a managerial position. While I've achieved success and gained valuable experience in this field, I've begun to question if it truly aligns with my long-term goals and personal aspirations. Despite the security and comfort of my current position, I've been feeling a growing sense of dissatisfaction. The daily grind of meetings, KPIs, and client management has become routine, but it no longer ignites my passion. I yearn for a career that is more fulfilling and aligns with my true self. As I contemplate this career shift, I'm grappling with the fear of the unknown. Leaving a stable job and venturing into a new field is daunting, especially when it comes to providing for my f...

When I was younger, I naively believed that a stable job with a decent salary would be enough to fulfill my financial aspirations. I envisioned myself working 8-9 hours a day in an office, diligently saving up for retirement. However, as I got older, I realized that this traditional path wasn't going to cut it, especially if I wanted to achieve early financial freedom. I needed to find ways to grow my money passively, while I was sleeping. Thanks to the internet, I discovered a world of opportunities to invest and build wealth. In this blog post, I'll share a glimpse of my personal financial portfolio and explain why I chose these investments. Savings Savings has been the cornerstone of my financial journey. I've consistently set aside a portion of my income each month, and I've also been disciplined about saving a significant portion of any bonuses I receive. While I'm not primarily focused on the interest rates offered by savings accounts, they serve as a crucial ...

Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Feeling overwhelmed by your finances? You're not alone. Taking control of your money is essential for achieving financial freedom and peace of mind. Budgeting is a powerful tool that can help you make the most of your income. In this guide, I'll share my tried-and-true budgeting method that has transformed my financial life. While everyone's financial situation is unique, the principles outlined here can be adapted to fit your specific needs. Let's embark on this journey together towards financial well-being. Budgeting Steps Categorize Your Expenses: Start by listing all your expenses for the past three months. Divide them into categories like housing, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment. This will help you identify your spending habits and prioritize essential costs. Prioritize Savings: Dedicate a specific amount of your income to savings. Determine how much you can rea...

Introduction Turning 35, I found myself lost in a social media maze. A podcast about beating money worries sparked a lightbulb moment: I needed to share my story. Inspired by financial experts, philosophy gurus, and the freedom of running, I decided to start this blog. It's a place to talk about money, life lessons, and finding my pace. Overcoming Debt I was buried under almost 100K pesos in credit card debt. The weight of it felt crushing. Every payday was a battle, with most of my income swallowed by interest payments. The constant anxiety of falling deeper into debt was a heavy burden. It was a wake-up call. I realized I couldn't continue living paycheck to paycheck, trapped in a cycle of endless consumption. The decision to break free was difficult, but necessary. My first goal was simple: eliminate the debt. I created a strict budget, cut back on unnecessary expenses, and allocated as much as possible towards debt repayment. It was a grueling process, filled with temptat...