How I Escaped From Being Broke to Become an Investor

"I was so broke that countless times I skipped meals and didn't   pay jeepney fares"

My story is not my bragging right to share to others but perhaps it will  inspire those who experienced and still experiencing lack in life.

Few years ago, I can still remember those times that I was enduring a tough life. I was caught off guard! I had a job, I didn't have vices, but I was financially broke. I was so broke that I had to skipped meals and never paid jeepney fares,countless times... I could not imagine the feeling of going to my destination empty-handed. All I  I could do was just make a poker face.  I was always praying that the driver would be too complacent so I can sneak out...If I was caught, my life would be in jeopardy. Many times I had to walk long distance to reach places and had to live with 10 people in one small room...I dreaded those days! Looking back, I promise myself not to go back to that life, AGAIN!That was like a bad dream.


Finally, I found a way out and I was able to escape! Being broke does not just happen overnight! It is a process and for us to escape it is to change our lifestyle and fill in the loopholes. Are you broke? You better read this!

Money Mistake #1: I did not Save Earlier.

Saving is my daily habit but few years ago that was a little alien to me. I hate budgeting before and saving was just an elusive dream. Only moms do that, I am single who cares. But when unexpected expenses and emergency happened, I came to my senses. I suddenly realized the importance of Emergency Fund.  I finally believe what Zig Ziglar said," Money is not everything but it is relatively close to Oxygen". We appreciate something when we needed it the most.

Action Taken:

I went back to basic and practiced saving starting from baby-steps with one thing in mind, " Do not save what is left after spending but spend what is left after saving". I made it my mantra and I made saving as my top priority. I always set aside an amount when I earned something, usually 30%. Being "Kuripot" is not a bad thing as long as you will not deprive yourself with things that are important. 

Income - Savings = Expenses... and this is the right formula

Money Mistake #2: Unnecessary Spending.

I did not take seriously that little but misguided spending could affect my finances.  I wasn't even bothered to think if what I was going to spend is a "need" or only my "want"... A little ticket in the cinema, a little amount for an expensive coffee, and few beers can come up to a big amount. I was a movie person and part of treating myself is to always go to the cinema. I love the sounds, the screen, the place! When I was in the mall, the door of the cinema is always calling me, "Hey Arn, get inside"! Little did I know that it was already part of my destructive spending. Earning money takes 15 days but to spend it  will only take few minutes.

Action Taken: 

I identified "NEEDS' VS. "WANTS' then I categorized them. 'Needs" most of the times are all followed urgently and "Wants" are all validated and given a timeline. When I got into investing, my saving habit orchestrated with it. I have something to look forward to. So the more I saved, the more I have the opportunity to invest. That excites me! I suggest you start investing the time that you start saving because the two goes hand in hand!

Money Mistake #3: I was a One Day-Millionaire.

I had an attitude of a one day millionaire, my mentality before was to treat myself first. For me treating myself means gadgets and gadgets! I sold our property years ago and I bought it some gadgets and computer. After a year, I sold it with a very low price because I had to pay my other debts. It did not happen just once. It became a bad habit. 

Action Taken:

I just realized that treating yourself first and Paying yourself first are two different things. Treating yourself means, buying valuable things to make you happy and look good, or going to a vacation. Paying yourself first,on the other hand,is, setting aside a small amount, to save for the future.

Money Mistake #4: I couldn't refuse Borrowers

That was my struggle, I did not know how to refuse especially if that is my relative or a friend even though many times I knew for a fact that the money is intended for a week-budget. I just realized now that it was already a form of pride! Pride because I wanted others to know that I have more than enough. 

Action Taken:

I decided to refuse borrowers especially if I am on a tight budget and at the same time I also made a commitment not to borrow if not necessary. Now, I am setting aside some an extra amount for things like this for somebody who will borrow. It is nice to help someone without thinking of when she will return it because those are only extra money. 

Money Mistake#5: Poverty-Mindset.

I grew up in a working-class family. I grew up in a poor neighborhood. I was having hard time managing money. I did not think much of saving and investing. So when I earned something, I spend it to the last centavos. I wasn't brought up in a financially-oriented family so I had already a negative impression on money. All I know is that money is earned today and I will spend it tomorrow.

Action Taken:


I sought mentors and engaged myself with fellow investors. I found out through personal finance seminars that poverty starts from the mindset, so me being broke was just a limitation I put to myself. So things had change since then. My entire persona was transformed. I always believe that being in a very supportive support group helped me changed my perception from the inside out. I engaged myself both Financial and Spiritual initiatives nowadays. My Victory Christian Fellowship ( VCF ) family are always there to guide me and opened doors for me to have a harmonious growth in all aspect.



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