How the Pandemic Changed My View on Money

💡 How the Pandemic Changed My View on Money

🦠 From Hustle to Hard Lessons

Before the pandemic, I believed that the solution to every financial problem was simple:
Earn more. Hustle harder. Sell more.

But when lockdowns hit, and my side hustle slowed down, I realized that earning more isn’t enough—especially when your system is broken.

I had no emergency fund.
I was using business income to pay personal bills.
And when sales dropped, I turned to Buy Now, Pay Later just to survive.

💸 The Shift in Mindset

The pandemic didn’t just affect my income—it exposed my financial habits.
It made me ask hard questions:

  • What if I lose all my income again?
  • How long can I survive without sales?
  • Am I building something sustainable—or just surviving month to month?

That’s when I knew I had to change.

🧠 What I Learned

1. Money Management > Money Chasing

It’s not just about how much you earn—it’s about how well you manage it.

2. Emergency Funds Are a Must

I now believe in building two emergency funds:

  • One for personal use (bills, food, rent)
  • One for business use (inventory, tools, ads)

3. Debt Without a Plan Is a Trap

The ₱50,000 loan and BNPL helped short-term—but without a system, it became a burden.

4. Financial Resilience Is Built in the Quiet Seasons

It’s not built during the highs—it’s built when things slow down, and you choose to prepare instead of panic.📝 Final Thoughts

The pandemic changed how I see money.
It’s no longer just a tool for buying things—it’s a tool for freedom, stability, and peace of mind.

In my next post, I’ll share how I shifted to a frugal lifestyle—not out of desperation, but out of discipline.
From cutting expenses to tracking every peso, I’ll show how frugality became my foundation for rebuilding.

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