One thing the pandemic taught us when it comes to motherhood: it pays to be secured.
Nearly 20 months since the lockdown began, the pandemic continues to pose big challenges to mothers from different walks of life, especially with their role as their families’ financial gatekeepers who manage resources and make ends meet. While some were able to adapt to the new normal setup, others struggled day-to-day.
FILIPINO MOMS DURING THE PANDEMIC
It’s no secret how some mothers have been worrying about so many things amid this time of uncertainty.
“What about the future of my kids?”
“What about our daily needs?”
“What if an unexpected incident happens and we don’t have enough money?”
But while some have been dealing with maternal worries and the fear of what will happen to their children, some have empowering stories to tell as they begin a new chapter in the new normal.
Shero Santanina Abainza, the empowered entrepinay behind Chop House, admits that life has never been the same since the pandemic started. But she kept her faith, continuing the business they started a decade ago no matter what befell.
“THE COVID-19 Pandemic has changed so many things in our lives,” she shared. “Fear was present in every aspect: physical and mental health, livelihood; relationships were challenged, etc. On the other hand, technology made it possible for us to lessen its impact and improve on our current situation through online deliveries.” When asked what advice she would give to other Filipino moms going through the same struggles, she said, "Never give up. Remove the word 'quit' from your vocabulary."
Meanwhile, Shero Kristen Camille Martinez started a new chapter in the flower business she founded a year ago, Love, Camille.
"My small business was born because of this pandemic. I enjoy having an online business because I can still look after my kids, I manage my own time, and it serves as my stress reliever," the empowered mom of four noted.
Indeed, Pinays are really something, especially with the right financial education and empowerment. Just like what Shero-momfluencer Shari Poquiz said during the #InAko Livestream, “Give a Filipina a peso and she can put it to good use, but teach her how to make her money work for her and she can change her whole life.”
IT'S NOT YET TOO LATE TO BE PREPARED
Just like these empowered Sheroes, you can still be bigger than all your fears and financial woes.
“You can start setting aside funds to prepare for your child's future needs,” InLife financial advisor Julianne Benitez advises.
You can learn to properly use what you have. You can manage your expenses and finances right. You can have a secured future no matter how challenging the present is.
You can be a Shero, too.
The InLife Sheroes Movement champions financial empowerment and provide equal opportunities by enabling more Filipinas to pursue financial literacy in managing finances and making the right financial decisions for their households, especially now that we’re living in uncertain times. In the words of Shero mom, Dr. Gia Sison, “We should never underestimate the power of being prepared."
So whether you’re a single mom raising kids on your own, an OFW wife who manages the family while your husband works abroad, or a loving mother who wants to keep your family financially secured, you can get basic financial literacy and opportunities for growth that will make you financially confident enough worrying less about what the future holds. As the InLife Sheroes campaign song, Be a Shero goes, “No, it’s never too late.” (P.S. Check out the full song below and be inspired to be financially smart!)
While financial empowerment requires a lot of learning and hard work, starting today is what matters most. Shero and renowned actress Iza Calzado expressed this accurately, “While I still have a long way to becoming the empowered, financially independent woman that I want to be, I know that I’m already well on my way.”
If you’re all in to become a financially empowered Pinay, all you have to do is take the first step: say #InAko to financial empowerment. Sign up now and be part of the InLife Sheroes movement! You may also follow @InsularLifePH on Facebook and @insular_life on Instagram, and search and follow the hashtags #InAkoInLife and #InLifeSheroes for your weekly dose of empowering real money talk.
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