Articles

Once You Learn These Life Lessons, You Will Never Be the Same

Time is Finite: Cherish every moment; it’s the one resource you can never replenish.

Happiness Comes from Within: External validation is fleeting; true contentment is a personal journey.

Failure is Growth: Each setback carries the seeds of resilience and self-discovery.

Embrace Change: Life’s only constant is change; adaptability is your greatest ally.

Gratitude is Power: Recognizing blessings shifts your perspective and fosters abundance.

Self-Worth Matters: Value yourself first—what you accept is what others will mirror.

Authenticity is Freedom: Pretending to fit in traps you; living your truth liberates you.

Let Go of Control: Not everything is meant to be controlled; surrender brings peace.

Relationships Define Quality of Life: Invest in meaningful connections—they shape your happiness.

You Are Your Habits: Small, consistent actions compound into life-altering results.

These lessons reshape your mindset, aligning you with a more fulfilling, authentic existence.

My 5 Steps to Financial Peace

By Randell Tiongson on April 21st, 2025

In 2013, I released my No Nonsense Personal Finance : A Step by Step Guide book with one clear goal: to help Filipinos become more financially responsible and free. Through years of mentoring, speaking, writing,teaching, and learning, I’ve realized that while financial strategies may evolve with time, the fundamentals remain constant. So today, I want to revisit the 5 Steps to Financial Freedom I’ve shared countless times, especially for those who are either starting their journey or finding themselves stuck somewhere along the path.

Let’s walk through the five steps again—with clarity, conviction, and a heart for lasting change. And as a bonus, I’ll share a sixth step that has made all the difference in my own journey.

Step 1: Increase Cash Flow

The first and most important step is to create positive cash flow. It’s impossible to build wealth if you’re consistently spending more than you earn.

This step requires two things: discipline and diligence. You must learn to track your income and expenses—yes, even the small ones like that daily milk tea or your streaming subscriptions. Once you see where your money goes, you gain the power to control it.

But increasing cash flow isn’t just about cutting back; it’s also about increasing income. Can you take on side gigs? Freelance work? Sell items you no longer use? Perhaps you can improve your skillset and position yourself for a raise or a better-paying job.

I always say, “If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.” Increase cash flow not just for survival, but so you can take the next crucial steps.

Step 2: Get Out of Debt

Debt is a thief. It steals your peace, your future, and even your relationships if left unchecked. And sadly, many Filipinos have normalized consumer debt as a way of life.

But here’s the good news: you can get out of debt. I’ve seen people dig themselves out of hundreds of thousands of pesos in loans simply by being focused and intentional.

Start by listing all your debts—credit cards, personal loans, salary loans, etc. Then, use a strategy like the debt snowball method, where you pay off the smallest debt first while making minimum payments on the rest. Once a debt is cleared, you roll over that payment amount to the next one. The psychological victories here matter more than you think.

Debt may have become your normal, but it should never be your future. My hope is that being debt-free is the new status symbol for every Filipino.

Step 3: Build an Emergency Fund

Once you’ve started freeing yourself from debt, it’s time to protect your progress with an emergency fund. Think of it as your financial shock absorber.

An emergency fund ensures that unexpected events—medical emergencies, job loss, car repairs—won’t derail your entire financial plan. Ideally, you want to save at least 3 to 6 months’ worth of your basic expenses, depending on your life situation.

And no, your emergency fund shouldn’t be in stocks or mutual funds. It should be liquid, accessible, and separate from your day-to-day account. High-interest savings accounts or money market funds are good options.

This isn’t just about being smart—it’s about being prepared. Life is unpredictable, and this fund gives you peace of mind and financial stability.

Step 4: Protect from Life’s Risks (Insurance)

One thing I often remind people of: the goal of insurance is not to make you rich; it’s to prevent you from becoming poor.

Many of us hesitate when it comes to insurance—especially life and health coverage. But what happens to your finances (and your family) if the unexpected happens and you’re uninsured? A single hospital bill can wipe out years of savings. Worse, if you’re the breadwinner, your untimely passing can leave your loved ones in a financial abyss.

You don’t need to over-insure yourself. But you must be adequately protected. Start with term life insurance if you have dependents. Make sure you have health insurance (PhilHealth + HMO + critical illness if possible).

Insurance is not an expense—it’s a hedge against financial ruin.

Step 5: Invest for the Future

After you’ve stabilized your present, it’s time to plan for the future—and this is where investing comes in.

Don’t get caught up in hype or what’s trending. Instead, start with the basics: know your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Are you investing for retirement? For your child’s education? For long-term wealth?

And remember—investing is not gambling. It’s a long-term commitment to your future self.

Bonus Step 6: Start Tithing

Now, let me share something deeply personal and spiritual—something that has had a profound impact on my financial journey: tithing.

I firmly believe that everything we have is ultimately from God. Tithing isn’t about giving back a portion—it’s about honoring the Giver. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” (ESV)

When we tithe, we realign our hearts. We break the grip of greed and acknowledge that God is our true provider. I’ve seen it in my life and in the lives of countless others: when you put God first, He faithfully provides—not always in ways we expect, but always in ways we need.

Tithing isn’t just an act of faith—it’s also a powerful habit that shapes our character, our financial decisions, and our purpose. If you want real financial freedom, it must include surrender—because money is a heart issue, not just a math problem.

A Brotherly Reminder

Financial freedom isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset, discipline, and for me, faith. It’s about understanding that your financial life is a journey, not a quick fix.

My 5 (now 6!) Steps to Financial Freedom may sound simple, but they require consistent action and heart-level change. Whether you’re just starting or rebooting your journey, I want to encourage you: It’s never too late to start making wise financial decisions.

I’m still walking this journey too, and I’m glad we can do it together—one no-nonsense, God-honoring step at a time.

If you put an appropriate title for the picture, you are a very wise philosopher.

According to the opinion of me in the picture: “And when it is said to them, “Follow what God has revealed,” they say, “Rather, we follow what we found our fathers upon.” (Luqman: 21).

(He's a virgin)

Episode 15

Bianca

Stop right there Bianca..you can't go in,its a mess in there...and,I don't think you have the right to enter my toilet without my permission,now I think you should get dressed in your room,so we can head to Dean's place,I'll call franka,let's make it more faster" Vance said and she was right...I turned and went to my room,eased myself and dressed up properly,then met Vance at the living room..

let's go Vance,you know were he is right?" I asked and she nodded

You're not gonna like this...Dean is working at a supermarket" she said and I felt angry,

What? Well,let's just go,"I said and we headed out

Dean

As I speak right now,I'm in a vehicle,with this strange woman,heading to my so called parents...I think I've seen her somewhere before...

Excuse me madam,you look familiar,do I know you anywhere?"I asked

You don't recognize me boy,do you?" She asked and I got more curious

I really don't,though you're in my head" I said and she chuckled

You know the best way to flatter me.. I use to be a worker at the orphanage before I got married,you grew up in my hands" she said and I remembered her...

Miss Ricky,I remember you now,we all cried when you were leaving! My gosh,hampy is gonna be so happy..." I said feeling excited and safe...

No wonder I followed her just like that,my soul felt free with her...

yep! I'll like to meet them,both hampy and mufus,but first meet your real parents.." She said and stopped at a big mansion

is that necessary?" I asked sincerely

Dean,your mum might not survive if she doesn't see you..you were kidnapped from birth by her ex boyfriend harry,he died of cancer years back and decided to tell your mum that he dropped you at St. BRI light orphanage...she rushed there,and you and your friends already escaped the orphanage...it was horrible,they adopted a son before your location was revealed,they just had to train and love him. They never stopped stopping by at the orphanage to ask of you,I'm gonna get a huge reward for bringing you here" Miss Ricky said and I was lost in thought...

So my parents were actually rich...

And independence made me loose my opportunity to meet my parents..

If I didn't leave that orphanage,maybe by now I would have been a different guy,

A full grown successful man,so clearly its not my parents fault,but Mine.

I did well though! I'm still a successful man,I'm living an average life,peaceful,even without my parents...

So we both win..

I can't wait to see them...

We got into the big compound,two fountains of water,one at the right,other at the left,,nice floor,and green cut short trees directing to the main door,

Mrs Ricky opened the door and I entered,

Looked like everyone was ready..the whole servants bowed to me and two kinda aged couples stood from a bit a far looking remorseful and the woman in tears...

I think those are my parents,I look like my mum,and have my dad's structure,

Even if a prophet didn't tell me,I felt a connection towards them and me.

welcome Dean! Welcome" my mum said and hugged me as her tears poured on my cloth...

My son...you're welcome,don't mind your mum,she just can't control herself,so emotional" my dad joked.

Well I guess I took my dad's sense of humor

Its OK mum,I'm here now,no need to cry..I don't get it,is this tears of joy or..enough already" I said but that didn't stop her

I'm sorry" she said

No need,I already know the whole story,chill..." I said and she smilled

That's more like it," I said and she smiled the more

Okay,let's have a chat,have a sit. Mrs Ricky,we'll compasate you greatly!" Dad said as I sat down with mum who won't leave my side..

Thank you so much Ricky,I owe you one"mum said and Ricky smiled

Sure,you owe me way more than one Rose" Ricky said and that's when I knew my mum's name was Rose

Funny you!" Mum said..

Bye everyone" Ricky said

Thanks Aunty,a lot," I said as she left..

What would you like to eat?" Mum asked,

Rose!" Dad called

What is it Charles?" Mum replied like she was disturbed

So my dad's name is Charles

easy,let my son breath" dad said

No way,he must be hungry,its getting late,I'm sure he might spend the night" mum said and Dad kept short

Well I haven't tasted scrambled eggs before,I think I'd like that,with sppagethi,and sure I'm spending the night,here,I'll just have to let my wife know" I said and my mum smiled in shock

YOU'RE MARRIED?"They both said and I laughed

Long story begins

This is gonna be a long night..this is just 6:58pm..it'll soon be dark

Bianca

We've been waiting for Dean here for a while,no one saw him,not even hampy or mufus,all they said was he just disappeared,and franka went on a date..

Gosh!for a while I thought they went out on a date!

But,after our misunderstanding earlier,I knew it couldn't happen...

Just then my phone rang..it was my head servant..I picked it

Malay" I called her name

Mam,your Dad is back,he's searching for you.he's at home right now" she said and I froze and hung up and looked at Vance who finally look away from her phone

What happened?" She asked

My father is back,let's go,I'll call Dean later,maybe his phone might be reachable by then." I said and we rushed to my car..

If there's someone I should be scared of...it should be my Dad!

Dean

what is he doing here?" I heared from behind as I was speaking and laughing with my parents,I turned to see....

Gabby?!" I called

Gabby,this is my son Dean" Dad said and we both froze...

Just then a loud bang at the gate interrupted us..

We ran to the gate and saw the person making a scene...

Tbc..

Please appreciate my work by following my page Kira Savage