My mother and I moved to Canada from the Philippines when I was 9 years old. Coming from a single parent immigrant family, I learned from a very young age that we didn’t have much. I learned to not ask for things unless absolutely necessary. I knew that I if I asked for anything my mother would try very hard to make it happen. This meant that she would need to give something up or go into her small savings or into debt to give me what I want. From my early experiences with money I learned that Money is for survival.

Ever since I was 16, at my first job – bagging groceries, I was careful with my money and I paid attention. With a money script of “Money is for survival” I had no choice but to pay attention! Which was a great opportunity because the more I paid attention, the more I learned.

I completed my first degree and my second degree while holding various jobs to pay for my education. Even though I lived at home and I dedicated large portions of my income towards my education, at the end of that journey I was $30,000 in debt. While making an entry level position income, I paid off this debt in 2 years.

Then I came across a position where I can fully embrace my fascination with personal finance. I had countless opportunities to grow and learn. I talked about financial literacy as a full time job! It was amazing! As I delve deeper I came to understand that I can actually change my relationship with money. I developed a new money script “Money is a tool that can help me live my best life!” With a vision, commitment, process, and hard work my family is on our way to FIRE – financial independence retire early.