Arnel Pepito Broke

How Did I Escape From Being Broke to Becoming an Investor

19 Comments / Inspiring Stories, Posted by Arnel / By

My story is not a bragging right to share 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 don’t drink, I don’t go to party but I was financially broke. I was so broke that I had to skip meals and never paid jeepney (a Philippine-based public vehicle) fares countless times… 1,2,3, GO! (commuters knew that well)
 

 

I could not imagine the feeling of going to my destinations empty-handed. All I could do was to make another “poker-face” and I would often pray that the driver would give me a chance to sneak-out…If I was caught that time, my life would surely 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 dread those days! Looking back, I promise myself not to go back to that life, AGAIN!That was like a bad dream…

 


Finally, I’ve found a way-out and I was able to escape! I learned that being broke does not just happen overnight! It is a process and for us to escape it, is to really change our lifestyle and fill in the loopholes. It’s even so ironic that people who are broke today, don’t have any idea how they got there. 

 


 

Money Mistake #1: I did not save earlier.

 

 

 
 
Saving is now my daily habit but few years ago that was just an alien to me. I hate budgeting before and saving was just an elusive dream. Only moms do that, I am single who would not care to think of it. That was my mindset back then but when unexpected expenses and emergency happened, it came to my senses. I suddenly realized the importance of Emergency Fund.  I finally believed 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 basics and practiced saving starting from baby-steps. I only have 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 made saving as my top priority. I always set aside an amount when I earned something, usually 30%-40%. Being “Kuripot” is not a bad thing as long as you will not deprive yourself with things that are very 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 sum-up to a big amount. I was a movie person and part of treating myself was to always go to the cinema every weekend. I love the sounds, the screen, the place! When I was in the mall, the door of the cinema was always calling me, “Hey Arnel, 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.

 

Arnel Pepito Broke

 

 
 

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.

 
 

Broke Arnel Pepito

 
 
I had an attitude of a one day millionaire, my mentality before was to treat myself first and treat others(splurge). For me treating myself means gadgets and more gadgets! I sold our property years ago and I bought it some  gaming gadgets and computers.
 

After a year, I forcibly-sold it with very low price because I had to pay other debts. It piled-up and did not happen just once.  It became a bad habit and resulted to chain-reactions.

 
 

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 to feel good. 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 back then! 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. 
 

Arnel Pepito Broke

 

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 extra amount for things like this for somebody who will borrow (for situations like emergencies). It is nice to help someone without thinking of when he/she will return it because those are only extra money. 
 
 
 
 

Money Mistake#5: Poverty-Mindset.

 
 
I grew up in a working-class family and 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 was money is earned today and I will spend it tomorrow.

 

 

 

Broke Before Arnel Pepito


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 have changed since then. My entire character was transformed. I always believe that being in a very supportive small group helps me changed my perceptions from the inside-out.

 

 

I engaged myself in both Financial and Christian community. My Victory Christian Fellowship ( VCF ) family and churchmates are always there to guide me and opened doors for me to have a harmonious growth in all aspects as I’m working on my  real purpose which is to always bring back God’s glory.


 

 

Are you financially broke today?  Message me for a free consultation!

 

 
 

19 thoughts on “How Did I Escape From Being Broke to Becoming an Investor”

  3. Avatar
    Jakks

    Hi bro, I’m from VCF as well, pero sa FORT, glad to know there are some people like you na advocate ng financial literacy! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Avatar
    Christian Job Camerino

    Many people should read this blog because it will inspire people who are in the same situation.
    Especially other Filipinos working hard to earn money but still having problems financially in their lives.

    What everyone needs really are good financial education and support group. Thanks for inspiring us.

    Where can I possibly meet other investors? I want to start investing next year but also need to have support group to get advice for investing! Merry Christmas.

    Reply
    1. Avatar
      investambayan

      Hi bro,appreciate your comment.kindly add me in facebook and send me a message.I would be gladly to get in touch with you.

      Reply
        1. Avatar
          investambayan

          Hi maam,thanks for dropping by. just send me a personal message in facebook so that I can get in touch with you.

          Reply
  6. Avatar
    Elly Villalon

    I can relate so much with your experience of skipping meals, going to places empty handed, walking long distance just to reach destinations and most especially the ‘1-2-3’ jeepney ride! I always believe that Financial Literacy is the key! A good read! Keep it up bro!

    Reply
  7. Avatar
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    Reply
  11. Avatar
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