Motherhood requires constant dedication, balancing daily tasks and responsibilities. From managing the household to nurturing children’s aspirations, the daily decisions can be overwhelming—leaving little time to focus on financial planning. In a world marked by fluctuating prices and unforeseen expenses, however, having a solid financial foundation is not just beneficial but essential.
This Mother’s Day, three remarkable women leaders from SAFC, one of the Philippines’ top non-bank financial institutions, shared valuable financial advice for moms looking to balance family responsibilities with financial stability.
Azenith S. Cabrera: “Invest for the Long Term, and Plan for the Unexpected”
In today’s unpredictable financial landscape, it’s natural for women, especially mothers, to hesitate when it comes to investing. But Azenith Cabrera, SAFC’s Chief Operations Officer, stresses that the key to financial security is to stay the course. “My best advice is to invest for the long run and have a clear financial plan in place,” she says. “It’s not about reacting to short-term fluctuations; it’s about committing to your future.”
Cabrera recommends mothers to establish a solid emergency fund first, enough to cover three to six months of living expenses. “This will give you peace of mind and the flexibility to handle unexpected costs. Once that’s set, and you’ve cleared any high-interest debt, you’re now set to focus on long-term investments that align with your goals,” Azenith explains. By ensuring you’re prepared for emergencies and sticking to a well-thought-out plan, your investments can work for you over time. This can also help in time management and budgeting which includes making deliberate choices that support your future.
Maria Teresa T. Medina: “Start Small—Compound Growth Doesn’t Wait”
When it comes to money, Maria Teresa Medina, SAFC’s Chief Financial Officer, believes in the power of small, consistent efforts. “You don’t need to wait until you have a big paycheck to start saving or investing,” she says. “The best thing you can do for your family is to start today, even if it’s just a small amount. Compound growth doesn’t wait for anyone.”
Medina advises mothers to not shy away from starting with what you can. If you can only set aside a small amount from each paycheck, do it. The key is consistency. “Over time, those small contributions can lead to bigger savings that can help with emergencies or long-term goals like your children’s education,” she adds.
Cherry Rose B. Ofielda: “Align Your Spending With Your Values”
For Cherry Ofielda, Marketing General Manager – Refinancing Division, managing your finances is all about clarity. “Motherhood teaches us that we can’t have it all,” she says. “And that’s okay. What matters is focusing on the things that truly align with our values.” For her, financial peace comes when you know where your money is going and why.
Ofielda emphasizes the need for moms to have a budget that reflects their priorities. “If your goal is to save for your child’s future, make sure your spending habits reflect that. If health is a top priority, invest in that,” she says. “Your spending and saving should be in line with your values. When you do that, you’ll feel more secure and less stressed about your finances.”
