Raising a family is hard work. It will take a lot of time, effort, and money to get things going. For some, both parents go to work. For some, they choose family first, especially when raising small children. With today’s economy, surviving in a single-income household has been proven difficult for many Filipino families.
Single-Income Household Struggles
This is Joan, a married 23 years-old mom of two from Cagayan de Oro City. She used to have work but decided to stay-at-home to take care of her children.
Humans of Cagayan de Oro – Joan at Seven Seas Waterpark
Here is what Mommy Joan said when I asked her about financial difficulties a single-income household encounters:
“Before I became a mom and got married, I made sure that I saved some out from my salary and at the same help my family in their finances. Now that I have a family of my own, saving for my kids’ future and health insurance is a priority. After I resigned from my day job and focused on taking care of my kids, saving money is very challenging now that our daily needs require more attention. I remember one event or incident that I have to withdraw all my 2-year mutual funds from a bank to pay for my eldest daughter’s school enrolment because I am not employed anymore, and I don’t want my husband to feel the burden alone. Also, the crisis took us hard when our daughter got hospitalized and when the time she was scheduled for discharge, we were not able to come up with the exact amount and have to stay for another 24 hours in the hospital since we are not able to pay in full.”
Mommy Joan didn’t have problems with savings. She is aware of the importance of this even before she got married. Though savings are meant for emergency cases when life happens, rebuilding it again has become difficult for her after they have become a single-income household.
Working Together as Husband and Wife
Though Mommy Joan doesn’t have a job right now, both she and her husband have overcome most of their financial struggles. They are working together on how to deal with their finances even though they only have one income stream. Now, they are working very hard to save and rebuild their emergency fund together with her husband whenever the tide is high.
#PlsSaveMe
To admit that you are in need of help is one of the most difficult things a Filipino could do. Talking about financial difficulties has been very hard but talking about financial management and wealth-creating has been very easy. I really admire brave souls who have the strength to admit that they have financial struggles and the courage to improve and grow stronger in handling money matters.