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October 3, 2023

From Tight Budgets to Financial Freedom: How I Can Still Save Amid Inflation

Like many of you, I've felt the pinch of rising prices and economic uncertainties. In the face of a world recession and fewer clients on my plate, I've had to rethink my financial strategy. But I'm not here to simply narrate my problems. I want to take you along as I share the lessons I learned and the strategies I've adopted to not just survive but to thrive financially amidst these trying times.


Building wealth amid inflation is no small feat, but it's definitely doable. So, let's dive into how I'm working towards financial stability and smarter budgeting.


how to save money during inflation money tips

Embrace the Power of Budgeting

First and foremost, budgeting is your best friend. I've learned that tracking my expenses down to the last peso helps me make informed financial decisions. There are amazing tools out there like Calculator.me's budget planning calculator that make this process a breeze. By setting clear spending limits and identifying areas where I can cut back, I've managed to stretch my funds further.


Smart Investments are Key

Putting your money to work for you is crucial in times of inflation. I've been exploring investment opportunities that match my risk tolerance and financial goals. Whether it's stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, it's important to diversify your portfolio. It's like planting seeds today that will grow into a financial forest tomorrow.


Plan for the Long Haul

Remember, beating inflation is a marathon, not a sprint. I'm in it for the long haul, and so should you be. Building wealth takes time and discipline, but the rewards are worth it. Stay patient and stay focused on your financial goals.


Stay Informed

Lastly, staying informed about economic trends and market shifts is crucial. Keep an eye on news updates, and don't hesitate to seek advice from financial experts if needed.


While navigating the challenges of inflation during a pandemic isn't a walk in the park, it's not an insurmountable obstacle either. I'm still far from meeting my financial goal but I'm getting there. With careful budgeting, smart investments, and a long-term perspective, you can not only weather the storm but also come out stronger financially.


Stay resilient, stay focused, and watch your financial wealth grow, step by step. Here's to brighter and financially secure days ahead!


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December 24, 2020

How to Master Your Craft

Mastery doesn't just happen overnight. It takes time and I believe takes quite a long ride. It's not just about sparing your time to your craft but being committed to it. Mastery, as most successful people say, is a commitment.

cielo fernando how to master your craft

If we want to be great at what we do, we should keep in mind the following:

1. Always stay a student

Not in school, mind you. What I mean by this is that don't stop learning. Never assume that you have it all figured out. When I was starting my first stint as a segment producer, one of my superiors always tells me that it's better to ask over and over and get the answer you should know than pretend to know everything and ask yourself what to do. Who cares if your boss gets irritated with your questioning if at the end of the day, both of you will benefit for producing a good output?

My job before as a news producer is completely terrifying. One, because it's the least I'd want to do of all the things that cover the media business. And two, everything should be reported correctly. There's no room for mistakes. 

My friends often tell me that I'm like studying all over again because of the endless research and fact-checking. We solely rely on facts to deliver the truth and nothing but the truth. 

2. Think that you're not the best at your craft

It's different from being confident with your craft and being full of yourself, okay? Know the difference. What I want to point here is to always seek negative feedback. 

Whenever I write something, I ask someone to read and comment about it and the first thing I always ask them is "Is it okay? What do I need to change?" This way, I'll know what people would or would not like.

cielo fernando how to master your craft


3. Take small steps

I know it's brave to take bigger risks but tiptoeing will hurt you less in case all else fails. Great achievements involve great risks, I know. But small steps and motivation lead you to sure success. Not being pessimistic here but I've always believed in the idea of slowly but surely.

Patience is a virtue, they say. Because it is. If you wait for your turn, great things can happen and you'll be glad you took your time.

4. Go for the menial job

Besides, it's better to take it than have nothing at all. Who cares if your batch mate's entry job is your dream job? What's wrong with doing the grunt work? In my case back then, it took a lot of time for these thoughts to sink in. 

I started as an editorial assistant for a magazine and work my way to become a contributing writer. I left my job and took another grunt work for a competing network. And now, I'm a producer. You see, everything takes time. It doesn't matter where you are now. What matters is where you'll be headed. You will get there. Maybe not now, but one day, you will.

cielo fernando how to master your craft

5. Get out of social media. For awhile. 

Take a break from all the glitz and glamour caged on the square images on your phone and focus on your work.

6. Beat resistance into submission

You know what's preventing us to go where we want to be? It's our own resistance. The biggest enemy of progress in any craft is the voice telling is to work tomorrow, that we are not yet ready, that we are not good enough, that we don't have what it takes, and so on. The only way to progress is to fight resistance and continue what you have started no matter what.

7. It's okay to fail

As I'm always saying on my blog. So what if you failed at your first, second and third try? Don't stop. It’s how you get better.

cielo fernando how to master your craft

Dress from Gamiss

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