In April 2017, I made my first financial bucket list. Similar to a regular bucket list, it includes the financial goals I want to reach in my lifetime.
There are three reasons why I created a financial bucket list:
1. A financial bucket list is a powerful reminder of your “why”
Keeping a financial bucket list handy makes your goals clear. It reminds you that every budget, saving, and investment you make is a step toward achieving your dreams. When you’re tempted to spend or deviate from your plan, checking your financial bucket list can help you refocus and stay committed to your long-term goals.
2. A financial bucket list provides a focused roadmap for achieving your financial goals.
This clarity can streamline decision-making, helping you prioritize your time and resources more effectively. It sharpens your focus on what’s essential and transforms how you approach your finances, ultimately boosting your overall productivity.
3. A financial bucket list encourages you closer to your goals.
A financial bucket list encourages positive thinking and visualization, attracting opportunities and resources that align with your financial dreams. As you actively work towards your finances, you may be surprised at how close you are to achieving them—perhaps you’re even closer than you think.
What’s in My Financial Bucket List
Now seven years later, let’s review my first ever public financial bucket list. Here are the things I wrote:
- Obtain my first million
- Travel the world
- Start a passion empire
- Earn passive income online
- Be invited to speak in public
- Make major purchases with cash
- Retire in my 30s
Obtain my first million
One of the key milestones on my financial bucket list has been to achieve a net worth of my first 1 million through saving and stock investing. While it may seem like an easy goal to some, for someone who comes from an ordinary background, reaching this milestone is a huge achievement.
My plan is to create multiple streams of income. With both hard work and financial discipline, I believed I could turn this vision into reality.
So, what was the journey like?
In August 2018, I reached a pivotal moment when I saved and invested my first Php 100,000.
By September 2021, during my last public net worth update, my net worth grew to Php 442,393.49.
And then, in January 2024 – I hit my first Php 1,000,000 net worth!
It’s been a long journey, and a lot has happened along the way, but I’m really grateful to have reached my first million at 31.
Read next:
How to Create Multiple Sources of Income
How to Actually be Good with Money
Common Money Mistakes Pinoys Make and How to Fix Them
Travel the world
When I first shared my financial bucket list, I had never been on an airplane, didn’t own a passport, and hadn’t traveled outside the Philippines. Looking back, I can confidently say that God has been incredibly good to me.
In 2018, my travel dreams began to unfold as I embarked on four adventures, two of which took me out of the country:
- March 2018: I traveled to the breathtaking province of Eastern Samar with my entire family.
- May 2018: I took my first international flight to Seoul, South Korea—a destination I had longed to explore.
- November 2018: I visited El Nido in Palawan, famous for its stunning beaches.
- Late November 2018: I explored the vibrant cities of Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia with my eldest sister.
Since then, I started to explore different places.
- September 2019: I got to travel for work! I went to IloIlo to set up and man a booth!
- November 2019: I traveled to Taipei, Taiwan with my eldest sister.
- November 2022: I celebrated my first Thanksgiving weekend with colleagues in Boracay.
- January 2023: I returned to Seoul, where I experienced a winter wonderland and snow for the first time.
2024 was also an amazing year when it comes to travel because in March 2024 I was fortunate to visit Singapore for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert.
By June 2024, I explored Cebu with my parents. This was the first time we were also able to take them on an out of town vacation.
October 2024, I had a meaningful two-week solo trip back to Eastern Samar to reconnect with my parents.
Alongside my international travels, I also discovered many beautiful places within the Philippines. My eldest sister and I took several road trips, exploring stunning landscapes in Baler, La Union, Quezon, Cavinti, Calatagan, Bataan, and beyond.
These local adventures not only brought us closer together but also deepened our appreciation for the beauty of the Philippines, creating lasting memories.
Read next:
How to Establish Your Own Travel Fund
How to Achieve Your Travel Goals in 3 Steps
The Ultimate First Timer’s Travel Guide to Seoul, South Korea
Start a passion empire
In 2017, my passion for wedding and event hosting ignited a desire to pursue it as a career. I envisioned building a thriving business where I could offer not only my services as a wedding and event host but also as a consultant and lead coordinator. My ultimate dream was to establish my own office and become a recognized name in the event industry.
While it’s safe to say that my original plans didn’t come to fruition and my priorities have shifted, I still recognize my talent for hosting. Over time, I’ve become the go-to person for events at work, which has allowed me to express my passion for event hosting in a different setting.
However, I see it instead as a potential fallback career for the future. I realize that my enthusiasm for it isn’t quite what it used to be, and my focus has evolved in new directions.
Earn passive income online
Another financial bucket list of mine is to earn passive income online. I’ve long admired the online income reports shared by bloggers, and their journeys have truly inspired me. I began my blogging journey in 2014, and I’m proud to say that my income has steadily increased over the years. However, I’ve primarily focused on active income so far.
Reflecting on my very first side hustle income report from 2015, I earned a total of Php 23,552.60. Fast forward to my 2023 side hustle income report, and that number has grown to Php 242,897.73.
While it may not be as high as what some others earn, it represents a significant journey of growth from where I began. Best of all, this additional income comes from pursuing my passion as a financial advocate.
I am working on generating passive income soon. I’m exploring different options like starting online projects such as affiliate marketing and digital products. My aim is to create a steady income that doesn’t require too much effort, so I can spend more time on what I love. I’m excited about this journey and look forward to learning along the way.
Read next:
8 Important Reasons to Start a Side Hustle
41 Ways to Make Extra Money while Working a Full-Time Job
7 Side Hustles I Did to Make Extra Php 5000 a Month
Be invited to speak in public
In 2017, speaking in public felt like a distant dream for me. I want to share my story and the valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout my financial journey. My goal is to host seminars and workshops focused on personal finance and blogging.
God has been good in my life. In 2019, a breakthrough moment arrived: I received my very first invitation to conduct a public financial seminar. Since that pivotal moment, I’ve had the privilege of being invited by various companies, organizations, and schools to lead financial webinars and seminars.
I’m excited to reach more people through holding seminars and workshops. I believe everyone deserves tools and knowledge for financial independence. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to achieve their financial goals. I am truly grateful to the companies, organizations, and schools that have placed their trust in me.
If you’re looking for a speaker in a financial wellness webinar or seminar, please don’t hesitate to send me a message at izza@savingspinay.ph
Make major purchases with cash
In the past, whenever I made a big purchase, I often felt guilty afterward. I realized it was because my finances were tight, and I didn’t have much to spend.
However, things have changed. I’ve worked hard to manage my money better, and now I’m in a position where I can make major purchases without the burden of guilt. I remember my first big purchase was a refrigerator in 2021, and it was definitely one of my biggest splurges in my lifetime. Still, I felt proud because being able to pay for it outright felt like a real achievement.
Even though I feel more comfortable making major purchases with cash now, I recognize that I still have a long way to go. I understand the importance of maintaining financial discipline and finding balance in my spending. It’s not just about the present; I’m also focused on planning for the future.
I know that having the ability to buy things outright is a great step forward, but it’s equally important to keep an eye on my long-term financial goals. This means budgeting wisely, saving for emergencies, and making informed choices about larger investments.
Read next:
How to Correctly Spend Your Money
24 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Finances
Retire in my 30s
I once included retiring in my 30s on my financial bucket list as one of my biggest dreams. However, that aspiration has shifted over time.
Now at 31, I have a fulfilling career and additional sources of income that I genuinely enjoy. My perspective on retirement has evolved; it’s no longer a goal I feel pressured to achieve, but rather an option I can consider when the time feels right.
Final Words from SavingsPinay
That wraps up my updated financial bucket list. As I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the positive changes that life has brought my way. Each milestone I’ve achieved has shaped my path, and I am truly thankful for the lessons learned and the opportunities that have come my way. Here’s to pursuing new dreams and continuing to work on a fulfilling financial future!
