Moneymaxxing My Freelancer Income: What 14 Years of Freelancing Has Taught Me About Financial Survival

I’ve been freelancing for almost 14 years now, and if there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s this: no matter how stable things seem today, things can change overnight.

These days, I work remotely for foreign clients, handling social media management, SEO blog writing, influencer management, plus personal content creation on the side. At the moment, things look steady. Client payouts arrive on schedule, projects are ongoing, and my workload is consistent.

But experience has taught me not to get too comfortable. Because in freelancing, clients or projects come and go. One day, you can have three clients. The next day, you can have zero.

And that’s not an exaggeration, it’s reality. It has happened to me quite a number of times!  Read on to know more...

Holiday Gastos, Sudden Home Repairs, and the Comfort of Having Maya When You Need It

The holiday season is supposed to feel warm, joyful, and full of celebrations, but let’s be honest, it also comes with a lot of surprise gastos. Between Christmas shopping, noche buena preparations, family reunions, and year-end celebrations, expenses can pile up fast. And sometimes, life throws in extra challenges when you least expect it.

This year, right in the middle of all the holiday rush, I was reminded how unpredictable things can be, especially at home. Had to buy, fix, and repair a lot of things, like a broken fan & air conditioner, wallpaper, pest control, leaks, and the list goes on. The kind you can’t really postpone because, well, it’s your house and your family’s comfort is at stake.

Moments like these make you realize how important it is to have financial options you can rely on. And honestly, I’m just glad there’s something like Maya Easy Credit and Maya Personal Loan that I can turn to without stress, long lines, or complicated paperwork. Read on to know more!

No Labels, Just Benefits: Why Maya is My Ultimate Freelance Situationship 💚

I have been working as a freelancer for as long as I can remember. And I’m not just talking about creating content or blogging (those are my passion-fueled side hustles hehe), I’m talking about my work as a Virtual Assistant, SEO writer, Social Media Manager & Influencer Coordinator for international clients! :) I started doing online jobs or remote work back when Upwork was still oDesk—yes, way back in 2013! 

Back then, getting paid wasn’t as smooth as it is now. Since I get paid in $ (TYL haha) transferring funds used to come with lots of fees and extra steps. Now, it’s all simplified and easy! Read on to know more…

How I’m Using Maya to Fund my Concert Goals

I'm entering midlife, and I'm at a stage where my focus and ultimate goals have narrowed down to a few things. Whenever people, or even online clients during interviews, ask me about my goals for the coming years, my answers have become steadfast and simple: to continue working remotely on a flexible schedule (whether it's a data entry job or something else, as long as it meets my asking rate) so I can travel the world, focus more on self-care, and spend more time with my family and friends. Honestly, my goal is just to earn money without being too stressed so I can do things that bring me joy and give my life meaning-- like watching my favorite artists perform live on stage!

Radwimps concert in Manila

An Amateur's Guide on Budgeting & Financial Management

Before I even start I have to say this now-- I am no expert when it comes to budgeting or handling finances. I have to ask my sister for help and guidance most of the time, so I want to dedicate this article to her. Haha! I'm sure most of you will be able to relate to my neverending saving and spending saga. Like me, I know a lot of you struggle when it comes to managing your finances. I've forgotten how many times I tried creating a budget and then failing to strictly and religiously adhere to it because gawd--so many nice and shiny things on sale online and offline! Amirite?! There are also emergency expenses that keeps on messing with my monthly allocated funds. I understand your sentiments and I know people's earnings also vary, but the emergency expenses alone could be one of the reasons why I think budgeting and setting aside emergency funds are important! Learn more...

Metrobank Prepaid Card: Shopping Made Easy!

I was one of the lucky few to have witnessed the exclusive launch of Metrobank's newest venture, the Metrobank Prepaid Card, a month ago at Hyve. I'm sure most of you already know what a prepaid card is but to give light to those in the dark, it is a card that you can conveniently use as a a credit card (make a purchase anywhere with just one swipe plus unlimited perks and discounts from partner establishments) and also acts as an ATM card (load it up online, thru phone or via Metrobank's atm machines and withdraw money anytime). Best part? Aside from the fact that you could get one without initial deposit or not worry about a maintaining balance (there's none!), Metrobank's prepaid card is not in any way connected to a bank account so you're sure it's safe to use! No sharing of personal information. Cool huh? Now you don't have to bring cash when shopping and not feel praning. Also, unlike credit cards (damn you cc's), you could easily monitor your spending and not worry about going overbudget. And that's why I need this in my life. Haha. I was able to road test my own card and grabeeee, ansaya lang gamitin! Documented it for you guys. Here are photos!:)

 Ready, set , shop!!!

Of course, had to stock up on accessories for styling gigs. Here I am shopping at SM Accessories!:) 

My loots

 Easy payment! I just had to sign the standard receipt (like when you use a credit card) and then it gets deducted from my balance pronto.

 Next stop was Etude House where I bought some kaartehans. Hehe.

 Also bought a few clothes for styling from SM Surplus! Here's Ate girl processing my transaction:)

 Sign sign like a boss

 Bought more bangles from Penshoppe. Hihi. Puro pang styling! Haha!

 Of course, had to reward ourselves naman with our fave Mexican food from Mexicali!

Swipe again:) So convenient!

 I haven't tried using this online but I will soon!:)

Now, applying for your own card is easy! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Visit a Metrobank bank nearest you. Goooo!

2. Fill up the prepaid card application form. 

3. Present 1 valid ID. Government ID if possible or student ID if you're still in school!:)

4. Pay P100 fee for the card (which is valid for 3 years).

Here are the partner establishments that could give discounts and perks when used there: Chelsea, Cole Haan, Hyve, Kabila, M Cafe, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Momo, Mr Jones, Perry Ellis, Rocketroom, Sip & Gogh, Skye, Stella, Terraz and Vyne, more to come. So get your own Metrobank Prepaid Card and start living without regrets!:)

Follow Metrobank for updates!

https://www.facebook.com/timetolivewithoutregrets

http://instagram.com/timetolivewithoutregrets

https://www.metrobank.com.ph/