Like many of us, I came into personal finance a little later than I would’ve liked.

Even though there were so many resources available, I wasn’t very intentional with how I managed my money in my early twenties. Financial literacy wasn’t something that was openly talked about in my circle. Terms like emergency fund, investing, and budgeting weren’t part of everyday topics.

Looking back, I wish I had started earlier. But like many things in life, we often learn best through experience. I also believe we’re meant to learn certain lessons at the right time, when we’re truly ready to understand and apply them.

The Turning Point in My Financial Journey

At some point, I realized I wasn’t thriving the way I had hoped to be. I was getting by, but deep down, I knew I could do better. Not just in how I worked, but in how I handled my finances and prepared for my future.

It started quietly when I stumbled upon a few personal development and finance books. Reading those opened my eyes to habits, ideas, and possibilities I had never seriously considered before. It made me see that managing money intentionally was a skill, and it was something I could learn.

Their lessons and stories showed me it was possible, and that it wasn’t too late to start.

Then, life gave me an even bigger push: I lost my job and took the leap into full-time freelancing. Suddenly, being intentional about money was no longer just a good idea—it became a necessity. Without a steady paycheck, I had to build my own safety net, one client and one project at a time.

That season of change gave me the urgency and focus I needed to truly start my personal finance journey.

Slowly but surely, I began making small but meaningful changes to how I handled my work and my finances.

Small Steps, Big Changes

When I first started, I didn’t have a complicated strategy. I focused on getting the basics right—making a budget, tracking my expenses, building an emergency fund, and learning the basics of saving and investing.

Over time, those small steps started to build real momentum. I saw my savings grow. I felt less stressed about unexpected expenses. I became more thoughtful about where my money was going and how it could serve me in the long run.

Most importantly, I gained a sense of peace and confidence that I had never felt before when it came to my finances.

The Journey Is Ongoing

Today, I’m still on this journey. I’m constantly learning how to better manage, grow, and protect what I have. From building better investment habits to planning for long-term goals, personal finance has become a part of how I take care of myself and my future.

It’s not about being perfect or having it all figured out. It’s about staying intentional, consistent, and flexible as life changes.

Why Personal Finance Is Part of Our Journey

Personal finance is one of the core topics I’ll be writing about here at Virtual Tita.

As a freelancer, I understand how managing money can feel overwhelming when your income isn’t fixed and you’re responsible for creating your own safety nets. Through this blog, I want to share what I’ve learned (and what I’m still learning) in a way that’s simple, relatable, and encouraging.

I hope my journey reminds you that it’s never too late to start or to learn, even if you’re already a tita (or still growing into one). You’re not just older, you’re wiser, stronger, and more equipped to build the life you want. Every step you take today is an investment in the future you deserve.

Thank you for being here. I’m excited to grow with you!

PS: I’m not a financial advisor. Everything I share is based on personal experience. Please take what fits your journey, and always do your own research before making financial decisions.

Have a question or just want to connect? Feel free to send me an email or follow along on Instagram @virtualtita. Let’s talk freelancing, personal finance, or anything in between. And if you’d like tips and stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the newsletter below.