---
title: "Turn surviving into thriving: 5 tips para sa iyong financial journey"
description: Paano ba maging “financially mindful?” OnlyPans owner, Audrey Cruz, shares her story and some practical advice. Read on for some food for thought.
---

[Topics ](https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/topics)

# [Turn surviving into thriving: 5 tips para sa iyong financial journey](https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/topics/tag/manage/five-tips-to-start-your-financial-journey)

 Written by [admin](https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/topics/author/admin) | Apr 23, 2026 9:15:35 AM

As our elders would say, *“ang buhay ay parang gulong. Minsan nasa taas, minsan nasa baba.”* Minsan, malaki ang natitipid ‘pag nakatyempo ng promo. Minsan rin, yung natipid mo dun, napupunta sa price increase ng gasolina o pamasahe.

Pero parang gulong, dapat tuloy-tuloy lang. Good news: there are ways to avoid feeling lost or hopeless tuwing may mga unexpected sa buhay.

[OnlyPans Taqueria](https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com.mcas.ms%2Fonlypanstaqueria%2F%3Fhl%3Den%26McasTsid%3D15600&McasCSRF=ac8f101736e90ff15ccd189b62bdbd5c585c33d4c1a9841a3a5bd8fbfcd4211a) owner Audrey Cruz understands this reality. Payo niya:

*"I think the most concrete thing is [to] do everything to protect the business and yourself… [Parang] yung mga langgam na kinokolekta nila lahat ng kailangan nila para sa tag-lamig... Merong sasalba sa kanila. Ganun lang din how you handle a business, or as a person. You have to keep things for yourself in the future.”*

Audrey’s experiences both in business and in being a breadwinner helped her build strong financial practices and safeguards. Ito ang nakatulong sa kanilang umahon noong 2024 when a [heart-wrenching fire](https://youtu.be/-A0T0fQ1opU?si=8MMYf1Kx4KrjFOYq&t=42) consumed their branch in Poblacion, Makati. Her financial preparedness helped her save the business while keeping her OnlyPans family intact.  

Taking inspiration from [our conversation with Audrey,](https://youtu.be/-A0T0fQ1opU?si=8MMYf1Kx4KrjFOYq&t=42) let’s break down her essential advice like we’re building a taco:

 Like the perfect taco, good financial health is about balance and mindfulness. Huwag magmadali at *“**moneygurado**”* sa bawat hakbang. With consistency, you can build finances that will bring you and your loved ones peace of mind. 

*Watch Episode 1 of Moneygurado featuring Audrey Cruz on *[*the Earnest website*](https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fearnest.metrobank.com.ph.mcas.ms%2Fmoneygurado%3FMcasTsid%3D15600&McasCSRF=ac8f101736e90ff15ccd189b62bdbd5c585c33d4c1a9841a3a5bd8fbfcd4211a)*.*

[*Sign up for our newsletter*](https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fcloud.communications.metrobank.com.ph.mcas.ms%2Fearnest_mailing-list%3FMcasTsid%3D15600&McasCSRF=ac8f101736e90ff15ccd189b62bdbd5c585c33d4c1a9841a3a5bd8fbfcd4211a)* and get financial tips delivered straight to your inbox.*

*Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes and does not constitute formal financial advice. Always do further research before making financial decisions and seek professional advice from a certified personal finance counselor. For more information, read the Earnest disclaimer [here](https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/disclaimer).*

[View full post](https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/topics/tag/manage/five-tips-to-start-your-financial-journey)

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