MANILA, Philippines — There’s nothing like motherhood to stoke the fire of financial wisdom in moms. Take it from former actress Neri Naig-Miranda.
This celebrity mom makes sure her hard-earned money goes where it should go. She is a stickler for financial discipline because she knows the path to economic disaster starts with a loss of self-control.
Neri, for instance, is the epitome of financial prudence. In fact, she’s known as "wais na misis."
Money tips from Neri:
1. She always allots a certain amount of money from her earnings to savings.
For instance, she points out, if one has P60,000, one should spend only a portion of that amount and learn to live within one’s means.
In a Zoom interview for Babyflo, Neri admitted it was difficult at first. But when she saw how her savings grow, also because of husband Chito Miranda’s guidance, Neri was as pleased as she can be.
2. Take a leap of faith.
Today, she and Chito bought a farm house in Alfonso, Cavite, a condo unit in Quezon City for their firstborn, Miggy, and other investments.
Yes, she took a leap of faith when she ventured into her flourishing gourmet tuyo business years back (it has been a series of leaps since then).
The business is so successful, Neri acquired a mini-warehouse outside the subdivision where she lives, where neighbors won’t complain about the smell of the dried fish her staff puts in bottles upon bottles (production comes up with at least 500 bottles).
3. But Neri refuses to risk her money on expenses with minimal or no value.
For instance, she never frequented the movie house, even when she was single. She doesn’t splurge on children’s shoes, since little feet grow big, fast. She also goes slow on toys, unless they come in the form of gifts. After all, shoes and toys are things children outgrow in no time at all.
4. Wives should be financially independent from their husbands
“A woman’s confidence level becomes different if she has her own money,” Neri explained in Filipino.
She added that a woman should have her own means of livelihood so she can help her husband.
The "Star Circle Quest" alumna admitted getting offers for a showbiz comeback. But Neri is earning more than enough; she won’t trade those long taping hours and prolonged separation from her family for anything in the world.
Neri is glad she can support herself and her children “if my husband plays around.”
Thankfully, the scenario is remote since Chito has proven himself a good provider and a faithful spouse. The two have a join account, but separate investments.
Neri proves all over again that the days of the helpless, dependent wife are gone. Today’s wives are financially savvy, independent, yet fiercely attached to family.
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