Breaking Free PART 3: A Mother’s Plan, A Daughter’s Fight

The bank finally called

After weeks of waiting, they offered me a repayment plan.
It was kind of them, and for a second I thought this is it—my lifeline.
But when I saw the numbers, my stomach sank.
Yes, they agreed not to add interest anymore—a huge relief—but the monthly repayment they proposed was still too stiff. I couldn’t see how I could come up with that amount every month without sacrificing food, rent, or my daughter’s needs.

I left the call both grateful and defeated.

A Mother’s Intuition

It’s probably true that mothers have a very strong intuition when it comes to their children.
My mom noticed how troubled I was.
One day she asked me what was wrong. I brushed it off. “Nothing,” I said.
But she kept asking, gently but firmly, until I could no longer hide behind vague smiles.
“How can I help you if you don’t tell me?” she said.

Her voice carried worry and love in equal measure.
I didn’t want to burden her. I didn’t want to see disappointment in her eyes.
But eventually, I told her everything.

The Agreement

My mom is a strong woman and a smart businesswoman.
After listening carefully, she laid out a plan:
She would lend me the money to pay off my credit card debts so I could finally break free from the crushing interest.
In return, I would pay her back with a monthly amount I can actually afford—no excuses, no delays.

I could breathe again. For the first time in months, I slept without that constant knot in my chest.

The Battle Continues

This is not the end of my fight—just a new phase.
I still have other debts to clear, daily expenses to cover, and a college fund to build for my daughter.
But now I have a plan, a partner, and a path forward.

My 6-Month Plan

Here’s how I’ll tackle the next half-year:

1. Stick to Mom’s Repayment Schedule

• Treat this like the most important bill of my life.

• Pay something every month—no delays, no “next time.”

2. Snowball the Remaining Debts

• Focus on the smallest balances first to build momentum.

• Roll freed-up money into the next debt.

3. Secure Extra Income

• Add more online teaching slots during peak hours.

• Pitch at least two articles per month to my writing gig for that extra ₱500 per piece.

• Explore small spa promos to attract more clients without huge costs.

4. Budget Like a Hawk

• Track every peso using a notebook and an expense app.

• No impulse purchases, no “small treats” that quietly drain my savings.

5. Build a Mini Emergency Fund

• Set aside even ₱100 a week in a separate envelope.

• This is my safety net so I don’t slide back into debt for small crises.

6. Keep the eBook Alive

• Write something every week—no matter how short.

• My story might just become another source of income one day.

Moving Forward

The numbers are still scary.
The work ahead is still heavy.
But I’m no longer drowning.
Thanks to my mom’s love and my own stubbornness, I can finally see the shore.

Debt is still part of my story, but it’s no longer the villain in charge.
It’s just a challenge—one I’m learning to outsmart, one payment at a time.