Once burdened by sleepless nights fretting over bills and daily expenses, Tin now finds comfort as she carefully sets aside her savings. It is a small but steady step toward peace of mind and a better life for her children.
Tin, 29, is the president of the Love and Care Barangay Association of Persons with Disabilities in Taguig City. She lives with disability - she lost her left hand in a motorcycle accident when she was just seven years old. A mother of two and an inclusion advocate, she witnessed the needs of different persons with disabilities, especially those with down syndrome or autism who do not receive enough support. Tin wanted to help them in whatever small way she could, so she joined and later led the organization.
Her partner works as a security guard earning around P22,000 a month. It is just enough to cover utilities, food, and the needs of their children, seven-year-old Yna* and one-year-old Leo*. With no fixed income of her own, Tin admits that managing their budget was often a challenge. Whenever expenses piled up, Tin would borrow from her mother or aunt just to make it through the week. The stress from financial worries often kept her awake at night, and she would find herself easily becoming impatient, especially with her children.
As president of the barangay organization of persons with disabilities, Tin was always on the look-out for ways to support other parents like her. When Save the Children Philippines and Wells Fargo introduced the Financial Wellness or FINWELL Project in Taguig City, she immediately saw an opportunity to learn for herself and for the families she represents. About 350 participants from low-income families in Taguig City, took part in the program, which combined financial literacy and positive parenting sessions to help families build stability and harmony at home.
At first, Tin simply wanted to learn how to budget better. But soon, she realized that the sessions were not only about handling money. It was about understanding herself, her habits, and her family. Through the FINWELL sessions, Tin learned simple yet practical tools for managing household finances. She began listing every purchase and tracking where their money goes each day. “I learned to monitor what we buy and how much it costs. We now set aside small amounts in a resealable bag or wallet, and when possible, deposit it in a bank or cooperative,” she said. The small but consistent effort brought a sense of accomplishment. For the first time, Tin felt confident that she could plan for her family’s future instead of constantly worrying about tomorrow.
Alongside financial literacy, the project also introduced positive parenting. For Tin, this was just as transformative. “I used to lose my temper quickly. When my child didn’t finish homework, I would spank her. After the sessions, I realized there are better ways. I learned that spanking isn’t the solution and that it is better to speak calmly and explain what went wrong,” she said. She came to understand that discipline does not have to come from fear, but from love and understanding.
One lesson that stayed with her was the “smell the rose, blow the candle” breathing technique. It is a simple exercise she now uses to calm herself before talking to her children. The change was noticeable. Tin shared that their family had grown closer. Her children, who once feared her reactions, now speak more openly about how they feel.
Through FINWELL, Tin began to see how money management and parenting are deeply connected. She believes that there was a strong connection between financial management and parenting. “When money was not handled well, it often led to stress that could spill over into interactions with my child,” Tin emphasized. When finances were managed properly, it brought peace of mind and allowed her to stay calm with her children. With better control over her finances came emotional calm.
Tin hopes to share what she learned with other parents of children with disabilities. She believes that projects like FINWELL can help more families gain financial wellness and positive approach in parenting. Grateful for the lessons she gained, Tin now hopes to pay it forward by helping other parents take the same small but steady steps toward financial security and peace of mind.
Tin, a mother of two and president of the Love and Care Barangay Association of Persons with Disabilities in Taguig City, lost one of her arms in a vehicle accident as a child. Today, she pays it forward by helping other parents of children with disabilities take small, steady steps toward financial security and peace of mind.