“You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to start, to be great.” - Zig Ziglar

I’ll be honest. I was a little scared about having this post published. Putting my goal of investing in mutual funds out in the open compelled me to walk the talk and demand accountability. Not that I didn’t have the intention of doing it, for I was truly interested in investing. But back then my finances weren't in the best of health (yet): I was paying off some debts, and my son just started school and you know how expensive tuition fee is nowadays. I wasn't sure how I could make it work.

But I guess keeping in mind my goal to invest was a good start. It somehow kept me focused, especially on days when I would be hesitant to slash a significant amount from my salary to pay off my debts. I’d remind myself that doing so would bring me closer to securing my future financially. And while I often had to drag myself to the bank to do this, I’d always come out feeling so proud for acting “maturely” and being courageous, as I say to myself: little steps.

My finances are still not 100% where I want it to be - but I am definitely closer - because of the small yet significant efforts I’ve been taking to meet my investment dreams. Hey, these little steps have a conviction that could put big leaps to shame! But seriously, I’ve been able to work out a budget where I’m able to allocate my money properly so that everything is covered. This is how I was able to put part of my recent bonus into Sun Life’s Prosperity Equity Fund.

I have to say I was extremely happy for finally making my first mutual fund deposit. I even took a photo and posted it on Instagram! After all, just a year ago, I didn’t have any idea what mutual funds were all about. And now, after researching and consulting, here I am investing!

My initial investment wasn’t anything huge, but I intend to top it up every month for it to grow. And as I am aware of how Equity Fund is designed for those with an aggressive risk appetite, I’ve already psyched myself to not check it, like, every single day, lest I lose my nerve and pull everything out.

Again, little steps.

So if you’re not yet where you want to be financially, don’t feel bad. What’s important is that you begin doing what can lead you there. And then keep at it. Because when you’re quite far away from your goal, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel helpless. It’s tempting to just stop trying. But keep in mind that every little step you take brings you closer to how you want things in your life to be, including your finances.

And like I said, if you haven’t started yet, then the best time to start is NOW. We can do this, guys! Good luck!

Have your own investing story too? Share them with us in the comments section!

Lennie Arboleda Lennie Arboleda

Lennie Arboleda

Lennie is a former radio deejay and TV writer now dabbling in public relations and publishing. She enjoys ordinary things (a good book, a nice park, and a perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookie) and the extraordinary company of her loved ones (especially her seven-year old boy Sloan). Follow her life adventures on www.lenloveslife.blogspot.com.