Money Sense 102: Lesson 7 - Micro-Resilience: Recovering From Money Disasters.

Phones Break. Bills Surprise. Prices Rise.

This is normal in unstable economies.

This lesson teaches emotional resilience instead of panic.

Core Truths

Preparing Is Emotional, Not Financial

You can't always have a financial emergency fund.

But you can have an emotional one:

• A plan for what to do when crisis hits
• People you can call for advice
• A calm mindset instead of instant panic

Borrowing Is Not Failure—Panic Is

Sometimes you need to borrow. That's okay.

What's not okay is panic-borrowing without a plan to repay.

Strategic asking for help = strength.
Desperate begging with no plan = crisis spiral.

Even Tiny Emergency Funds Matter

5,000 pesos is better than 0.

It won't solve everything, but it softens the blow:

• Covers one day of emergency food
• Pays for urgent transport
• Buys you time to think clearly

Strategic Asking for Help Is Strength

Knowing who to ask, when to ask, and how to ask is a skill.

It's not weakness. It's resourcefulness.

You can't stop storms, but you can become waterproof.

Common Money Disasters and How to Emotionally Prepare

Disaster 1: Phone Breaks

Panic Response: "My life is over. I can't work without a phone."

Resilient Response:

1. Breathe. This is solvable.
2. Can I borrow a phone temporarily?
3. Can I get it repaired instead of replaced?
4. Can I buy a cheap used phone while I save for a better one?

Disaster 2: Unexpected Bill Arrives

Panic Response: "I'm screwed. I can't pay this."

Resilient Response:

1. Breathe. Most bills can be negotiated.
2. Call and ask for a payment plan.
3. Prioritize: Which bills can wait? Which can't?
4. Ask for an extension if needed.

Disaster 3: Prices Rise Suddenly

Panic Response: "Everything is more expensive. I can't survive."

Resilient Response:

1. Breathe. Adaptation is possible.
2. What can I substitute? (Cheaper brands, bulk buying)
3. What can I temporarily cut?
4. Can I increase income slightly to offset the rise?

Practice: Build Your 3-Step "Emergency Comfort Plan"

When disaster hits, follow these three steps:

1. Breathe for 1 minute. (Literally. Count 10 breaths.)
2. Write down 3 possible solutions. (Even if they're imperfect.)
3. Ask one person for advice. (Not money—just perspective.)

This plan prevents panic spirals.

The Micro-Win

Instant calm.

You realize that disasters are temporary, but your ability to think clearly is permanent.