GMA-7 news reporter Bernadette Reyes recently fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing her dream luxury car, the Lexus UX 250h Premier.
On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, Bernadette uploaded an Instagram Reel to share her remarkable achievement with her followers.
In the caption of her post, Bernadette anticipated the question that many of her followers may have had upon seeing her brand-new car.
With a price tag of over PHP3.058 million, many were intrigued to learn how she was able to afford the luxury car on her reporter's salary.
She directly addressed this question by writing, "Paano na afford ang 3 million na sasakyan?"
In the video she shared, Bernadette addressed the curiosity of her followers by providing detailed insights into how she was able to afford such an expensive vehicle.
The Kapuso reporter confidently disclosed that her reporter's salary was more than enough to meet her daily needs with ease.
She reassured her audience by stating, "Sapat po ito para matustusan ng mga araw-araw na pangangailangan. Makaluwag-luwag sa buhay."
Bernadette, however, revealed that she had purchased the car in cash, thereby avoiding the burden of monthly interest payments that could have significantly increased the overall cost of the vehicle.
She said, "Kaya ko kinash para maka-save. Alam niyo po kung installment ko binili yung Lexus payable in 12 months ha, 7% na interest na yun agad o PHP214,000 na interest in 1 year lang ha.
"So kung 5 years kong babayaran ng Lexus, imagine ha, tumataginting na 1 million piso sa interest pa lang yun ha."
BERNADETTE REYES: MAKE WISE FINANCIAL DECISIONS
Bernadette recognized the significance of diversifying her income sources, in order to achieve her dream car.
The reporter took the initiative to engage in various side hustles, such as selling high-end fashion items like designer bags and shoes.
And while she also possesses the means to purchase luxury items, Bernadette consciously chooses to opt for more affordable options.
She also allocated a portion of her savings to the stock market.
Bernadette said, "Kaya ako naka-ipon ng ganito kalaking pera dahil bukod sa sinisave ko yung mga parte ng sweldo ko at mga bonus ko, marami akong side hustle.
"Nagbibenta ako ng mga luxury items gaya ng LV, Prada, Gucci na mga bag, pero ang gamit ko, corporate bag. Regalo to sa akin ng kumpanya noong birthday ko.
"Nagbibenta rin ako ng mga sapatos gaya ng Valentino, Manolo Blahnik, Golden Goose, pero ang everyday shoes ko, 5 years ko nang ginagamit.
"Maayos pa naman tsaka presentable pa siya. Nagbibenta rin ako ng mga gamit pang motor gaya ng mga helmet at mga auto care products.
"Aside from that, nag-i-invest din ako sa stock market."
Although Bernadette occasionally indulges herself by dining at fancy restaurants, she doesn't hesitate to enjoy a meal at the more affordable ones. By making this conscious choice, she is able to save money and prioritize her financial goals.
She said, "Kumakain ako sa mga fancy restaurants pag special occasion, so paminsan-minsan, pagkasama ang family and friends.
"Pero sa iba mga panahon, masaya na akong kumakain ng Angel's Burger o sa mga karinderia."
Towards the end of the video, Bernadette encouraged others to adopt a proactive approach to personal finance, reminding them that with determination and smart financial choices, dreams can become a reality.
"Naniniwala akong hindi kailangan ng sobrang laking sweldo para makaipon. Nasa diskarte, pagtitipid, at paggastos sa tamang mga bagay.
"Kaya after my dream car, dream house naman ang pangarap ko. Tandaan kung kaya ko, kaya mo rin."
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