From lolo and lola, with love: Grandparents' life lessons on family, money to ponder

Grandparents show their love in many ways: Taking care of you, spending time, giving handmade gifts, and most of all, sharing meaningful lessons to ponder.

Other than your parents and friends, our lolos and lolas would always be the best person to run to with whatever trouble in life. There’s always something special about their warmth, which can make you feel like it’s finally safe to be vulnerable.

This Grandparents’ Day, PhilSTAR L!fe asked some grandparents to share the life lessons they carried over the years—from becoming parents to becoming lolos and lolas to their beloved apos. 

‘Family is a top priority’ 

Aggie Pinili, who has been both a full-time mom and employee until now that she is 70, makes it a point to have time to bond with her kids, especially on Sundays.  

“Family is established by God and spending quality time with our family is not an option. It's one of the top priorities that must be given importance to show that we care and love each member of the family,” she said. 

“Teach children the way they should go, especially with God's word so that when they're old they will not depart from it.” 

However, as much as we love our family, there will be a time when one will clash with another which may sometimes cause a falling out. For Teresita Gonzales, one should always learn to forgive, not just for the sake of reconciliation, but most of all for peace of mind. 

On money matters

On matters like money, Pinili stressed that it’s important to practice discipline when dealing with financial matters to build a safety net not just for yourself, but also for your family. 

“It doesn't matter how much money we earn, what matters is how much money we do not spend,” she shared with L!fe, while also citing Proverbs 13:22 which reads, “The wise man leaves an inheritance for his children's children.” 

Gonzales would always remind her grandchildren of the basic part of saving: Never do unnecessary spending. 

She shared that she was used to her routine of budgeting her bills accordingly—from utility bills, to tuition fees, and her maintenance medicine. 

“'Wag gumastos kung di naman kelangan sa bahay. Magtabi din ng para sa savings para tayo ay may madukot,” the 66-year-old said.

Lovella Caraan echoed this, sharing that she would always tell her kids to save to avoid relying on others when it comes to money concerns.  

“Mahirap ang humingi o lumapit sa ibang tao para ka matulungan. Lalo sa panahon ngayon walang magpapahiram sayo, kaya ang dapat na gawin ay tamang pagtatabi ng pera at para di ka magsisi pagdating ng oras,” she said, stressing the importance of building an emergency fund.

Caraan added to love the job that feeds you and your family by always being an honest and hardworking employee.   

“Mas mahirap ang mawalan ng trabaho lalo na [kung] tinanggal ka dahil sa gumawa ka ng anomalya,” the 52-year-old said. 

When it comes to raising funds, Pinili reminds her kids to be wise in making investments. 

“Invest money in assets that will gain good returns, [and remember to] do not put your eggs in on one basket and diversify your investments,” she said.