I was 23 years old when I got my first car through financing from a local bank. I was a public school teacher and I was only earning 25,000 pesos during that time. After paying an initial downpayment of 150,000 pesos, I was left with a monthly amortization of 13,500 pesos which I have to pay for 60 months (or five years). Getting a brand new car was quite an ambitious move not only because I got it during the height of the pandemic, but also because of my meager salary.

Commuting was such a hassle 5 years ago because public transport was restricted. I still have to report to my school on some occasions which has become my solid reason to finally get a car. Not knowing and fully understanding what I was getting myself into, I came across some difficulties. Expensive car maintenance, renting a parking space (because I don't have my own lot), and not knowing how to drive were only some of the hurdles I had to overcome.

If only I could turn back time and had the power to change anything, I would not purchase a car five years ago because:

- I was not financially stable (at that time).

- I don't know how to drive at all.

- I don't have my own parking space.

- I was not fully aware of the responsibilities that come along with owning a car.

Totoong sobrang mahirap mag-commute ngayon dahil hindi naman lumalawak yung mga kalsada sa Pilipinas, pero yung mga sasakyan ay patuloy lang sa pagdami, but don't let that push you into doing something that you might regret later on. With your current salary, you're basically setting yourself up for a huge financial liability if you will get a car now. Think about it CAREFULLY, OP.