I, Me, Myself & My Frugal World (Part II)

He’s a charming teenage boy. Much taller than me. Addicted to online games. Adept in car and motorcycle parts and engine (though we don’t have both). And the guy who stole my crown after 12 years of reigning as the bunso in the family. Let's just call him Utoy. And sometimes Bill. Bill is the root word of BILLi mo ko nyan; BILLi mo ko no’n. And here's the heartbreaking part: his desires worth BILLsss. He is my total opposite. My cabinet is the ultimate evidence to this. It’s not important that I only have two jeans in my closet (one I bought in college and the other I bought on sale four years ago) for as long as it fits and there's no hole that a guy can peek. 

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Quotes from the Expert - More Money

More money is not the solution to your money problems - Francisco J. Colayco, Pisobilities (A Personal Finance Handbook for OFWs)

Photo grabbed @ ideachampions.com

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Truly Rich

The big difference between rich and poor is not money but mindset. If you keep on saying “I am poor” you will always feel poor even when you prosper.

Photo grabbed @ leakjones.com

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Zero Balance

Your credit card’s statement of account has just arrived. You were terrified to open it. You didn’t want to know your total liabilities. But the white envelope was in front of you. You tore one end, nonetheless. You pulled the white rectangular sheet of paper inside. Five digit numbers greeted you. The due date is less than a week. Your cash is only good enough for the essentials. You were so worried. But the financial agony didn’t end there. The next day, the electricity bill was delivered. Minutes later, a messenger knocked and gave you your recent water billing. In the afternoon a courier came and gave your telephone and DSL statement of account. Expenses are piling up. Your cable bill is not yet in the list. With your limited resources you feel that only miracle can save you.

What will you do?

a. Find a Bumbay. Go for 5-6.
Consequence: Bumbay, bank or any private money lender entails interest.
Warning: It’s a never ending story.
b. Disregard your debts. Pay them when you have more than enough.
Consequence: Next month your credit billing is equal to: Amount due + monthly interest. And your house might be the only one in your community without electricity, water supply and a phone ringing.
c. Find a new house and change your contact number.
Consequence: Do it if your conscience can take it.
d. Pay your electricity, phone and water bill. Then, call your credit card company and ask for a settlement. Make it installment instead of one-time payment.
Consequence: Honesty might just save you. There’s interest but at least you don’t have to pay the whole amount at once.
e. Sell some of your properties that you think you can live without. Pay all your liabilities. Then, tear your credit card into small pieces and throw it away.
Consequence: Somehow, you’ll feel depressed but eventually you will learn to live according to your means.

In Psychology, Habits are automatic routines of behavior that are repeated regularly, without thinking. They are learned, not instinctive, human behaviors that occur automatically, without the explicit contemporaneous intention of the person(wikiquote.org). Taking a bath everyday and brushing teeth after every meal are typical habits of a responsible adult. When we were still kids our parents were doing it for us regularly. Consciously and unconsciously we are also being taught about the benefits of good grooming. But as we grow up and becoming more independent, we learn to take charge and like how our parents would do it, we do it regularly until it becomes a habit - neither planned nor dictated; it’s automatic.

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I’m sure everyone would agree that money is important. We need money to buy to food, clothes, celfone load and MRT ticket; to pay our bills, tuition fee, insurance and taxes etc. In short, we need money to survive most specially if you are living in an urban society. But earning a living is not an easy thing to do. Worse, when money touches our hands a mountain of temptations are always ready to entice us. Will you entertain the seduction until you get zero balance? Or weigh your priorities and budget your finances?

It’s up to you.

P.S. Did you see yourself in the first paragraph?
If yes, here’s my simple advice: Next time, Make Saving a Habit.If no, here’s my simple advice: Make Saving a Habit and Have a Merrier Christmas.


Photo courtesy of theboltonnew.co.uk

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How to Say "NO" the Positive Way

When your financial statement is fluctuating and a friend approaches you and asks you “Can I borrow money from you…blah blah blah?” which of these two responses would you choose?

“I’m sorry, I don’t have money” or
“I’m sorry, I’m temporarily broke”

Whether you are making an excuse or your pocket is really empty, Be Positive!!!


The bottom line of this post? I’m temporarily broke! Bwahahaha!!!

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Posted 9/2/09 6:20 PM

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Today’s Jackpot Prize: P288M

When I was in elementary and high school, a long line of people signifies the start of flag ceremony. Today, a long line of folks means the jackpot prize in lotto hits P288M. OMG! Almost everyone is going crazy.

Imagine this: You wake up one morning, grabbed the newspaper and saw the six digit numbers that you bet last night. Voila! You are P288 million richer.

Question: What will you do with the money that you have just won?

I will make your life easier by giving you choices:

(a) Buy a house in the most expensive subdivision in the metro(b) Experience a luxury cruise vacation to all seven continents(c) Get the latest model of high-speed car(d) Invest it in the stock market
(e) Venture into a lucrative business
(f) Throw a feast for your family and friends(g) Assist those who are unemployed(h) Pay all your debts(i) Donate a million to your parish(j) Save it in bank(k) Build houses for street children and abandoned elders
(l) Acquire the latest gizmos(m) Run for mayor in your municipality(n) Have a membership in all resorts exclusive for elites
(o) Eat all you want
(p) Splurge on night bars
(q) Invite your most favorite celebrity for a private concert(r) Help the poor sick people in public hospitals(s) Gamble in casinos(t) Have a billboard in EDSA(u) Submit a business proposal to Lucio Tan or Henry Sy(v) Participate in all events for a good cause(w) Attend seminars to increase your financial literacy

(x) Study in the most classy university in the Philippines(y) Contribute to all charitable institutions that you know(z) Deposit a hundred thousand to my bank account (the best choice. hehe!)

The options are actually 10 exponentially raised to the nth power.

Whatever you want to do with your wealth I hope you will invest it wisely, spend it properly and share your blessings generously because the world needs a cheerful giver.

Actually, this post is not just about winning the lottery or a way of enticing you to bet. It’s a simple reminder that any amount of money can quickly disappear if not properly manage. We can either waste it to non-sense activities or use it to bless the world. :p

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Posted 6/19/09 1:28 PM

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How to Say "NO" the Positive Way

When your financial statement is fluctuating and a friend approaches you and asks you “Can I borrow money from you…blah blah blah?,” which of these two responses would you choose?

“I’m sorry, I don’t have money” or
“I’m sorry, I’m temporarily broke”

Whether you are making an excuse or your pocket is really empty, Be Positive!!!


The bottom line of this post? I’m temporarily broke! Bwahahaha!!!

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Oath for a Heavier Pocket

Last night I finished ironing my personal financial policy for 2009. I think I did a great job. I have decided to have 45% of my monthly income be intended for tithe and savings which I divided into 6 categories. Last year I failed to stick to my monetary plans but this year I want to take it more seriously. This is the reason why I call it “Financial Policy.” This time there will be rules, guidelines, procedure documented in a piece of paper– a written New Year’s Resolution.

I pray that God will bless my finances…

"The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord....A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:1-9

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