PDIC: What I think of them?

For those who are not familiar, PDIC is the Philippine Deposit Insurance Company.  Like any other countries, there is an agency that governs and protects deposits, equivalent to certain amount.


I have noticed (and I think this is mandatory), when I enter a bank, they posts the picture above at the door.  At least I know.  Feels a bit secure.

Deposits in the Philippine banks are insured for Php 500,000 (Philippine Pesos).  Not that much maybe but at least you know you'll get something when, God forbids, your bank closes.

How to explain personal finance to your family?

Honestly, there's no great way to tell your family about money struggles.  With Filipinos, most of us depend on a sole breadwinner.  We are also in the "Sandwich Generation" where parents depend on you financially and work for your own family as well.

It's hard.  It's also a sensitive topic.  Not everyone wants to listen about personal finance.  I have tried but failed sometimes to explain in-depth the importance of  budgeting and personal finance.  And it hurts my ego.  It is also stressful.

SuperTyphoon Haiyan (Local Name: Yolanda)

Upon seeing the pictures of ruins, frustrated people and lifeless bodies of fellowmen after the super-storm that hit the Philippines, I was distraught.  I am crying inside.  When will this stop? I wonder.

The Philippines was recently challenged with conflicts in Mindanao and then a powerful earthquake which also claimed lives last 15 October 2013.  And now, Haiyan!  

Bohol Earthquake - October 2013

 

 Click image to enlarge

Budgeting: Why is it so hard?

I can definitely understand everyone's dilemma when it comes to budgeting.  I struggle with it too.  And until now, I still overspend, considering I've written down my anticipated expenses every month.  What is it about budgeting that makes it so difficult?

Whether you are financially-literate or financially-challenged, everyone struggles with budgeting.  No matter how much you're earning, it still feels insufficient.  Because the truth is, you're expenses always follow your earnings.  There's always something to spend on.

Review: The Turtle Always Win (by Bo Sanchez)

My sister, knowing I am interested in business and personal finance, bought me a book by Bo Sanchez.  Sanchez is the Founder and CEO of the Truly Rich Club.  From what I have gathered, it is actually site for those who want to learn more about personal finance and get updates of the latest trends from Philippine Stock Exchange.  Again, I'm paraphrasing here and this is what I have understood.

Freelancing Part II: Disadvantages of Freelancing

 

makealivingfreelancing.com

As much as I would love to work at home and at my own pace, there are still benefits and perks associated with working in an office / company setting that you can't do when you're freelancing.  I love talking so when I don't see people around, I feel uneasy.  It takes some getting used to.

I still have a full-time, office setting, company job.  But my priority is to enhance my skills.  So I write whenever I can and learn as much skills as I wanted so I can eventually have my own business (which I had before).  So far, I have managed to learn to bake and decorate cakes, make chocolate bonbons, enhance my desktop publishing skills, write regularly, and more. 

My Obsession with small spaces

Living simply doesn't mean you live in a small house.  But my obsession has brought me to grandiose tiny living.  I guess you can always simplify your life.  You don't need clutter.

Here are some of the small space designs that caught my eyes:

"On the Money" on ANC

I have learned most of the tips for personal finance online but it was only a few months back that I've come to know about "On the Money".

"On the Money" is a daily show of ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC).  I have the option to watch them online should I miss any of their episodes.  Interestingly, their topics are broad but ultimately, they wanted to inform Filipinos how to properly invest, guide them, and give them advise on how to better manage their finances.  I admit, I am one of those who live on paychecks-to-paychecks.

Freelancing Part I: Working from home

 

There are a lot of misconceptions about working from home and freelancing.  For one thing, just because you are working from home, doesn't mean you are freelancing.  Working from home could mean you are still under a company's wing, with all the perks including salary and benefits involved, but doing your work remotely.  Freelancing however, your earnings are from the clients you provided service for and you don't have a company keeping track of you.  It may seem the same, but they are ultimately different.

Acts of God: what should you do before and during calamities?

Living in a tropical country, it is inevitable to have rains, storms and hurricanes regularly.  They are very common in the Philippines.  And sadly, when I say disaster, I mean devastation.  Loss of life, loss of livelihood, agriculture, infrastructures, etc.  Hurricanes with wind speed of 150-200 kph.  There are floods everywhere.

Most of our fellowmen had sought refuge in designated evacuation centers.  But since disaster struck when you least expect it, most of them are unprepared.  Sure, we are used to storms and rains, but floods that rose in few minutes time, no one would anticipate that.

The monsoon rain brought hundreds of millimeters worth of rain in just 3 days, equivalent to the normal monthly rainfall.

Now, why am I saying that?

Ways to Save Money NOW

I know that most of you have already heard this and I don't think there's much to add.  Although, should a financial need arise, wouldn't it be enjoyable not to have any worries?

Unfortunately, not everyone is prepared nor have a 6-month salary equivalent saved up as an emergency fund.  We should all be prepared.  Expenditures come when you least expect it.

Here are some of what I have compiled as ways to save money NOW:

 

Saving money by using free websites

Having your website done professionally can be expensive.  I have seen several websites that offer really impressive website templates but at a ridiculously expensive cost.  I am honestly NOT surprised.  Designers have taken too much time to compose and do their magic "C++ languages" blah, blah, just to provide their clients with a really attractive websites.

Is it just living a good life?

My perspective

There are a lot of misconceptions about becoming a Christian and being a Christian.  There are so much expectations, unmet and unsatisfied, resulting for others stumble and eventually turn their backs on the Lord. 

There are others that say that to be a Christian, you must be poor. For to understand Christianity and to follow the Lord, one must sell their riches and give to the poor – as said in Mark 10:17-31.