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.