Christmas gifts you can make or buy cheap

Christmas can be daunting and exhausting, both physically and financially.  But gifts don't have to be expensive to show that you appreciate your friends and love ones.

Here are some of the gifts I find really appealing, inexpensive, and easy-to-do, which is also what I'm planning to do as a gifts:



 
1.  DIY Bath and Body Products
Thanks to Wise Bread for compiling these stuff for us.  Learn how to do these amazing bath and body gift products in one of their articles - complete with links, ingredients and step-by-step instructions.


 
2.  Holiday Greeting Cards

I like getting cards - digital or paper.  I would say I appreciate the paper more, cause people have taken the time to collect, choose, and write something there.  Again, I appreciate it in any form... thanks everyone.

 

3.  Sew your gifts

If you sew or knit or crochet, why not give us a lovely cellphone pouch or a wallet or a card holder.  Whatever it is, as long as it's from you, would be lovely and much appreciated.

Here is a sample:

and many more...


4.  Gift cards and shopping cards

Companies often give these away for their employees.  You can do that too... You can plan this out months before the holiday.  Perfect gift for any occasion and very economical. :)


5.  Just explore your local market

Haggling is a skill you can acquire.  Your local markets often give you discounts if you just ask.  So prepare your gift budget and stick to it.  If you can't get it to the price you want, walk away... chances are, you'll find another / similar item on a bargain.

Will the Young Generation (Millennials) be a good / great employees?

The young aren't exactly superficial as we thought.  They're not as glued to their gadgets like we think they would always be.  Social media activities are also on decline as they age and as they start to enhance their careers. 

Here's an infographic of what the Millenials think about work and their work ethics:  (Click pic to enlarge)

Sources:  
* http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/239749

At what age should one start a business?

It's too late.  I'm too old for this.  Well, are you?

From Funders and Founders, here's an infographic contradicting all norms.  It's never too late to start... (Click pic to enlarge)

Your passion and experience make up for what you lack in business skills... regardless, you can always learn.



Source:
Entrepreneur.com - http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/238924

Inexpensive Ways to Feel Sexy

All Women have insecurities. It could be being too short, too skinny, too fat, too.... whatever! And for someone who hears this all the time, it's tiring. I am not perfect... way, waaaayyyyyyy imperfect. But when I need a confidence boost, I always do these: 

• Eye contact.   When you talk to a person, maintain eye contact. It's more personal and the longer you stare (not in a creepy way), the more relaxed you become and so as the person you are talking to. 

• No nonsense talk. People want to know you. But that doesn't mean you have to be argue every single thing just to prove your point. What they mean is... you have your own opinion, say or principle on a certain topic that you stick to. It's nice to have contrast. People notice me more when I say something contradicting... not rude though. They find it interesting that I don't exactly share their thoughts. 

• Sit and Stand straight. Trying a different posture helps in boosting confidence, why not give it a try? 

• Wear Heels. Notice that when you wear heels, you walk differently - at least I do. I walk straighter, more feminine, because I don't want to ruin really good shoes.

• Wear Lipstick (Make-up). Not all of us are fond of make-up. Believe me, I don't. But it creates wonders. Lipstick enhances your lips especially if you choose the right shade. Nothing too bold or too flashy. You can also use lip gloss instead of lipstick. You can look into the how-to videos in YouTube to learn how to apply make up properly (that's what I did). 

• Smile.  Smile generally makes you approachable. People are comfortable around you when you smile.  

• Laugh out Loud. i love a good laugh... you know! A very hearty laugh... almost like catching your breath, you want to roll on the floor and just laugh it all out. People are drawn to me when I laugh. They say it's contagious. The joke wasn't even that funny yet, they all laugh because of me... They laugh with me, not at me.

• Accessorize. Add a watch, a bracelet, a pair of earrings, etc. Match them all. One of our church-mates says she likes how I dress up and accessorize. My earrings always match my shirt. :)

• Exercise. Try it... you feel better after just one session. :)  As an update,  I only work out at least 5 minutes a day and not more than 15 minutes.  It works just fine.  I lost 3 kg.  I started in May 2014.

• Think Positive. Your outlook in life radiates through you. You glow. If you are positive, it shows in your face. If you are negative.. well, it reflects too.

Also posted in:
http://panobamagblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/inexpensive-ways-to-feel-sexy/
http://voices.yahoo.com/inexpensive-ways-feel-sexy-12116989.html?cat=69

Turning Down Potential Clients

Having the business at home has its perks. I get to work on my pajamas. I can watch TV while working. During down times, I can multitask. I can even work at nights when I don't feel like working during the days. I love working from home.

Unfortunately, there are times when you miss the camaraderie. Sure, you get to be close with your clients that they eventually become your friends. But it's not the same as the office / company setting. You don't get to have office parties, organized by co-workers.

Another annoying thing with working from home is the disturbance. Since clients know you work at home, they get to call you all the time, even disregarding the time.

I got a call at 10:00 pm on a Sunday, asking about my service. I told the caller, it's Sunday and I don't have office on Sunday. Aside from that, it's late. He got taken aback and backfired, "how can you get a client if you don't entertain them?". I told him, "I'm sorry, but most of my clients know that Sunday is a family day. No business calls then."

But business was more in my mind so I answered his inquiry. I already know he's not going to be a lead since, apparently for him, I rudely answered his question.

Now, I'm not one to turn down potential clients. Of course, I wanted to make a sale. But I guess, one out of 10 is fine. I would rather have clients that clearly knows boundaries, than one annoying clients. I can see we're not going to get along. Demanding every minute of my time for ridiculously outrageous tasks. (that's how I see him).

 

DIY Series: Save Money on Invitations

There comes a time when a woman, regardless of age, is assigned to do the invitation.  No matter how simple and trivial it may seem, we all seemed to panic at the thought.  What do we do?  Who do we ask?  Where should we print?  What paper to use?  What are we going to write?

As much as there are templates of several invitation samples out there, not all were appropriate.  Not all were what you would like it to look.

 

If you are like me, kind of OCD, nothing is ever good enough for me.  And sadly, the more revision I make, the more expensive it becomes.  So unless you are good in graphics designing, there's really not much you can do but go for the cheapest and simplest design.

You can however, look for something alternative.  You can still put your input on it, but still make it look professional... and most of it are free.

Saving Tip #3: Stay out of debt

Although, some millionaires or billionaires have debts, it doesn’t mean all of their assets come from there.  Debts may be necessary some times.  Rich people however, try not to have any.  They don’t like debt and they don't live by it.

When you do get in debt, try to minimize it or get out of debt as soon as possible.  It will be easier for you to budget your income.  You get to spend your money on stuff that are necessary and not think about how you’ll pay it eventually.

So before you swipe your card for that beautiful red dress, ask yourself "do you need it?"  If not, it’s not worth having debt.

Things To Do Instead of Spending Money

Money can't buy happiness... and according to Mind, Body, Green, there are 35 things you can do instead of spending money.  I can't really enumerate them all, as some of it aren't applicable to me.  

So I'll be doing my version of things to do instead of spending money.  Like what the Money Saving Mom did.


Here's mine:

• Walk around.  I like walking inside mall.  Others think its depressing but I am one of those who aren't an impulse buyer.  It's not the same as spontaneous buyer.. hahaha!  If you don't like in the mall, walk in the park or within the suburbs.  Just walk.  It's therapeutic - increases endorphins - and helps you lose weight.
• Chat with friends.  I would prefer face-to-face conversations but if it's not possible, chatting with friends is okay. 
• Drinking coffee.  Three-in-one is fine with me.  It doesn't have to be expensive.
• Movie Marathon / TV Series Marathon.  I am addicted to TV.  I am glued to the couch when watching something I love.  Helps me relax.
• Organize your clutter / drawer / closet.  Clutter can be everything.  I like arranging my accessories.  It's not cluttered but I like to rearrange them.
• Watch harmless pranks in YouTube.  If I feel down and I need an immediate boost, I look for a good laugh.  You can look at the "No laughing Series" or "Gaki No Tsukai" Videos.  It's a Japanese sitcom with a twist.  Participants can't laugh, at anything.  Just hilarious!
• Read a Book.  I get lost in space whenever I read a really really good book, particularly romance.
• Cook.  Not eat.  
• Take a Shower.  Sometimes, having a shower is all it takes to ease your day.  :)
• Get your hands dirty.  You can either plant in your garden or in a pot, make your own jewelry, make your own bracelets, etc.  Just keep your hands moving.
• Listen to music.  Apparently, people are more productive when they listen to music while working.  I guess that's true.  I feel something missing when I don't hear music in the office.

There are more, and I can't write all of them.  These are just some of what I can think of that are free and very easy.  I just hope it helps you relax too and stop thinking about spending.

Share with us your thoughts.




-------

Sources:

• Wise Bread (http://www.wisebread.com/100-small-things-that-can-bring-you-joy)
• Money Saving Mom (http://moneysavingmom.com/2014/05/35-things-instead-spending-money.html
• Mind, Body, Green (http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13538/35-things-to-do-instead-of-spending-money.html)

Learn, Earn and Travel - Australia

Note:  I am not endorsing any companies.  Simply curious about their program and am taking it into consideration for future plans.

I have always wanted to experience traveling.  Am not really that adventurous but it doesn't hurt to try, explore new place, culture, food, and meet new friends.

But when I travel, I need to have a purpose.  I don't just want to explore, I want to learn and gain experience.  I am actually looking for a paid vacation.

One of the things that made me interested is the Work and Study program available in Australia.  Being a Filipino, there are a lot of restrictions for us to travel especially applying for Visa.  But with a guided application, there are minimal or no rejection - when the purpose is to study.  

Save more by doing it yourself - Pencil Case / Make up Kit

Isn't it amazing when you have accomplished something?  What more when you finished a DIY project?

I have always been fond of DIYs.  I may not be able to make all of them, but there are advantages in knowing a bit of everything.

I have been very open about my love for pretty things and all things girly.  (I am a girl).  It isn't a surprise when I say I love pouches.  I don't need to buy them - although, there are low cost - but I would treasure it more, if I make them myself.

As a DIY series, I am going to look for ways and guides on how to make stuff... from the planter, to balloons, to cakes, to etc.  I prefer to use stuff that readily available to us.  It can be a video or a step-by-step guide.

I found a really cool, easy-to-do pencil case.  Perfect for Back-to-School.  So without further ado, I would like to share how to make (DIY) pencil cases and make up kits -  sewing optional.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  It will be perfect gift and personal use, especially for students.

The Science of Laziness

This probably has nothing to do with money (or everything to do with it) I don't really know.  But I read somewhere (forgot where), that when you want something done soon, give the work to the lazy people.

I remembered a post in Facebook, written, Bill Gates giving the work to lazy people, because they think of ways to get the work done soon, and be lazy again. - I'm paraphrasing.

Now, of course, you wouldn't expect such a great outcome, but at least the work is done.  There are obviously a lot of misinterpretations or connotations about laziness. 

I consider myself lazy - don't like working (or at least the idea of it), don't like chores, don't like cleaning, and the list goes on.  But at the end of the day, someone has to do it.

I remembered telling my dad, that I would never let myself be laid off or be out of work, so I can hire someone to get things done.  Of course, that didn't help me at all.

Taking the first step

I admire people who took the leap of faith and are now reaping the benefits.  It doesn't matter if it is as trivial as going to the mall and buying items on sale, or as extreme as resigning from a company to pursue a lifelong dream of going into business.  The theme is the same... taking the leap of faith to uncertainty.

I have taken mostly a step simply because I was scared to fail.  And when I fail, I know I will fall flat on my face.  It is embarrassing, the most humiliating.  And I don't want that for me.

Charlie Day, actor and writer of "It's always sunny in Philadephia", gave one of the funniest yet inspiring speech to graduates of Merrimack College, his alma mater.

He pointed out that we don't need to be fearless, but it shouldn't stop us to becoming great.  We are all destined for greatness (Megamind) and a quote from Bill Cosby, "In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure."

It is scary to go into the great unknown.  But without failure, without risks, what else is there?  Do we really appreciate what we have if it was handed over to us?

It is always hard to take the first step into financial success.  I hate it.  If I can avoid it, I will.  But whenever I am faced with a need, I face a dilemma of finding or looking for other means to provide.  Do we want to live in debt?  Do we like facing our debtors?  Do we like going through friends and family for financial help or do we want to be empowered?

Savings and investing take time.  It's not instant, unlike the 3-in-1 coffee.  But if we keep postponing investing or savings, we will eventually ran of options and start to look for our friends, family, sons and daughters to provide for us.

Determine your goals, what do you want to achieve.  In 20 years time, what do you want to do? 

That should keep you motivated.

Travel tip: What to pack for the weekend

Frequent traveler or not, there are just some stuff we packed that we don't actually use.  And if you're like me, I tend to over-pack. These scenarios are all to familiar for Overseas workers. And if you're unlucky enough to pack too heavy, you get ridiculously charged for overweight baggage.  Mind you, they charge per kilo / per pound, not per bag in excess.

Now, whenever I get invited for an overnight swimming party or out-of-town adventure, I still over-pack.  I have managed however, to keep everything in just one bulky bag.  

According to Travelfashiongirl, here are some packing tips you can use for a weekend getaway. 

Why I blog

I have written several posts about reasons why I blog... and although, it had evolved and varied in reasons, one thing remained constant - to make money.

I would have to say that it is much harder than it seems. It doesn't work overnight, like everyone had pointed out.  And after several blogs, I have managed to stuck with one.  Unfortunately, I don't get paid there.  But I liked that I get to express even the trivial.  I have managed to get several followers who are as crazy as me ... (or at least understands my craziness. LOL).

WHY I BLOG NOW

• I blog because I wanted to learn and share what I learned.
• I wanted to keep talking without being a douche or get judged for getting crazy, because let's face it, they're as crazy as me.  
• And most importantly, I want to earn without the conventional 9-5 job.

The last one would take a while to achieve but at least, I'm getting started.  I have nothing against people who have regular conventional jobs, as a matter of fact, I have one.  But I also know myself.  I know I get bored easily.  Researching, reading and learning new things are some of the ways that spice up my everyday life... aside from TV.

WHY PERSONAL FINANCE OR FINANCE IN GENERAL

I have been fascinated with personal finance.  I am a FINANCE major that didn't even fully understood personal finance or finance for that matter.  I still have a long way to go.  It would be a lot better to have someone learn it with me and exchange ideas, and challenge me.

I find that the only way I can find like minded people is to write it down and get across.  I have friends and families who share the same principle but it's not enough.

So, I am open to several of your comments, suggestions, advice even opinions as to how I can improve my knowledge, understanding and even challenge me to do personal finance everyday.  That's how I come up with saving tips.

I am also wondering why you blog.

Saving Tip#2: Set Goals

Before you save, figure out what you are saving it for.  When you save just for the sake of saving, you get easily disheartened and bored, and eventually stop altogether because you’re not motivated anymore.  No matter how trivial, small, or probably insignificant your goal is, write it down.  Put the amount, much better.  Itemize it or label the jars or envelopes, even accounts, you are saving it for.  It can be as big as retirement fund, college fund, home downpayments, or as small as ice cream for the weekend.  Do it until a habit forms.  Your goal is what will keep motivated.  So if you feel like spending over your budget, think about your goals first.

Saving Tip #1: Don't Ignore the coins

Don't ignore the coins.

Keep them in jars, empty coin purses, or pretty much any container.  Before you know it (or at least within a month), you have few hundreds of pesos which you can use to pay your water bill, gasoline for your motorcycle, even to minimize your electric bills.  It also helps when you have unexpected expenses, like buying LPG, unexpected guest food.  You can also use it for jeepney fare especially in the morning to avoid the rants, as MRT / LRT fare payment – in the exact fare booth or stored value ticket (am I correct? You know what I mean.)