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.)

Kid's Summer Jobs

Summer doesn't necessarily mean fun.  For students, I would think is a very boring time.  Since they don't go to school, it ultimately means "no allowance".  And that also means, more time at home.  

Students (kids) aren't as happy as you expect just because it's summer and schools out.  They may not be enthused about going to school, but they are happy when it comes to allowances.