Money Talk

According to survey, only 1 out of 5 people has the habit of saving money. I’m beginning to believe that because most of the people of my age that I talk with don’t really prioritize saving money. I love The Suze Orman show at BBC cause it’s all about managing your personal finances. I can’t help but nod everytime she gives sensible advices.

One question that she blurted out on one caller was ..

“The question is NOT Can you afford to buy the things that you want? BUT rather CAN YOU AFFORD YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU CAN NO LONGER WORK?”
I’ve enlisted 5 simple ways that we may consider doing while we still have the capacity to work

and on how to overcome personal financial turmoil.

Piggy Banking

I have the habit of depositing spare coins at the end of the day. It gives me the feeling of excitement when my piggy bank starts to be heavy and of course what excites me the most is the time that my piggy can no longer eat the coins that I feed him. Then I deposit the coins to my mother bank.

Save a certain percentage from your pay

It’s not how much you make but it’s how much you keep. During payday, always make sure you have your bankbook with you so you can go straight to the bank to deposit a certain percentage of your pay.

Budget – Budget

Being frugal is alright. Always take note your usual expenses (fares, bills, food, etc.) so you can keep a certain budget that will run for 2 weeks or a month till you receive your next salary.

Leave your Credit Card at Home
If you are an impulsive buyer and can’t help but swipe your precious credit cards every time you go to the mall, then leave your credit card at home! Maintaining 1 credit card is manageable and don’t ask the bank to set your credit limit higher.

Be Wise During Shopping

Don’t invest on things that depreciate like very expensive clothes but instead invest in real assets. Shopping is fun but we should do it in a moderate way. Your clothes won’t make you rich!

There you have it. Gradually saving for your future will definitely give you a peace of mind knowing that you’re doing something good with your hard earned money.

My First Ever Domestic Flight -- Trip to Leyte and Samar

Last Dec1-6,2008 -- Me and Marilou were sent by our manager to Leyte and Western Samar for a field visit. It was a fun and memorable experience and I learned a lot from our trip. I so love my new job cause it allows me to go different places and countries where we’re able to learn a lot from.

Going to Leyte is an hour flight from Manila. We checked in at Hotel Alejandro which I heard is one of the best hotels in Tacloban, Leyte. We enjoyed the food in Leyte. I love seafood and so most of my orders were seafood and I was surprised that prices of prawns, squid, fat crabs are very cheap as compared to the prices here in Manila.

It was also my first time to pass by San Juanico Bridge of course we stopped by the bridge and had some shots taken.. Funny thing was that behind our picture says “no stopping anytime” hahaha! We didn’t notice the signage..

We went to Catbalogan, Samar to visit the Plan Phils. Program unit office, after a few meetings with them, they took us to Daram Island. We went there by pump boat and I enjoyed the 1 hour ride..

When we reached the place, my heart almost melted cause they had a placard that says “Welcome Visitors”. The residents of the island heard that the people from Plan Regional Office will be coming to visit (which was Me and Marilou) so they prepared very well. We went to the school which was at the top of the mountain. When we reached the small gate of the school.. there’s a signage again that says “Welcome Visitors” awwww…… They really gave us a warm welcome.. People in the province live a very simple life.

During lunch, the residents of Daram Island prepared lots of food for us. We were so touched by their thoughtfulness and hospitality. While on the plane on the way back to Manila, I realized again how very lucky I am to have been born with everything that I need in life and that I should be contented and be happy for what I have (of course, I always do).

Miracles Do Happen

Today is November 10, 2008, I am celebrating my birthday. No big party, No extravagant things (except for the very nice digicam that my honey dear gave me as a birthday gift =) ), No delicious food for my birthday but I am still very happy and I couldn’t ask for more.

God is so good. He always answers my prayers. I don’t want to sound very religious but I can really feel that He hears all my prayers. He gave me my birthday wish which is to have a new and great job before my birthday comes. Last November 4, 2008, I already started at Plan International =)

When I resigned at Citi last September 5, I haven’t found a new job yet but I didn’t fear at all cause I know God will provide something for me which will be far better than what I had at Citi.

I thought there’ll be no other company that can match what I had from Citi knowing the current global financial turmoil. But still, I prayed and kept my faith. After a month, a new organization hired me which blew me off my feet and nearly fell from my chair when I heard what that they are offering me. This is far far far better or yet the best than that of Citi. I didn’t think twice anymore and immediately accepted the offer for I know that it is God who is offering me the new job and He is just using the organization as an instrument.

When I didn’t get the job at Credit Suisse Singapore – I kept my faith because I know that God has other plans for me.

Then I resigned at Citi without a new job to turn to – I still kept my faith and waited for His other plans for me.

Now I know why I wasn’t able to get the Singapore job and left my job as well at Citi. Because He will give me a much much better work deal… way better than what I seek at Singapore and at Citi.

”So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - - Luke 11: 9-10

Singapore…. Singapore..

Almost everyone in the office wants to work in Singapore. Ika nga, the grass is always greener on the other side, Out of curiosity, I also tried sending out my resume at monster.com.. and alas! After a week, I got a call from Credit Suisse Bank in Singapore for the business analyst position.. oo nga naman…. Mab-blame mo nga naman ba ang mga tao if they want to work there? The package is really good.. A very competitive salary was laid down on me with matching relocation expenses and all…………. Saliva dripping down scene talaga hehehehe..

Passed the initial interview, passed the 2nd interview (I actually flew in Singapore), Final interview with the VP of Credit Suisse…. Didn’t make it.. he said, I got the experience and he thinks I am well equipped but I was not as open as he would want for the position.. ( I got really nervous kasi..) hmmp! It’s ok.. at least I tried and gained experience.. ganun pala un? Hehehe..

Ok lang.. I know something big will come along… who knows? =)