These Little Wonders

One of the things I wish I had learned sooner is the art of investing. I call it art because it takes passion and discipline. I started working back in 2009 but it was only in 2011 when I started saving up (thru AXA ) for the future. Back then, I was still living quite comfortably with my parents. I was earning for myself. But that quickly changed when the crises came one after the other. Until we found ourselves almost drowning in debt. It came to a point when I was the only one earning (and since I was still working fulltime for GMC then, I was not really earning a lot) and had to provide for everything. We were such in a terrible financial mess and I had no idea how to get out of it.  What carried us through is faith and solidarity. We never ceased praying, and we never ceased being a family. And we're blessed to be surrounded by generous people as well to whom we owe a lot.  We're making significant progress. And soon enough, we'll also be able to enjoy f...

Happy last Friday of 2017!!! So how prepared are you for 2018??? :D I recently met with a financial adviser who shared with me the basics of financial planning.  I won't discuss everything in detail, because I'm not really in the position to do so, but I'll share what I can. :) First, there's what we call FINANCIAL TRIANGLE:  Then the three major risks in life namely:  1. Dying too soon 2. Living too long 3. Sickness/Disablement  Now the big question is, how prepared are you for these risks?  During the BDJ Launch Weekend, I got to listen to Cheska Sarausad and she shared the following worries that most adults have:  1. Can I take care of my aging parents? 2. Can I send my children to college? 3. When I am unable to work, who will take care of my family's needs? 4. When will I afford to get a house for my family? 5. If I get critically ill, will I be able to pay the bills? 6. Will I be able to afford to trave...

Lately, I've been benefiting big time from loyalty programs. Indeed, brand loyalty has its perks  and more often than not, those perks come in handy  just when you need them most . :)  Today, I needed to call my parents. But since I haven't replenished my load wallet yet, and I no longer have enough load credits, I decided to check out my Sun Rewards points. Lo and behold! I have enough credits to redeem a Php50 load which is already sufficient to register for a Sun promo combo.  And because their website is not that updated, let me share with you the item codes in case you're interested to redeem. Just text REDEEM <keyword> to 9800 .  Last year, I was able to redeem a Jollibee meal because I was notified that my points are about to expire. Sayang naman kung hindi magagamit . :) (Updated as of March 20, 2017) MOBILE REWARDS 1. SUNREWARD10 = P10 Regular Load (10 pts) 2. SUNREWARD2 = P2 Regular Load (2 pts) 3. SUNREWARD5 = P5 Regu...

One famous motto in life is "CARPE DIEM" which is the Latin translation of "seize the day." It is a reminder to embrace the now and truly live in the present. And the "present" begins in the morning. And yes, there's some truth to the saying "win the day by winning the morning." To be honest, I don't consider myself a morning person. Since I had an operation late last year, I really find it a challenge to wake up early in the morning. I literally never want to leave my bed. I could think of so many reasons why I'd rather sleep a little longer. But then I realized, it all boils down to making a decision . Remember, we always have a choice . :) So how does one win the morning? I believe there's no one perfect formula that will work for everyone, but as for me, I have resolved to do the following rituals:  1. Nourish my relationships first. Basically, I am in a relationship with everyone around me, but what I value the ...

One of the things I learned in Splash is BRAND LOYALTY. Of course you have to try it first to believe it . But when you have proven that a brand (or service) works for you, you can stick with it forever (I believe it does exist!).  Over the years, I've come up with my own list of brands and services that work perfectly for me. I am a strict critic and I really go for quality all the time. With a lot of rewards and loyalty programs available, how do you know which ones are worth it?  In my humble opinion, you really have to know "what's in it for you" before choosing to sign up for a loyalty program and availing/purchasing a loyalty/rewards card.  I highly recommend the following:  1. SM Advantage You can use it not only to earn points from Watsons, SM Department Store, and SM Supermarket but also from their wide range of partners . I've been a member since 2010 and I have already paid for a number of items (including a gift for a former bos...

One of the things I'd like to accomplish before I turn 30 is to have a legit personal savings account. For years, it seemed an impossible dream due to the fact that I don't earn that much. The little salary that I get for being an analyst at the GMC is merely enough for my personal needs. It is only by God's grace and providence that I am able to survive, and in some occasions, obtain my "wants." So, opening a savings account was just too difficult for me.  But then again, "all it takes is a decision." :)  This year, I resolved to open an account. No more ifs and buts. I did a little research and discovered the best savings account for starters. Yeah, I'm still learning how to be an adult. I admit I am a late bloomer when it comes to financial literacy. And now that I'm seeing the "fruits" of my little investment with AXA, I could only wish I started sooner.  Anyway, didn't I just say that it's never too late ? :) ...

I went out to buy my remaining medicines and some groceries. When I was about to pay the amount due, the cashier told me that I already earned 93.11 points (equivalent to Php93.11) with my Robinsons Rewards Card . She asked me if I wanted to redeem the points and deduct the equivalent amount from the total amount that I was about to pay. I gladly took the offer since it's almost a hundred bucks less my total bill. Marami pa akong magagawa sa Php93. :) Truly rewarding! :) The Lord really knows what we need when we need it. :) On my way to the Robinsons Supermarket, I was already thinking of using my Laking National points to buy myself "Si" , Bob Ong's newest book which was recommended by a sister in the community. I was not even thinking about Robinsons Rewards, but I believe it was God who moved the cashier to tell me about it. He knew I needed it now more than ever. He's simply amazing. :) And because I was overwhelmed by God's goodness, I have for...

One of the most practical lessons that I learned from Mama is paying our bills on time. She would do whatever it takes just to make sure that all our bills are paid on or before the due date. Now I believe mothers know best. :) Last month, my brother and I were surprised to see the amount printed on our Meralco bill. Who wouldn't be when it says the total current due is zero?! Hard to believe? Here's the proof:  Based on our monthly electricity chart, we have consumed more electricity last month than in January but how come it costed us nothing? Well, along with the bill came a letter from Meralco that explains everything. :)  Here's the love letter:  Dear Valued Customer, In our effort to keep you updated about policies and guidelines relating to your electric service, we would like to inform you of the recently implemented Bill Deposit Update Program .  The bill deposit is an amount required from customers of distribution utilities as a gua...

Avoid doing these things (but if you can't then take extra caution):  Fixing Appliances  Rates of electrocution deaths among men jumped 76 percent between 2008 and 2009--the last year for which data is available, according to a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The most common cause, trying to fix small appliances like toasters or blenders, the data shows. Unplug everything before going to work. Lighting Fireworks  Roughly 9,000 people end up in the ER every year as a result of messing around with fireworks--a number that hasn't changed since 1997, shows another CPSC report. Yeah, fireworks are fun because they're dangerous. But maybe stick to sparklers. Boozing Near a Body of Water  Roughly eight adults die every day by drowning-and 80 percent of those victims are men, according to stats from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 70 percent of those deaths, alcohol is involved, the CDC stats show. ...

Some I already do but I guess doing everything would make a lot of difference. :) It seems simple but it isn't that easy. It really takes a lot of discipline and grace from the Lord. :) How To Save Time In The Morning : It all starts the night before...  1. Write your To-Do list. 2. Pack your bag. 3. Make lunch. 4. Pick your outfit. 5. Sleep on time. In the morning... 1. No snooze! 2. Get in a "go" mood 3. Stretch 4. Think a happy thought 5. Let some sunshine in 6. Drink a glass of cold water 7. Turn on music 8. Ignore the phone 9. No computer (especially email) 10. Same goes for TV 11. Brush your teeth in the shower 12. Soap your hair, face, and body at once so you just need one rinse. 13. Don't waste time after your shower. 14. Set a "to go" alarm to stay on track. Photo Credit: Grit & Glory

As mentioned in the previous posts, I'm declaring 2014 as the YEAR of ABUNDANCE! And even if there is an abundance in problems (not what I really want, but I know they will all come to pass), I'm still determined to journey towards financial abundance. :) Thus, I'm taking the 52 Week Challenge ! I've shared the templates that I made with my teammates in MIST. Our genius programmer, EJ, took the liberty of tweaking them a little and came up with a better - more detailed - tools. Sharing them here and inviting you to journey with us as we head on the road to abundance! :) Note: I'm not (yet) a financial expert. I (and EJ) made these templates for our personal (and team) use. If you think these tools can help you achieve your financial goals, then feel free to download them. :)  1. 52 Week Challenge  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnWUblglOatndDRMM0lNc2RMdmxpSXhrMFBXUnB3T1E&usp=sharing There are three sheets to work on: weekly , p...

After two years, he finally proposed. In a previous interview, he said he dreamed of having a family and kids.  I just don't know how he would be able to do that with a fellow man.  Yes, I'm talking about Lance Bass, member of 'N Sync who sang three of my favorite love songs of all time: This I Promise You, A Little More Time On You, and That's When I'll Stop Loving You.  Actually, this post is not about him. It's just that when I clicked on the "New Post" button in Blogger, I heard over Mellow his recent engagement. It was shocking news for me, thus the title and the intro of this post. (Honestly, I really couldn't think of an appropriate title.) Now on to the real topic.  I went to St. Camillus this morning for my follow-up check-up. Dr. Belinda Fidel told me I wouldn't graduate yet from therapy because nodules are still all over my back. Well, I have scoliosis (S curve), myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), and fibromyalgia,...

*notes from the CO Weekend Talk 6 (Financial Stewardship) by Ate Gigi Alcala We live in a physical world. We are facing worldly lures. The good news is, we can be rich without losing our souls. God wants to protect us from financial bondage .  Financial bondage - being held captive or obsessed not only from the lack of money or overspending but also from an abundance of money or misunderstanding of why God has given us so much Everything belongs to the Lord. We possess, but God owns. God owns, we manage. It is God who enables us to acquire wealth. Why talk about money? God uses money to teach us to TRUST Him and to TEST and DEVELOP our character. Proverbs 3:9. "Honor the Lord with your wealth." Wealth is not exclusively for your benefit. Know how to use your possession to serve God. Malachi 3:10. "I will pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things." Purpose of tithing: Financial support for the church Economic support for the ...

During our household last week, we talked about one essential thing in a man's life: SMILE. :) Sharing with you some of the materials we used and some inspirations as well to get us going. :) Happy (holiday) Friday! TGIF! ♥ Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky You'll get by If you smile through your pain and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining through For you Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near That's the time you must keep on trying Smile, what's the use of crying You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile ************************************************************************ A smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts ...

Who wants to get married? You should have attended last night's " Finding the Love of Your Life " seminar-workshop organized by SFC Central (Makati) & East in cooperation with the Single Young Adults of Sanctuario de San Antonio. (Thanks for the invite, Kuya Nicky, Ate MK, and Kuya Rico. ^_^) It was really a great experience for me and Mae as we were both affirmed of our recent decisions. :) And personally, it has given me a clearer understanding of the what's and the why's I've had before. :) But this isn't going to be about me. Sorry, I'm not gonna tell my story here (though I may inject some comments based on personal experiences. :D). Rather, this post is made for those who want to learn. :) I have always believed that blessings are meant to be shared. I was blessed last night, and it will make no sense unless I share it and let others experience it as well. And so, if you want to learn, be enlightened (I mentioned about this seminar ...