Category: Life Lessons

Financial Blunders OFWs Should Avoid This Christmas Season

It’s that time of the year again when Christmas carols are played continuously in malls, and you’re starting to feel that itch for shopping while waiting to come home from abroad. Many OFWs take a break from their grueling jobs overseas to spend the holidays with their family and friends in the Philippines. When this happens, it also means that they will be spending money – and huge amounts, most likely.

OFWs love to enjoy their short vacation, so they spend a good chunk of their money on parties, dining out and shopping with and for family members. It’s a lot easier for them to spend what they’ve earned abroad since they get more out of the exchange rate, and the prices here are mostly cheaper. Continue reading Financial Blunders OFWs Should Avoid This Christmas Season

Why Financial Knowledge is not Enough To Get You Out of Poverty

Many Filipinos have been desperately calling the government to help low-income people work their way out of poverty by stamping out corruption, lowering the prices of basic commodities, increasing the salaries, reducing taxes, beating inflation, and teaching financial literacy.

But helping people get out of poverty does not only involve money. The effort requires addressing far more deeper factors that are keeping many people stuck in financial struggles. Continue reading Why Financial Knowledge is not Enough To Get You Out of Poverty

5 Types of People You Should Make Friends with If You’re a New OFW

I was an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) in the Middle East for almost a quarter of my life. Just like the many Filipinos in Hongkong, Singapore, Italy, or in the US whether it’s the West or East Coast, it wouldn’t be really hard to find a fellow kababayan to get along with in the Middle East.

Just look around your local community and you’ll surely find Pinoys in the supermarket, in malls, restaurants, car repair shops, tailor shops, basketball courts, sports centers, gyms, and in churches. And when you do, never hesitate to greet them and know their names. You’ll surely see them around again soon.

But while it’s good to have many acquaintances around, it’s also very important that you build friendships with the few trustworthy ones only and those who will be there for you when you need a helping hand. Here are 5 types of people you should build friendships with if you are a new OFW. Continue reading 5 Types of People You Should Make Friends with If You’re a New OFW