Why You Should Not Be Ashamed To Sell

When I was in the later part of elementary school, our family’s finances went sour. My father’s office furniture trading business was a flop and he was swindled by his business partner. I was very sickly that all their earnings from our restaurant were just being used up for my check ups and medications. My parents were forced to close down the restaurant since they could no longer give time to manage the operations.

A few years later, my father died from kidney cancer. My brother and I had to help my mother sell kakanin (native delicacies) such as pitsi-pitsi, puto-kutsinta, cassava cakes, and others. That meant waking up early in the morning to help prepare the ingredients and cook for at least 2 hours. We would deliver the kakanins to a couple of public schools before we prepare ourselves to go to our school.

There was nothing to be ashamed in selling kakanin. But there would come a time that we felt like giving up. Thankfully, my mother had a strong will and determination to help us finish school. She showed us how to be patient and not to be discouraged to reach for our dreams. Continue reading Why You Should Not Be Ashamed To Sell

5 Money Traps To Avoid by OFWs on Vacation

One of the sleepless but sweetest nights that OFWs experience are those few hours before their vacation in the Philippines.

It’s the packing of Balikbayan boxes, the printing of plane tickets, getting hold of the passport, and the thought of getting to kiss and embrace their loved ones again as soon as they get off the plane and the airport back home that makes the experience very emotional.

But vacations are not all about good times and happy memories. Many OFWs encounter many challenges that affect their financial decisions in the middle of their very short time with family and loved ones.

Here are some money traps to avoid while you are on vacation so you can go back to your work in one piece and your emergency savings still intact. Continue reading 5 Money Traps To Avoid by OFWs on Vacation

Financial Independence: What It Is and How to Get There

Meet Pau. As a 21 year old college student, Pau is feeling confident that he’s well on his way to having a great life ahead. What with more than enough college funds (thanks to his parents for investing on education!) left in the bank to get him through college without any hitch, with fairly decent grades, and with just two more years to get a degree —yes, Pau will definitely have a fighting chance to be successful in life after he graduates, right?

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Well, it’s true that having a college degree these days will give you an edge in the job market; but, to be honest, it’s actually just the first step. To be truly successful in life, you have to be financially independent.

No, we’re not just talking about not having to depend on your parents for monetary support. True financial independence may not mean the same thing for different people as we all have different goals in life. But, in general, it basically means having enough money to be able to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Continue reading Financial Independence: What It Is and How to Get There