How Do You Teach Your Kids About Saving Money?

It’s in the culture of Filipino elders to give money to children during Christmas as gift. Children (and parents) then use this money to spend on anything that they want as something new to have for Christmas and the New Year.

But while this tradition should continue, parents and godparents should also teach children to save money that they receive.

It is good to spend, but it’s better for them to learn the value and benefits of saving money. Continue reading How Do You Teach Your Kids About Saving Money?

Why Most Filipino Musicians & Artists Remain Poor

“Most musicians remain poor. But the music that they make, even if it does not bring them millions, gives millions of people happiness.” ― Langston Hughes

Ain’t that sweet to hear? The last sentence from Mr. Hughes, I mean.

People and fans (groupies) adore you when you perform on stage. Or when they hear your song being played on the radio. Or when your painting is being exhibited in the hippest museums in town. Or when you finally got that acting part in the coolest indie movie of the year.

You feel like a temporary god for finally nailing that sweet dream of yours on a canvass of glorious euphoria after famished years of struggle and pay-for-play gigs.

But the first sentence can break a poor artist’s heart. Even the hardest and toughest hardcore metal screamer in the underground scene today will cry like a baby hungry for milk. Continue reading Why Most Filipino Musicians & Artists Remain Poor

Retiring Without Money Seems Fun in the Philippines

It is not uncommon to meet people in the Philippines who shell out more money on unnecessary expenses and things that they don’t own before as they earn more money and become more successful. The same pattern goes to most of our dear OFW’s and their dependents back home.

When the salary increases, the spending increases as well.

I think most Filipinos find this culture fun and fulfilling. Leaving them without anything to save for their emergency fund and retirement. Continue reading Retiring Without Money Seems Fun in the Philippines