How I Escaped From Being Broke to Become an Investor

"I was so broke that countless times I skipped meals and didn't   pay jeepney fares"

My story is not my bragging right to share to others but perhaps it will  inspire those who experienced and still experiencing lack in life.

Few years ago, I can still remember those times that I was enduring a tough life. I was caught off guard! I had a job, I didn't have vices, but I was financially broke. I was so broke that I had to skipped meals and never paid jeepney fares,countless times... I could not imagine the feeling of going to my destination empty-handed. All I  I could do was just make a poker face.  I was always praying that the driver would be too complacent so I can sneak out...If I was caught, my life would be in jeopardy. Many times I had to walk long distance to reach places and had to live with 10 people in one small room...I dreaded those days! Looking back, I promise myself not to go back to that life, AGAIN!That was like a bad dream.


Finally, I found a way out and I was able to escape! Being broke does not just happen overnight! It is a process and for us to escape it is to change our lifestyle and fill in the loopholes. Are you broke? You better read this!

Money Mistake #1: I did not Save Earlier.

Saving is my daily habit but few years ago that was a little alien to me. I hate budgeting before and saving was just an elusive dream. Only moms do that, I am single who cares. But when unexpected expenses and emergency happened, I came to my senses. I suddenly realized the importance of Emergency Fund.  I finally believe what Zig Ziglar said," Money is not everything but it is relatively close to Oxygen". We appreciate something when we needed it the most.

Action Taken:

I went back to basic and practiced saving starting from baby-steps with one thing in mind, " Do not save what is left after spending but spend what is left after saving". I made it my mantra and I made saving as my top priority. I always set aside an amount when I earned something, usually 30%. Being "Kuripot" is not a bad thing as long as you will not deprive yourself with things that are important. 

Income - Savings = Expenses... and this is the right formula

Money Mistake #2: Unnecessary Spending.

I did not take seriously that little but misguided spending could affect my finances.  I wasn't even bothered to think if what I was going to spend is a "need" or only my "want"... A little ticket in the cinema, a little amount for an expensive coffee, and few beers can come up to a big amount. I was a movie person and part of treating myself is to always go to the cinema. I love the sounds, the screen, the place! When I was in the mall, the door of the cinema is always calling me, "Hey Arn, get inside"! Little did I know that it was already part of my destructive spending. Earning money takes 15 days but to spend it  will only take few minutes.

Action Taken: 

I identified "NEEDS' VS. "WANTS' then I categorized them. 'Needs" most of the times are all followed urgently and "Wants" are all validated and given a timeline. When I got into investing, my saving habit orchestrated with it. I have something to look forward to. So the more I saved, the more I have the opportunity to invest. That excites me! I suggest you start investing the time that you start saving because the two goes hand in hand!

Money Mistake #3: I was a One Day-Millionaire.

I had an attitude of a one day millionaire, my mentality before was to treat myself first. For me treating myself means gadgets and gadgets! I sold our property years ago and I bought it some gadgets and computer. After a year, I sold it with a very low price because I had to pay my other debts. It did not happen just once. It became a bad habit. 

Action Taken:

I just realized that treating yourself first and Paying yourself first are two different things. Treating yourself means, buying valuable things to make you happy and look good, or going to a vacation. Paying yourself first,on the other hand,is, setting aside a small amount, to save for the future.

Money Mistake #4: I couldn't refuse Borrowers

That was my struggle, I did not know how to refuse especially if that is my relative or a friend even though many times I knew for a fact that the money is intended for a week-budget. I just realized now that it was already a form of pride! Pride because I wanted others to know that I have more than enough. 

Action Taken:

I decided to refuse borrowers especially if I am on a tight budget and at the same time I also made a commitment not to borrow if not necessary. Now, I am setting aside some an extra amount for things like this for somebody who will borrow. It is nice to help someone without thinking of when she will return it because those are only extra money. 

Money Mistake#5: Poverty-Mindset.

I grew up in a working-class family. I grew up in a poor neighborhood. I was having hard time managing money. I did not think much of saving and investing. So when I earned something, I spend it to the last centavos. I wasn't brought up in a financially-oriented family so I had already a negative impression on money. All I know is that money is earned today and I will spend it tomorrow.

Action Taken:


I sought mentors and engaged myself with fellow investors. I found out through personal finance seminars that poverty starts from the mindset, so me being broke was just a limitation I put to myself. So things had change since then. My entire persona was transformed. I always believe that being in a very supportive support group helped me changed my perception from the inside out. I engaged myself both Financial and Spiritual initiatives nowadays. My Victory Christian Fellowship ( VCF ) family are always there to guide me and opened doors for me to have a harmonious growth in all aspect.



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Practical Tipid Tips for Every Pinoy

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Saving is fun once you fully understand its purpose. For me, being a "Kuripot" is some sort of a compliment because I know that I'm not depriving myself and I'm doing it for myself and for my future. Here are some practical saving tips that you can also apply for yourself and your family. Some of them are old school but still effective...

Heto ang mga ginagawa ko ngayon. Lifestyle kasi yan at mindset:

1. Baunin ang tissue ng KFC dahil mas mahal ang Kleenex. Mainam ding pang-wipe ng printer ink na natapon ‘pag nag-refill.

2. Humingi ng madaming catsup ng McDo kahit walang french fries. Masarap ketchup nila. Or magpatakeout kasi parang 2 yrs na ata akong ‘di nagMcDo. Sa trabaho ko, libre merienda.

3. Mangolekta ng flyers para gawing scratch papers ang likod. ‘Yung glossy ay gawing bookmarkers at pangscrap book at pamaypay ng anak ko. At pera-perahan niya (playmoney). Pwede ring pambalot ng regalo. Promote environmentalism!!!

4. Tumawag muna sa lahat ng department store/hardware store/appliance store para magcanvass ng presyo ng mga gamit bago pumunta doon. Tipid sa pamasahe at sa oras. Magpareserve sa pinakamura.

5. Umupa/Kumuha ng bahay malapit sa palengke, simbahan, ospital, bangko, mall, munisipyo.

a.Mura ang tahong, dilis,isda,tuyo,gulay,bigas sa palengke.

b.Walking distance lahat sa akin pati simbahan at ospital.

c. ‘Pag katabi mo ang mall, di ka na maaaddict magmall. As in magkukulong ka na lng siguro tulad ko. Araw-araw mo ba namang madaanan. Nakakasuya ding lagi mong nakikita sila.

d. Tapos ang business permit in 1 day mga January 2 or 3 dapat para walang pila at wala pang extra requirements na maiisip lang nila along the way.. Pero binabayaran ko ‘pag malapit na ang deadline. Wag deadline, sayang oras. Although mas magaling asawa ko. Nagpapareassess hangang more than 50% less na ang babayaran niya.

6.Kontakin lahat ng bangko at itanong ang pinaka magandang time depost rates nila. Isearch sa net pati sa directory.

7.Magcanvass ng mga schools para sa anak ko.

8. Manood ng cooking shows para magkaidea kung paano magluto ng masarap kahit hindi kumain sa labas. Although ‘di ako mahilig magluto. Nagkaka-idea lang ako kung paano papasarapin ang mga normal na pagkain.

9.Magtiramisu kapag mura ang mangga at avocado.

10. Mag icecream pag buy one take one na.

11. Mag-ham after ng Pasko at Bagong Taon. May buy one take one.

12.Huwag bumili ng tuyo kapag malapit na ang Mahal na Araw.

13.Makipagmeet sa National Bookstore kung may ka-meeting at magbasa-basa muna ng mga business books o self-help books.

14.Huwag mimintis sa BIR mahal ang penalty.

15. Hanapin ang balita sa net. Mahal ang dyaryo.

16. Maglakad ng isang kanto para ang 7 pesos na pamasahe sa tricycle ay 6pesos na lang.

17. Turuan ang anak mula 1 yr old pa lang na masama ang hotdog, junkfood at mavetsin sa kanya. So no choice na magtuturo ng kung anu-ano sa supermarket. Chocolates at ice cream lang pwede..hehehe. Na gusto ko rin.

18. I-advance payment ang mga bayad sa iyo kung may negosyo ka na applicable ito. May iba pa ring hindi gagawa nito.

19. Turuang maghugas ng kamay nang tama ang anak. Mahal ang ospital.

20. Maglagay sa mutual fund kapag biglang magkapera na hindi inaasahan at extra money mo lang ito kung iisipin.

21. Huminga ng malalim kapag natetempt bumili ng kung anu-anong bagong damit, gadget, etc.

22. Turuang mag-CR ang anak bago matulog. Mahal ang pampers at magpalaba ng comforter. Mahal din ang bagong kutson.

23. Sumali ng paluwagan at dapat sa unahan para matime deposit ang pera. Yung interes ay part ng panghulog mo.

24.Magkachecking account na may 3.5% interes at gawin mo na lang na savings account. Wala pang problemang pondohan ng pondohan. Sayang pamasahe.

25.Mag-white shirt. ‘Di halata pag nauulit. Kaysa bumili ng de color na grabeng eye-catching ang design. If ever, de color simple lang dapat.

26.Huwag/iwasang mag-smoke o uminom ng alak. Mahal ang yosi at alak. Mahal din ang gamot at oxygen tank.

27.I-check kung namemaintain ang mga deposits sa bangko. Mahal ang penalty. 150 yung sa akin.

28.Maging maingat sa gamit. Mahal ang bags.

29.Labhan ng maayos ang damit. Isampay kaagad. Hindi na kailangang plantsahin. Promise. 5 yrs na akong di nagpaplantsa. Bumili rin ng damit na hindi lukutin.

31.Umattend ng mga free seminars. Lapitan ang guest speaker at magtanong nang magtanong. May mga mababait naman at willing talagang magshare ng ideas nila.

32. Wag tumaya ng lotto. Ang liit-liit ng chance.

33. Maging magalang sa lahat ng tao.

a.Makakadiscount ka sa palengke. May dagdag pa sa suki.

b.Mapapadali ang pag-aayos ng mga dokumento kahit sa BIR or munisipyo pa…magsungit ka…

masusungitan ka rin. Umayos ka at matatatakan ang dokumento mo ng hindi oras…hehe.

c. Sa bangko, mabibigyan ka ng reconsideration sa mga rates.

d. Sa grocery, tutulungan kang magbuhat ng pinamili mo.

e. Sa tagaputol ng linya ng tubig (na di mo napansin na deadline na pala, dahil nagbakasyun ka at ‘di nakapagonline banking), hihintayin kang magbayad at babalikan ka na lang to get the OR number.

34.Makipagkaibigan. Marami silang magandang advice.

35.Magbasa ng PMT.Marami kang mapupulot.

36. Magdasal at magpasalamat lagi sa Diyos.

  credit: moneylifeblood.net

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A Former OFW to a Multi-Millionaire

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Do you want a piece of inspiration? We have heard stories both good and bad about our OFW kababayans. One thing for sure and still undebatable,  they've done something to our nation that we have to be proud of forever. Kudos to our kababayans! They deserve a very bright future after their long toil away from home!

 However, handling money for most of OFWs have been a challenge. I knew many friends who went abroad and end up broke. That was the sad part, but few have stood up and made a difference. Thinking long-term pays off! Here's the story of Mr. Lambert Aquino, a former OFW. He posted it in Traders Empire, An Fb Group for investors and traders.

 "Share ko lang yung story ko baka sakaling maka inspire sa iba lalo na sa mga OFW na nagpapakahirap sa ibang bansa para sa family. High Shool graduate lang ako kaya at the age of 20 nakipagsapalaran na ako sa ibang bansa para kumita ng pera at para makatulong sa magulang. I worked in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for 30 years as a baker, mahirap talaga kumita ng pera kaya naging matipid ako at nag ipon ng nag ipon.

 (I just want to share my story perhaps it will inspire others especially OFW's who are working so hard abroad for their family. I am only a high school graduate, at the age of 20 I went abroad to earn and to help my parents. I worked in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as a baker for 30 years. It was hard to earn so I saved regularly) 

 Last 2005 tumigil na ako dito sa atin sa Pinas, nakapundar ako ng bahay para sa magulang ko at sarili kong bahay para sa family ko. Sa 30 years ko sa Saudi, 2 Million pesos ang naipon ko at naisip ko dapat may pagkakitaan ako para di to maubos basta basta na lang. Nagtayo ako ng maliit na bakery dito sa amin parang Kambal Pandesal or Julie's Bakeshop ang dating, almost 500K ang naubos ko. Bale 1.5 pa natira sa savings ko, naisip ko na dapat may retirement funds ako para di ko na poproblemahin ang monthly na gastusin pag senior citizen na ako. 

 (Last 2005 I retired as an OFW and stay here for good. I was able to build a house for my parents and for my own family. Within 30 years in Saudi, I was able to save 2 Million pesos and I was thinking of something which I can earn or else I would just be spending my hard-earned money. I established a small bakery in our place (similar to Kambal Pandesal or Julie's Bakeshop).I spent 500 K, so all in all, I have a remaining 1.5 Million pesos savings. I was thinking that I have to have a retirement funds so that I have something to spend for my maintenance when I become a senior citizen.)

 Nag research ako sa internet regarding investment, ayun si COL Financial ang nakita ko, medyo nag aalangan ako kasi alam ko mga mayayaman lang mga nag iinvest or yung may mga magandang natapos na kurso. Umattend ako ng free seminar nila, bago ako pumunta nilista ko lahat ng gusto kong malaman. During seminar, nagtanong talaga ako ng nagtanong dun sa speaker, halatang wala akong alam. Haha! After ng seminar, ayun naliwanagan ako. Hindi scam/pyramiding ang Stock Market, nalaman ko rin na pwede akong mag invest dun sa mga kilalang companies. 

 (I did the research about investments and COL Financial popped up, I was hesitant at first because I'm aware that only rich people and professionals are investing in the Stock Market. I attended their free seminar. Before I went there, I listed down all that I want to know. During the seminar, I asked all of the possible questions. It was very obvious that I did not know anything; but after the seminar I got it already. Stock Market is not a scam or pyramiding, I also learned that I can invest in big and popular companies) 

To Learn more about Stock Market, You can read it here Getting Started in the Stock Market

 A month after nung seminar, nag open ako ng account sa COL, I decided na yung 500K iinvest ko then yung natirang 1 Million is saving/emergency fund. Isa sa natutunan ko during the seminar, dapat bilhin mong stocks eh yung company na kayang tumagal ng more than 50 years at talagang tinatangkilik ng mga tao ang products nila tulad ng bakery, umulan umaraw bibili sayo ang mga tao basta masarap lang ang tinapay mo. 

 (After a month, I opened an account with COL Financial. I decided to invest 500 K and then 1 Million pesos as my emergency fund. One thing I learned during the seminar, I need to buy stocks of the companies that can last for more than 50 years and people should enjoy their products continuously like bakery. Anytime people are buying as long as your bread is delicious.)

 Ayun, hinati ko sa dalawang stocks yung 500K. Bata pa lang ako madalas ko na makita sa advestisement at TV commercials yan sila at madalas din kasi bilhin ng mga tao ang products nila. in short in demand sa kahit anong edad/estado sa buhay-mayaman ka man o normal na tao. 

 (I divided the 500 K fund on two stocks(Jollibee and Universal Robina Corp.I already saw them on advertisement and on TV commercial since I was young and their products have been household names. Their products are very in demand, to any ages/ and status) 

 Last September 10,2016 was my 60th birthday and this year din ang 10th anniversary ko sa stock market, 10 years ko ng hawak yan sila at subrang happy ako that I made the right decision10 yeas ago. Plano ko na ipa transfer sa anak ko yung account dahil ayokong bitawan sila dahil naniniwala ako after 50 years bahagi pa din sila ng pamilyang Pilipino." 

 (On September 10,2016 was my 60th birthday and also my 10 anniversary in the Stock Market. I keep my stocks for 10 years and I'm so happy that I made the right decision 10 years ago. I'm planning to transfer my account to my child since I dont want to sell my shares because I believe that after 50 years, these companies will still be part of Filipino family)

(PS: Dummy account gamit ko for safety reason, pero yung real account ko ay member din                 dito.) 

 There's only 1% of Filipino population who are investing in the Stock Market today and sadly they missed a very good opportunity. My challenge to the OFWs is to take advantage on this and put you're hard-earned money that can grow exponentially and can last long.

 I'm an avid fan of delayed gratification and it also shows up on my investment plan. My goal is to retire after 20-30 years and most of my stocks are for long-term. I have few for short-term but I made sure that when I gain a profit, I reinvested it for my long-term stocks...Just like Mr. Lambert Aquino, always think of something long term,What would be my life after 10 years-20 years from now? In my previous blog, you can also read my story on How I made my First Million in the Stock Market.

 What you will do today will impact your life in the future...

 If you're inspired of his story, here are the data that you can also see ( I have these stocks in my bucket):

 credit to the owner

 UNIVERSAL ROBINA CORP. (URC ) a Blue-chip stock and considered as one of the top companies in the country and have long been proven as a very stable organization for decades of its leadership in business.

credit to the owner

 JOLLIBEE FOOD CORP. (JFC) another Blue chip stock which has become part of the Filipino consumers. It is a growing company and now extending outside the country.


Related Articles:
How I Made My First Million in the Stock Market

Best Books for Investor-Wannabes

Stock Market Ka Ba? Kasi ang hirap mong Intindihin! Ganern

Start Now Not Later! Here are the Reasons Why...

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Anu Nga Ba Ang Mutual Funds?

Your Guide to Smart Investing in Philippine Mutual Funds

Halos araw-araw, may mga nagtatanong sakin ng “Aya, wala kasi akong oras para aralin ang stock market at bantayan ito, ano pa ba ang options ko?” o kaya naman, “Aya pwede bang ikaw nalang mag-manage ng pera ko?”

I always answer them, if you do not have the time, patience, and expertise to monitor the stock market, you have an option to invest in a mutual fund.

Mutual Funds

What is it?

Ang mutual fund ay ang pinagsasamang pera ng iba’t ibang investors at ito ay pinangangalagaan ng isang fund manager. The fund manager will then invest the money in different instruments like stocks, bonds, or both, that can potentially make the money grow long-term.

A Jeepney Ride to Mutual Funds 101

If you are an avid reader of our blog, you are already used to the concept that investing is a journey. In order to get to your destination of financial freedom, you can ride different vehicles to get there.

When you invest in the stock market yourself, para kang nag-mamaneho ng sarili mong kotse. Whether to turn left, right, slow down, or go faster – diskarte mo na yan! Ang importante lang, you SHOULD know how the stock market works and the risks involved, the same way you should know how to drive a car safely.

But if you don’t know how to drive, pwede kang mag-jeep! At sa pagsakay mo sa jeep, kasama mo sa byahe ang iba’t ibang pasahero na kapareho ng ruta ng pupuntahan mo. Para din sa mutual funds where the passengers are investors like you and the jeepney driver is the fund manager.

You trust that the driver will get you to your desired destination safely, the same way you will entrust the fund manager your money, keep it safe, and make it grow. And the same way you pay the jeepney driver, investing in mutual funds has fees too.

The Different Routes

Jeepneys have different routes which tells us where they will go, pick-up, and drop-off passengers. Depending on their specified route, they cannot go anywhere when they feel like it.

Mutual Funds have “routes” too! As I have mentioned earlier, the fund manager can only invest in an instrument depending on how the fund was set-up. To understand this better, here are the different types of mutual fund:

1. Money Market Fund

Kung sandali lang ang gusto mong byahe, at kakailanganin mo yung pera ng madalian, you can get a money market fund where the money is invested in short-term debt securities (bonds). It’s less risky than other funds, but it also has low returns.

2. Bond Fund

Kung kakayanin mo naman ang byahe na medyo matagal ng kaunti, meaning you’re somewhat in between short-term and long-term investing, you can consider investing in a bond fund.

Simply put, ipapautang ang pera sa gobyerno o sa mga company sa Pilipinas kung saan tutubo ito ng interest. It has lesser risk than other funds, at mas malaki ng kaunti ang returns compared sa money market funds.

3. Balanced Fund

Isa pang bagay na mutual fund para sa medium-term investor ay ang balanced fund.

The money is invested in bonds and also in the stock market. If you’re willing to take a risk, but not too much, and you want higher earning potential than a bond fund, this is an option for you.

4. Equity Fund

Lastly, kung kaya mo naman ang malayuan na byahe na tatagal ng 5 years or more, at naiintindihan mo ang mga risk sa stock market at willing ka naman tanggapin ito para sa posibilidad na mas malaking kita ng pera mo, equity fund ang bagay sayo.

There are more types of funds depending on the company offering them.What’s important is that you know: 

Where does the money go? 

How long can you wait? and

How much risk can you take?

How You Make Money

You earn in mutual funds through price appreciation. When you invest in a mutual fund, you are buying shares of that particular fund based on its NAVPS or net asset value per share. Tumataas o bumababa ang NAVPS depende kung lumalago o hindi ang pera kung saan nag-invest ang fund manager.

If the NAVPS of the mutual fund where you invested appreciates, you can sell your shares for a profit. Likewise, if the NAVPS depreciates, you may incur a loss if you sell.

What is the best?

There are a lot of companies in the Philippines that offer different types of mutual funds. I hope by now, the very first thing you ask whenever you are looking at any investment is whether it beats inflation or not. (Read: Every Filipino’s Guide to Inflation)

To know the daily performance of legitimate mutual fund companies in the Philippines, go to the official website of the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) at www.pifa.com.ph

Is it for you?

So if you want to be diversified, invest a small amount, and have someone who will do the thinking and monitoring of your investments – mutual funds MAY be the most suitable investment for you!

Do you want to learn how to become a smart-saver? 

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Aya Laraya is an investment advocate,has 25 years of experience in the different financial industry in the country. From stocks, insurance, mutual funds, and real estate.; he provides Filipinos with practical advice in determining the most suitable investments for their particular needs. He started investing while he was still in high school.

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Yuppie- Gets (Yes, My Yuppie Regrets)

Spending is something we like to do because we want to treat ourselves with things that can make us happy. There's nothing wrong with that, but most of the time we are blindly led to the destructive habit of overspending and later we realize we made a big mistake.

This year will mark my eight years in the work force (yes, eight years, where has all the time gone?). Graduating and working at 20 has allowed me to experience the joys, pains, and yes, regrets in how I handled my money. I recall starting off with a measly salary barely enough for my gas, food, and other things I wanted to buy. As any fresh graduate would understand, the first few years you are paid in experience and for a time that was okay. Thankfully, I lived with my parents and got to keep most of my money to myself. Unfortunately, this wasn’t such a good idea since I spent it on nonsense things and I ended up with no discipline with regards to my finances.

Fortunately, my dad put a stop to it by giving me responsibilities at home and by God’s grace, at 27, I am slowly learning to save and invest wisely. Now, we look back on the purchases I wish I didn’t spend so much money on.

1) Branded Bags.

Hermes Bag

My parents constantly reminded me that branded bags are not an investment. And while they encouraged me to invest on a few classic pieces, they also told me to do so when I had extra. However, my persistent 22-year-old mind insisted on buying bags first before anything else (like savings) on installment. This was insane on my part because it simply meant that a) I didn’t have the money to pay for it and b) I would still be paying for it even though I no longer liked it. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t buy branded bags but it would be wise to buy it when you can fully afford it and by that time, you can also choose the ones you really like instead of settling for something that’s cheap. Believe me, like in life and love, patience is also a virtue when it comes to buying stuff we really want.

2) Clothes on Installment.

Expensive Clothes

I previously shared that I had my first credit card when I was 23 and I immediately activated it because my favorite clothing store offered a six months, zero interest deal for a minimum of P5,000. Thinking that the clothes in my closet were not enough, I went crazy in the store and continued paying for those clothes even though they were already faded, ripped apart, or no longer fit. The lesson learned here is to only but what I currently had the money to pay for, that way I don’t feel guilty wearing clothes that I didn’t fully pay for yet or feel bad when they no longer fit or no longer in style. (Another tip: buy classic go to pieces!).

3) Weekly Gimmicks.

Republiq party

I’m not saying this to be a Tita or a KJ Lola but one of the biggest money waster for me was all the weekends out with my friends. To be clear, I have never been the party animal so what I spent on these night outs were probably mediocre compared to what other people my age have spent. Some of my former friends and I used to go around our village in the South for food, a few drinks, dessert, and coffee. I didn’t realize how much money I was spending to hang out with friends (because let’s admit it, we’re never paying just for our own food, we’re splitting the bill, period). And while being with friends is always a good thing, it’s wise to not keep up with joneses and pretend we have a thousand bucks or more to burn every night in a new restaurant. Always find the perfect balance so you don’t eat like a peasant during the day in order to party like a king at night.

4) Cheap Clothes.

Cheap Clothes

I always thought I couldn’t afford store clothes so I always relegated myself to buying in tiangges and while some tiangges produce really good clothes (I just probably never had the knack for it), I realized that I was spending more because these clothes did not last and faded quickly so I needed to replace them monthly. I recall my dad saying that it was okay to buy a few items of clothing that lasted for years instead of buying them by the bulk but wasting them away because they were not of good quality.

5) Excessive Food.

Expensive restaurants

I used to be an emotional eater so I spent a good part of my brokenhearted years spending way too much on excessive food. I recall constantly using my credit card to buy junk food for my brother and I to enjoy even though my mom prepared perfectly good and healthy food at home. Soon, the credit card bill piled up (how embarrassing that it all went to food and the grocery!) and I realized that the added weight plus the interest that went to food was just not worth it. It has gotten so bad that food became excessive and a vice more than a source of enjoyment.

Runner Up: Excessive Phone Lines

I used to have a problem with impatience (hehe, obviously) and I immediately wanted to get the brand new phone I’ve always wanted. Because of this, I would constantly pester my dad to get me a new line. This is bad news kids because at the end of the day, without realizing it, you already have three lines under your name, all of which you have to pay for. So again, be patient, as long as your phone is still working enough to text, call, browse, and take a selfie, you’re okay.

To end, spending really isn’t bad but it’s important to always be responsible. There is so much freedom in having a little money saved up every month and to not have your back against the wall. By not spending on stuff that you don’t need, you also have more room to be generous and help others who are in need. For me, sharing with others have been more meaningful than any food, branded bags, or clothing.

It is truly by God’s grace and wisdom that I can now enjoy that freedom and no longer have any Yuppie-Gets.

credit:  www.marvingermo.com

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Carla Bianca V. Ravanes is a graduate of International Marketing Major in Advertising from the American City University and is currently a lifestyle columnist for The Manila Times and a Publicist for Perk Communications. It’s her goal to make finances topics relatable to the ordinary yuppie.

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