52 Week Money Challenge

I loved the idea of the 52 week saving challenge when I first read about it over at Pinas for Good. I liked the concept of saving small amounts each week and then using the amount collected at the end of 52 weeks to buy something for yourself. The deal is to spend your stash at something undeniably non-essential and irresponsible, as your reward for being good and practical the whole year long (or at least that's the rule I'm following for myself).

It took me a week or two to kickstart my 52 week challenge because I was looking for the right motivation. And I have finally found my motivation in a personalized necklace from Three Sisters Jewelry.

52 Week Money Challenge

I loved the idea of the 52 week saving challenge when I first read about it over at Pinas for Good. I liked the concept of saving small amounts each week and then using the amount collected at the end of 52 weeks to buy something for yourself. The deal is to spend your stash at something undeniably non-essential and irresponsible, as your reward for being good and practical the whole year long (or at least that's the rule I'm following for myself).

It took me a week or two to kickstart my 52 week challenge because I was looking for the right motivation. And I have finally found my motivation in a personalized necklace from Three Sisters Jewelry.

Relief

My three month old son can now lift his head a little longer everyday and I joyfully lap up his every coo, marveling at how such a little person can bring so much happiness by just being, so watching the news these past two days has been nothing short of heartbreaking.

It seems as if we've had nothing but tragedy visit our country since the weekend rolled in, what with Typhoon Maring and the collision of two boats in Cebu. While being in the Philippines means weathering countless typhoons and, sadly, maritime disasters, this is the first time that I'm experiencing these as a parent. And as I watch mothers and fathers searching desperately for their children in their submerged houses or claiming a small wrapped body from a row of body bags, I hug my Ace a little tighter and say a prayer for those who can no longer do the same with their child.

But feeling lucky is not enough. This is the time to lend a hand and bring out your wallet to help those who were not as fortunate.

Give. Help. Act.

The Typhoon Maring victims need our help now. Please click on the link above the photo for the different ways on how you can send your donations to those who need it. Or in case you missed the link, here it is again.

Stay safe everyone! The rain hasn't let up, so if you don't really need to be at work, best to stay indoors.

* P.S. The Marshmallow Baby Online Store giveaway is still ongoing! Be sure to send in your entry to get a chance to win a Php1,000 GC.

Relief

My three month old son can now lift his head a little longer everyday and I joyfully lap up his every coo, marveling at how such a little person can bring so much happiness by just being, so watching the news these past two days has been nothing short of heartbreaking.

Goal Keeping

I'm not sure if anybody noticed but I decided to do away with publishing our monthly household budget altogether. First, it was getting to be too tedious to come up with a chart and second, the months of keeping tabs has revealed that our restaurant expenses is what sorely needs improvement, while all the other categories are fairly predictable. Besides, there was really no ultimate goal like paying off debts that kept me motivated enough to continue the monthly budget (what a problem to have no?).

What I do want to add to the site though is a counter of some kind to track our progress with building up our emergency and house equity funds. Maybe I'll get those thermometer looking counters? What exactly are those called anyway?

So far I have squirreled away 68.5% of our target amount for our emergency fund, while the house equity fund is still at a paltry 6%. We want to move to a bigger place in 2-3 years time so I guess there goes my Italian honeymoon fantasy for our fifth wedding anniversary? Oh well, moving into a new house is also a great anniversary gift :)

 

Goal Keeping

I'm not sure if anybody noticed but I decided to do away with publishing our monthly household budget altogether. First, it was getting to be too tedious to come up with a chart and second, the months of keeping tabs has revealed that our restaurant expenses is what sorely needs improvement, while all the other categories are fairly predictable. Besides, there was really no ultimate goal like paying off debts that kept me motivated enough to continue the monthly budget (what a problem to have no?).

What I do want to add to the site though is a counter of some kind to track our progress with building up our emergency and house equity funds. Maybe I'll get those thermometer looking counters? What exactly are those called anyway?

So far I have squirreled away 68.5% of our target amount for our emergency fund, while the house equity fund is still at a paltry 6%. We want to move to a bigger place in 2-3 years time so I guess there goes my Italian honeymoon fantasy for our fifth wedding anniversary? Oh well, moving into a new house is also a great anniversary gift :)

Marriage & Money

Saturday is usually my day for sleeping in and puttering around the house, but last Saturday saw the hubs and I making a quick dash to my parents' place to drop off the baby with Yaya Sheila and then heading off to BGC Taguig (or Makati?:p) for the Sun Life sponsored seminar Marriage & Money.

It was my first time to attend a seminar by Chinkee Tan and let me tell you that that guy is fuhneee! Truth be told, his material wasn't exactly groundbreaking stuff and you can easily find the same information anywhere, but his delivery was so entertaining. Must have been from his Hawi Boys training during his younger years.

I don't have the complete list because I misplaced my notes (naks, serious!), but I think every couple should heed Chinkee's simple money rules for husbands and wives. The rules as I remember them are: (1) Do not hide extra income from your spouse; (2) Do not hide debt from your spouse; (3) Consult with each other on money matters etc. These are actually very basic precepts that stem from respecting your spouse, yet a lot of us forget these and that's when trouble ensues. 

The quadrant of wealth is also something that deserves attention. The quadrant goes: Create -> Handle -> Grow -> Protect. First step is to create money. Second is to handle money (sorry but I can't remember now how Chinkee explained that part). Afterwards, grow your money through investments and then protect yourself and your family with life and health insurance. Easy-peasy.

My hubby was there primarily to indulge me, since he knows I like this kind of stuff, but after the seminar, I was surprised when he suggested that we sign up for one of Chinkee Tan's full day seminar! Looks like somebody really enjoyed himself and wanted some more.

The good news is, Marriage & Money will have a repeat on September 28, 2013, same time (10am to 12 noon) and same venue, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Net Lima Building 26th St, BGC Taguig City. You can register through brighterlifeph@eventbrite.com. Seats are limited so be smart and act now. I promise you won't be disappointed and you'll get a free breakfast set pa with your choice of coffee! Yum.

Thanks Sun Life!

Marriage & Money

Saturday is usually my day for sleeping in and puttering around the house, but last Saturday saw the hubs and I making a quick dash to my parents' place to drop off the baby with Yaya Sheila and then heading off to BGC Taguig (or Makati?:p) for the Sun Life sponsored seminar Marriage & Money.

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Of PDCs and Unsuccesful Sales

My mother has been trying to sell her condo unit beside ours for the past few months and there have been several inquiries but no serious buyers, until recently when I met with a newly married couple who had to move out ASAP from their rented place.

The couple liked the unit and requested that I furnish them a copy of the condo title to facilitate their bank loan. However, the bank would only loan them 80% of the assessed value, so they requested if they could just turn over the loan proceeds to my mother and then pay off the 20% directly to her through installment.

I said that this was not possible because the only way that the bank would release the loan was if the title was turned over to the couple and the property mortgaged to the bank, no way would my mom agree to the transfer of ownership if the property has not been fully paid. I mean really, who would agree to that right?

Of PDCs and Unsuccesful Sales

My mother has been trying to sell her condo unit beside ours for the past few months and there have been several inquiries but no serious buyers, until recently when I met with a newly married couple who had to move out ASAP from their rented place.