Going Rice-less

I've been wanting to go rice-less ever since my friends told me that I've been gaining weight. I felt the extra weight too but I have not paid attention until one day I cannot reach my toes when I bend.

The weighing scale starts to disturb me. I don't like standing on top of it. During my pre-employment check-up, the nurse told me that I am 60kgs [132lbs]. I told myself, "Wow Millette, you're heavy." Okay, that's it. that was the breaking point. I have to do something.

I began listing foods that I put inside my mouth and began dropping those that are not healthy. At first, I focused on eating fruits and vegetables. Then I stopped eating rice. It was difficult but after the first 21 days everything began to fall into places. I also had to run 30 minutes a day in order to lose those fats.

After a few weeks of healthy diet and exercise, I began losing weight of roughly 1lb each week. I am now at 121lbs and continue losing weight.

Thanks to my friends who are continuously supporting me.

~Till then.

Social Obligation

Many of us do not really understand the value of social obligation. For many it means donating money to the less fortunate. Others treat it as giving things to the needy.

Actually social obligation go far beyond donating money or things. Social obligation for me means being aware and acting fast in response to the events that are happening. Happenings that include the calamities that strike our country.

In my search for the true meaning of social obligation, I have listed several things that I believe are part of it.

1. Awareness of the fact that water is life.
2. Resourcefulness in everything.
3. Sharing time with other people.
4. Valuing other people’s time.
5. Being physically fit and physically clean.
6. Sharing knowledge to other people.
7. Caring for nature.
8. Being healthy.
9. Recycling things.
10. Having a positive outlook.

I will be listing other things when as I come across them. I just hope we all do our part. It will be a very nice place to stay if that i the case.

~Till then.

Reasons Why I Don’t Have A Credit Card

Not having a credit card is not an issue for me. Aside from the incident that happened to me years ago, which will be written in due time, I have 11 reasons why I don’t have one.

1. Cash is King

There are more freebies when you buy things in cash. I get 10% discount on some items if I use cash instead of card. Just talk to the customer relations officer and I’m sure he’ll be giving you favorable discounts.

2. For Security Reasons

Identity theft is rampant in credit cards - unlike in debit cards. Just look at what happened to me.

3. I don’t want to complicate things

I go to the store where I want to buy some clothes and some shoes. I pick up some items, proceed to the counter, get some cash in my wallet and leave the store. I don’t have to compute how much I charged myself moreover I don’t have to wait for my billing statement before paying.

4. It’s easier to budget with cash

I think this is plain english. No need to expound.

5. Spend less

I can track everything with cash. And I can easily down size if necessary.

6. Maintain my investment amount

The effect of spending less is maintaining my investment amount. I am happier with this set up.

7. I am not a fan of credit card perks

I often see people go after the credit card perks like free food, free travel etc. If I may compute, I can have those freebies at a cheaper price without charging my card over my intended limit.

8. I can still book for travels

Most of my travel were booked via credit cards of office mates. They get to have the points while I get to have my tickets. Fair enough for me.

9. No debt = No hassle

10. Donations are easily done with cash

Although donations via credit is now acceptable, I still want my donations in cash. Less hassle to the organizations I support. Less processing more time on other things.

11. I don’t treat credit card as an emergency fund

People mistakenly treat credit card as their emergency fund. Well I don’t. I have a healthy sum of money in my bank account labeled as “For Emergency Use Only!”

There you go. I hope you picked up some really good tips.

~Till next time.

Common Money Mistakes in your 20’s

1. Not saving at all

Most young adult will delay savings especially when they are still enjoying the fruits of their first job. Not realizing that they have financial obligations in the future is dangerous. The earlier someone realizes the better his goals will be.

2. Not saving enough

The enlightened young adult will save some cash but most probably they don’t know how much is enough.

3. Not having a goal with your money

A hard-earned money without a goal is useless. Most often than not it will go to unnecessary things.

4. Spending beyond your limit

Over spending is the most common problem people make. Even people in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s over spend. If this practice is not addressed in the early years it will become a habit and will certainly ruin one’s finances.

5. Getting into deep debt

Excited with their powerful plastics, the swipers will never be contented. If you are not smart enough to pay everything at cut-off I’m sure you’ll be having trouble with your magic plastic.

6. Not paying your credit

Do you think you can get out of your debt so easily? Changing of address and contact details are not the solution. Your name will be in their block list and you might not be able to borrow money from any bank again.

7. Not giving back

It is in the power of giving that we receive. Giving a portion of your income to the needy will multiply the blessings that you will be receiving.

8. Developing unhealthy attitude towards money

Money is just a tool. It is not a god. Focusing on money alone is unhealthy. You got to have a balance.

9. Not studying investments

Investments are great tools designed to amass wealth. Poor people don’t know it. The reason a 20 something is poor is because he has not met investment yet.

10. Not studying Taxation in the Philippines

Taxation is a thing that you cannot live without. You eat, they tax you. You travel, they tax you. You die, they tax you. Learn how to do away with taxes and you will have a better footing. (No I am not encouraging you to falsify documents!)

25 Ways to Reduce Spending without Feeling Miserable

Hello dear readers. I have been compiling tips that think are worth sharing. These are practical and easy to apply in our day to day lives. Hope you'll have time evaluating them and pick up lessons from the long list.

1. Dining out? Ditch that Soda!

If you are fond of dining out you better ditch that soda. Why? Because it increases the value of the food up to 25%. You don’t want to pay 30bucks for sugar and water, do you?

2. Single and renting? Have a housemate!

Renting a house is good as long as you keep the rent to a minimum. How to do so? Have a housemate/housemates. City services will also be divided when you do so.

3. Rent that dress or better Borrow that Dress

Who says going to a party is expensive? Renting is cheaper than owning that dress which you will only use once.

4. Rent that bag

Here’s a tip for a savvy party-goer who doesn’t want to bring the same old bag, rent it. And here’s another tip: Limit the party!

5. Buy in bulk

There are a lot of things that can be bought in bulk. Like those that are not perishable. But don’t overdo it. You don’t want loads of tissue papers in your storage room.

6. Shop less

Make grocery trips once a month or once every two weeks. Make your budget work.

7. Walk more

The minute your feet feels sore you’ll stop shopping for more. It’s a fun way to exercise also.

8. Carpool

Talk to your neighbor who owns a car. Negotiate the price and agree with the time. Less hassle compared to commuting.

9. Cell phone load? Try my 150php per month recommendation

I changed my service provider with a new one. It’s cheap at 150Php per month. Whenever someone text me using a different provider, I usually email them or Facebook them.

10. Cut internet connection (unless your job depends on it)

You don’t really need internet connection unless of course your job depends on it. You’ll be amazed by how much you can save by staying disconnected.

11. Traveling? DIY!

I have a supportive team when it comes to travel and leisure. We do it on our own and set our own budget. Great opportunity to explore the wonders of nature at a fraction of the cost.

12. Switch off

Switch off those appliances. Unplug them when not in use specifically television sets, radio and cellular phone chargers. They still consume electricity even at stand by mode.

13. Apply for a loyalty card

I have loyalty cards from SM and Shopwise. Who could have imagined that I can accumulate hundred of points with them. Points can be used to purchase anything inside their stores.

14. Cook

I love cooking but i don’t know if cooking loves me. I just serve what I eat and eat what I serve.

15. Don’t chase fashion

Chasing what’s fashionable can make you poor. Just stick with the basics and you’re good to go. No need to keep up with the Joneses.

16. Need to unwind? Park it up!

At this age of the malls, seldom do we see people go to the park. Well actually going to the park is a lot cheaper than staying at the malls. Try visiting the Eco Park in Quezon City. You will have a nice view of the La Mesa Dam there.

17. Run rather than pay a gym.

Few years back I sold my gym membership and ran on the streets. The calories I shed were the same but it’s a lot cheaper. Actually it’s free. I just need to buy a reliable pair of shoes to prevent my feet from getting hurt.

18. Haggle

When I am at the market I haggle. Sometimes it’s okay with the sellers sometimes it’s not. That’s okay with me. As long as I get what my money’s worth then haggling will never become an issue with me.

19. Buy used

Inspect when buying used items. If you are buying a used car make sure you have an expert accompanying you. They will make a good resource person.

20. It’s the thought that counts

Giving gifts doesn’t really need to be expensive. You have to understand your budget and work from it. Do not go overboard.

21. Trade

I like it when I can trade some of my things with my friends. It makes recycling easy.

22. Life is simple. Don’t complicate it!

Sometimes people complicate things. They buy things to impress people they don’t like. Most of the times bragging will put you down. Live a simple life. The happiest people don’t have the latest fashion or the latest technology. They simply are contented with what they have and focus on what is important.

23. You can survive without it!’ attitude

Yes! I can survive without the latest gadgets. I am more focused on the personal relationship I have with other people. Just always put this in mind and you'll be guided.

24. Treat savings as expenses

After receiving my salary, I put constant amount on my mutual funds. Then I allot money for the rent and city services. Constant amount saved each month can translate to millions after a few years.

25. Join a thrift group

It’s the friends that influence you. If you have thrifty friends, you will most likely become one. Choose your friends.