Set SMART goals for your future

BY AILEEN T ELLO

Every year, we make plans, categorizing these as short, medium and long-term goals. There are times we fail to be consistent in fulfilling these goals because of challenges and other distractions that make us miss our target. But if we focus on our goals and believe in the lasting benefits these would bring us, then we can always start again or continue what we have started.

Here are some suggested SMART Goals to set your plans in motion this 2012. Read more

Become a visionary

BY AILEEN T ELLO

Upon employment, Filipinos have one thing in common: paying compulsory government contributions and taxes. These include the SSS (Social Security System) for those in the private sector, GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) for those in government, PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance), Pag-IBIG (or Home Development Mutual Fund) and, of course, withholding taxes.

These contributions and taxes are intended not only to finance government projects, but also members’ hospital fees and pension benefits. Read more

Smart spending tips

BY AILEEN T ELLO

With the onslaught of the price increases of transportation fares and basic goods, including the Filipino staple pandesal, everyone is looking for ways to stretch their hard-earned peso.

How do we maximize our money? Here are some tipid tips that can translate into substantial savings and at the same time lead to an inexpensive and healthier lifestyle. Read more

Be prepared for life’s challenges

BY AILEEN T ELLO

Life is full of challenges. There are some things that are either difficult to avoid or inevitable, including sickness, accidents, financial crisis, calamities, even death. Your readiness to manage these events will make a difference especially for your loved ones.

Being prepared entails building up your wealth by starting NOW. Whatever your current age, status or circumstances may be, it is never too late to change your ways, attitude and lifestyle in handling money. Read more

VP recommends creation of OFW bank

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may have a bank created especially for them if Vice President and Presidential Adviser of OFWs’ Concerns Jejomar C Binay’s recommendation is approved.

According to a press release from the Office of the Vice President, Binay recommended last month the establishment of an OFW Bank that will provide OFWs competitive and cheaper remittance rates. Read more

Unlocking the key to financial freedom

BY AILEEN T ELLO

Manny Pacquiao can teach us a thing or two about handling money. He learned from the mistakes of former boxers who retired poor. Even though Manny has earned millions of dollars from each of his fights, he continues to work hard to earn more championship belts and to diversify his investments for him to maintain his lifestyle and share his blessings generously.

No matter how small or big the amount we earn, how we manage it will determine our financial freedom. Read more

Savers club for OFWs and their families

For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, learning how to save and manage funds can spell the difference between prosperity and poverty.

After years of working hard and being away from the family, an OFW may find himself returning to the country and finding the same situation he left five years ago. Read more

Teaching kids how to handle money

BY AILEEN T ELLO

Parents need to teach their kids how to handle money and other resources. Helping children learn the value of hard-earned money and showing them how to spend and save wisely is a good way to teach them responsibility. Here are some of the skills that parents should pass on to their kids. Read more

Saving during hard times

BY AILEEN T ELLO

In this current global crisis, our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are one of the hardest-hit sectors, and it has become a major challenge to manage finances and be disciplined in saving. Some OFWs lost their jobs, while some have taken up several jobs to make ends meet.

Experts tell us that the best time to save is now. But why is it that OFWs find it extremely difficult to save? Read more

Gusto mong mag-drive?

By VERONICA CUSI-SILVA

For five years, Menardo, a seaman, and his wife Maria toiled to build their dream house in the Philippines. Now that they have settled in, the next thing on their mind is a family car to bring their kids, Aira and Raphael John, around town on weekends.

Aside from a house, a car is the most likely investment that a Filipino family will make. Read more

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