Bills, shopping, travels, bottomless plans in your bucket list… and more bills.
You survived the first wave of payment: paid the bills on time, managed to chip in a few pesos to your savings account, and saved some for your next travel or shopping endeavor.
But, in just a span of a day or two, you noticed that your wallet and favorite alkansya is crying empty tears – it’s nearing the absolute zero, and there seems to be no sign of it getting filled again until the next pay day.
When the going gets tough, you should be tougher. Here are 5 things you can do to escape from your financial woes:
1. Become a fantastic freelancer
A lot of Pinays are now getting into freelancing. As a freelancer, you’ll be able to work in what you really do best and in excel in, whether it’s on creative or academic writing, photography or videography, tutoring, or even entertainment. As long as you have the skills, the guts and the network, you’ll strive in the freelancing business.
In fact, there are a number of established websites to get you started, such as Freelancer.com, Raket.ph, 199jobs.com, and PortfolioMNL.
As a freelancer, you’ll be your own boss and will manage your own business agenda: your finances as well as your time and schedule. Be careful of taking too much freelancing jobs at the same time though. Despite the flexible working hours, it can still take a lot out of you, especially if you’re currently engaged in full-time work or other matters.
2. Unleash your inner blogger
Blogging has taken a lot of Filipina hearts of all ages by storm. It first started as a hobby, you do it for fun: sharing your interests with people who have the same outlook, getting to know other bloggers across the world, and you eventually find yourself blogging the whole day away.
Your blog acts as your counterpart in the online world. And as Philippines was once hailed to be the ‘social media capital of the world’ (and it seems like it’s still true), more and more people establish their presence online. Brands and businesses will be looking for your expertise and tap into your blogging domain soon to work together. Blogging is also a fun business. You get to meet other bloggers in your niche, along with tier brands and businesses, get to attend events, and review items.
It sounds like a dream, right? Blogging lets your earn money writing about what you love.
3.Let go of pre-loved items
Remember the first trendy gadget you bought and learned to love? As trends transition from one to another, you soon found yourself getting swept away by the flow. Your first trendy gadget was soon followed by another, as your paying capacity increased.
It’s a heartbreaking choice to make, but there are times when letting go is the right thing to do, especially when it comes to money matters. A very Filipino way to do this is through pawning, selling and trading. As proof, you can see numerous pawnshop outlets clumped together near a corner or beside every mall and store. There’s definitely a lot of people who are in the same boat as you.
Selling your pre-loved items for cash is a heroic deed, as each item holds sentimental value in them. For what it’s worth though, you’ll be receiving its monetary value depending on how you handled it with care.
4. Allocate a separate savings account for your different goals
Your bucket lists and bills must go with their own savings strategy. Planning these settlements together in a single account won’t lead you anywhere. Here are the 4 categories you can segregate your money into:
• Save for a rainy day - no matter what happens, always save a part of what you earn monthly in your ‘for rainy days’ account. You’ll never know what kind of emergencies and financial concerns you’ll be facing ahead.
• Save for your goals – the fun part: saving up for your bucket lists! All of the money for your dream travels and expensive things you want to buy should be stored in your ‘for bucket lists’ account. Save early and watch out for airline promos and group discounts. This will be your motivation to work harder to live life to the fullest.
• Save for what’s ahead – because a bright future awaits those who save early. This account will be your financial foundation for the next 5 years or so. You’ll be saving up for whatever you may need for yourself in the upcoming years. Spend time to pamper and reward yourself for all the tedious work done.
• Work expenses and bills – your daily and weekly expenses goes here, also include your weekend bonanzas and necessities.
5. Resist temptations, live under your means
A lot of Pinays can relate (and are guilty) with this familiar money mistake, as most tend to indulge and spoil themselves as early as they receive their paycheck. It’s a tormenting process to continuously decline offers from your friends to hang out in the trendiest restaurants, or to travel to the nearest hotspot on the next weekend.
How can you ward off the strong grip of temptation? By remembering your financial goals and the costs to grow and sustain them. Maybe you’re at the point in life where everything that you want and need can’t match up to your means, or you do have the means but cannot take the risk to overspend and neglect other financial matters. Save up first and balance your lifestyle and financial capabilities. There’s always a next time to heed temptation’s calling, but it won’t be the same for your bank account.
Dry those tears, for you can definitely get through this challenging ordeal. Because with every spending moment, comes an opportunity to save.
About the Author
P.S. My very first e-book is finally here. You can buy it using the Buy Now button at the right or via bank deposit. Only Php 150.00. Purchase your copy now.
P.P.S To those doing the 52 Week Money Challenge, it is Week 47 already! Did you deposit the next amount yet?
P.P.P.S Want to know more about investing, savings, stock market and more, check out my reference here. You can download free ebooks and resources too.
P.P.P.P.S I am also sharing my stock market secrets and information via these resources.