L♥ve is a Mutt

Hey there.  I finally have my AFP certificate or at least my boyfriend has it. I had it delivered to my office back home and asked J to pick it up for me because I can't because I'm still here. Here it is.  I can finally say with confidence that I am indeed an Associate Financial Planner of the Philippines! Yayyy me. I have been waiting for this since February. I can finally put it in me resume, in LinkedIn page and announce it on Facebook so that I can practice my financial skills on my friends. That is, if they trust me. Hahaha. Seriously, I want to help Filipinos on how to manage their finances. I am starting with myself. Then maybe on a few friends. I hope somebody would volunteer. All experts started as a beginner so I have high hopes.  ;) Boomlet In case you haven't noticed the title it's {B} is for Boomlet. I'm participating on April A to Z challenge  and I am left behind. It's the 8th now and I should be on the l...

Hey, there! I haven't realized it for a long time, but my boyfriend and I are actively taking control of our finances and that makes me happy. I've never understood my financial behavior until now. I mean, I have drafted a lot of excel sheets for our personal finance trackers! Yes, and I haven't missed a day since. I THOUGHT IT WAS CRAZY BEFORE! I've heard, read and see people doing this. My co-worker who happened to be neighbor was soooo thrifty that he records his expenses up to the last cent. When we hang out before, he would do his excel spreadsheet before starting our Big Bang Theory series marathon. I thought he was crazy for doing so. Turned out he is planning on marrying his girlfriend. Well, they did a month ago. I read a lot of Suze Orman too. Bought a copy of Suze Orman's Financial Guidebook on a book sale last year and on the first few chapters, she encouraged people to actually track their finances and I thought I couldn't make it.  But, h...

It’s our habit to reward ourselves of something after being able to save a significant amount of money. We always think we deserve a little treat for a deed accomplished or after a week’s hard work. At the end of the day, we suddenly realize that we spent too much, and we don’t have enough until the next payday.  Back to zero! Need to start saving again. Do you have this type of mindset? It’s like a never-ending cycle most especially if you don’t change your spending habits. Stop fooling yourself into spending more money. At first, rewarding yourself feels good, but in the end, your wallet will suffer the consequences. It is better to fool yourself into saving. Here are 5 things you can deliberately do to strategically and effectively save money: Put Sentimental Bills on Your Wallet Most Pinoys are extremely sentimental. We keep things that remind us of something or someone. Even tiny things like candy wrappers or a bus fare ticket provides a sentiment to somebo...

The best things in life are free, but our necessities are not. Moreover, some necessities are impossible to achieve given our current income (and fellow workers') trend or lifestyle, except if some were born rich or have sidelines and businesses. Now, how can you buy your very own Altima or Accord   if you can't save up for just a flat screen TV set? As for me, I have just decided to control my finances, while exploring ways of how to invest my money, how to increase my cash flow (not necessarily income) and how to help others in the process. :) The point of this whole blog post is just my announcement of attending the Financial Advisors Congress this coming October! The Financial Advisors Congress is a one-day conference for wealth managers, financial planners, private bankers, trust officers, securities brokers, insurance brokers, investment solicitors and other professionals who give financial advice and sell financial products.  Attending the conference wou...

Unconsciously, all people will choose to be on a pedestal rather than on the floor when it comes to life. I know you want the best quality   of life that you can possibly give yourself, your family and your friends. It is human instinct. I know you agree. See, I have seen modern, revolutionary religious speakers like Bo Sanchez who have the same vision that I have: earn more in order to help more . To live a life abundant of faith, love, humility and yes, finances . They know that money is not their god, but they know that money can help them in serving other people. They know very well that Jesus is in control of our lives, that He will help us in our daily needs -- that is only if we do something by ourselves and not just patiently wait inside our houses. Good things come to those who wait (my previous mantra). But, the best things come to those who DO.  We are not supposed to do nothing but expect something.  Blessings wouldn't come pouring out on you ...

A few weeks ago, I have decided to take my finances seriously. I think I just got tired of living from paycheck to paycheck. I wanted to live a life, knowing that I can relax a bit and stop thinking about money for a while. I want to attain financial freedom in an early age so that I could help my family and those in dire need of financial makeover. I am starting with myself. If you are also having trouble with money, read on. We may have the same reasons. I've made this post to remind me in case I'll feel discouraged and spendy in between my financial stretches. Hah, I've outwitted myself, huh? In attaining Financial Freedom in this modern world, you just have to have a new mindset, the right attitude   and a little spank on the butt sometimes. I'm trying to do the latter by imprinting my very reasons on why I decided to take my finances seriously. Let's start? Here we go. I got tired of receiving a slimmer paycheck. via I have been receiving only h...