budget friendly

Since we've been living in our own home now, I do our weekly budget including menu planning and grocery shopping. I never thought that it was hard to really follow a certain budget and stick with it. It gave me a clear perspective on where we usually overspend and before, I do not pay much attention to the price tag of certain things, now I do price comparison at the supermarket. This way, we get to save a lot on grocery shopping.

What helped me though was by always bringing a list of what we will buy, so I don't get to buy unnecessary stuff. I do an inventory of our pantry once a week, so I'll know what things we are short on and what we need to buy. Bringing a calculator also helped. By doing this, I discovered that P1,000 ($23) could go a long way if I will just buy what I need and not what I want. I also avoid bringing too much extra money when I shop so that I can stick with my budget.

Sometimes I think that it would really be nice to go to the grocery or supermarket and just buy everything I need and I want without having to stick on a budget, but I am learning so much from this. It also makes me strive to live within our means and enjoy the simple things in life.

a glance on time deposit

Hubby and I are thinking of opening a time deposit like a certificate of deposit or CD. CDs are similar to a savings accounts in that they are insured and risk-free. They are money in the bank, but has a specific, fixed term and usually a fixed interest rate. I have researched a little about it, especially the ongoing CD rates and here are a few general guidelines I have gathered so far about the interest rates: a larger principal should receive a higher interest rate, a longer term will usually yield a higher interest rate and smaller institutions tend to offer a higher interest rate than larger ones.

We wouldn't know for sure if it is the right time to invest on time deposit now since the economy is bad. Economists say that long-term certificate of deposits are at low rates. When economic indicators point to a recovery, these rates will rise. We don't want to get into something we're not 100% sure of, so we will just keep track of CD rates for now.

Any idea on time deposits or certificate of deposits?

SUVs - small but terrible

A sport utility vehicle or SUV is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis. Usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on or off road ability, some SUVs include the towing capacity of a pickup truck with the passenger-carrying space of a mini van.

Small SUVs have become popular because of their advantages. Aside from being a different looking car, small SUVs have better fuel economy compared to larger SUVs, which is very similar to subcompact cars.

If you want to upgrade your old car or you own an SUV and wanted to make a loan, you can do so by availing of car title loans, which are short-term loans that use the car title to secure the loan. The loan is written with an interest rate for a short-term period. But as with any other loan, you should know your legal rights before you turn over the title of your car. Different states may have different laws regarding car title loans, such as car title loans Hayward or car title loans Sacramento.

Small SUVs are designed for singles or small families on the move, and offer reasonable fuel economy and the security of available all-wheel drive. If you need flexible space for people and cargo in a manageable, condensed package, then a small SUV might be an excellent choice for you. 

   

a piece of financial advice

I have learned so much from Suze Orman, the personal financial guru to the masses, just by watching her on Oprah and the other day on The Today Show. Suze Orman used to be a successful stock broker and financial analyst and according to her, money problems are self-esteem problems and a lot of families are in debt because of emotional attachments in keeping up with a lavish lifestyle.

Getting yourself educated with regard to financial matters is a must these days. There are numerous resources in which you can get free financial advice and suggestions on how to stretch your budget, and most importanly live within your means. There is also that issue of proper decision making in paying off your debts or making sure that you have at least an eight-month salary worth of savings. During financial crisis, some other loans are helpful if you really need cash badly. In the article How Does A Title Loan Work, you can actually get a cash loan if you hold a clear title to your car, truck or van. Some financial credit companies in California offer loans even with a bad credit through Car Title Loans Sacramento or Car Title Loans Los Angeles.

Planning for your financial future is eminent and working your way on investing is sometimes too confusing, but it is does not necessarily mean that you should hire a professional to give you financial advice. If you try to earn a decent living and spend less than you make, it may actually get you through the trying times. Also investing the money you save and protecting your assets may all be the financial advice you would ever need to avoid the pitfall of debt and really make the money work for you.

at a time of Christmas Bonuses

Since I have started working, this is the first time that I have not received a 13th month pay or Christmas Bonus. As I am now an independent subcontractor, I am not entitled to the usual benefits of a regular employee and thus no 13th month pay for me. Sigh. I'm not that sad but sometimes I'm thinking of how nice it is to have an extra month's salary that you have really not worked for, so to speak.

But I have planned ahead. Before I started working at home, I joined the "paluwagan" from my previous company so that come December time, I will have my own "13th month pay." I think it's just a matter of perspective. I still consider it a bonus for my hard work. That's a tip for those working at home or for those who plan to work at home. Give yourself a 13th month pay by saving up every month and not touching that money until December. If there is anything I have learned by becoming a WAHM, it is saving up for major expenses or for the times that I will not be able to work. So at this time of Christmas Bonuses, I still have my own Christmas Bonus to spend on Christmas shopping. ; )