Life's Update 11/26/2015

Alright, it has been days since I wrote something for this blog. To be honest, I am trying to learn how to write effectively. I know, I suck a lot on writing, no matter how I love expressing my thoughts, still the words just don't go out naturally. Smoothly.

I admire those who writes well. I basically love reading. And one thing or another, I take note of how writers used a word or two, even how they construct sentences for easy comprehension.

It's a continuous learning process, I guess, until I get the hang of it. For the meantime, let me just share how things are going on right now for me. (Ahahaha, about myself pala)

So far, I am busy studying how to write well, managing my online shop (I'll blog how I started and how it is going in the future), tracking my status on personal finance, studying how to be better in our finances as a family, experimenting on how to get by living on a single income and drafting our financial goals for 2016. These are of course, aside from me being a mom, a daughter, a wife, a sibling, a friend and so many other hats I have to wear.

The one that gets most of my time at the apartment is managing the online shop. But that is way good and better because I am enjoying every inch of it. Knowing how introvert I am and I am meeting people beyond my networks of friends is another me out of my comfort zone. Honestly, online shop is a hard work too. But like I said, I'll blog about it in the future.

It's been 5 months since my husband is out of work, and literally, we are so much on a very tight budget. Our savings/investments continuous to increase but on a slow pace. I think we are still doing good despite the fact that we are moving like a turtle. Now I understand that this is one phase of a married life we have to face strong. Everything just needs to be communicated.

And yes, November is about to end, and I can literally feel the cool breeze at night when I get out of the office, walking my way to our apartment, yet I haven't wrapped any Christmas presents for my family and friends. Truth be told that I do not have enough budget set aside for the gifts. So, I am considering of giving only to my immediate family and closest friends. And maybe, to hold another children Christmas Party in the province. Just like the one last year as a form of giving back to the society.

We are all blessed in one way or another and I am thankful for everything that we are going through right now. I have a full time job. I have an online shop. I have a roof above me. I have clothes to wear. I have food on my table. I have family backing me up. I have my husband. I have my little girl. And so many more to be thankful about.Things are a bit rough but I know He is preparing something better for us in the future. It teaches me lessons in my personal life and my married life. I just have to be patient dealing with things right now. Someday, I am going to read again this entry and wonder what brought me to write this things. (Totally unrelated to any finance entry). I can do this.

Anyway, happy Thursday payday! God Bless. :)

On Christmas Shopping and Gifts

Last year, it was only October and I was already in Divisoria shopping for the Christmas gifts for family and friends. That is because I actually do not want any impromptu purchases and also to avoid the heavy crowds mall goers as the holiday season nears. In addition to that was, I wanted to have the luxury of time to find those items that are not just cheap but of good quality. If I am in hurry and hustled with the crowd, there is a tendency for me to be impulsive in buying.

However, for this year, October is about to end in 3 more days and I haven't have the schedule yet listed in my calendar when to visit the place. Truth is, there are so many choices in Divisoria. I just have to pick what I know is of good value to my money as well as what will suit the gift receiver.

My gift lists is ready. I will have to buy the 'ampao' for those who will receive monetary amount from me. In the past years, I am against giving money as Christmas presents but because I have been a little busy lately, I may no longer be able to find what will suit those inaanaks. Especially, hindi ko na rin sila lagi nakakasama and once in a while ko na lang sila makita, kaya hindi ko na rin alam kung anong ibibigay sa kanila. Maybe, my next relationship goals is connect with them again as regular as possible. Aja!

So, aside from the ampao, the other side of my lists, ito yung kailangan ko talaga paghanapan. And going to the Divisoria one of these days is an option I am thinking. Or kahit na yung pinakamalapit na mall na lang. Whichever will give me a little convenience of time.

Or I can always shop online. Shopping online seems to be another way of avoiding the crowd, the exhaustive traffic jam in the metro, and a cheaper way of buying items since I will no longer require a fare and merienda along the way.

There are so many shopping sites available for us. We just have to pick the one we trust with their brands as well as the credibility. Beware of  those scammers who promised one thing and left you hanging with your hard earned money gone with them. Always look for the best deal and always remember the value of your money.

And because I just recently set up these online shop, huwag na malungkot ang mga inaanak ko, hehehe. Well some can expect ready to wear items from me. 

It is always best to prepare the lists of your receivers earlier as possible as well as your intended gift for that person. Do the shopping earlier if the fund is available. Bring the list with you always so you will not be tempted to go over board in spending. If the fund is not fully available pa naman, you can always buy those na kaya na ng budget. By doing so, you can have ample time to wrap your gifts. I am not good at gift wrapping, but I find it so fulfilling to just wrap the item with the thought of that person opening the presents in my head.

If the fund is really not enough, gift giving naman can be in turns of helping a hand. Just be there. Spend time. Communicate. Put away your smart phone and just catch up. Or visit a charity institution. It is a meaningful way of spending the birth of Jesus. 

Just sharing. God Bless. :)

Photo Credit: dreamatico.com