Hand Craft: Crochet Works In a Series 1

I sit today in front of the desktop with literally no idea coming in. Unlike the past days when my mind is circling with plenty of ideas to write to. Today, is suddenly quite. 

I feel really tired. I still don't know where this is coming from. For the past days I've been diverting it to writing so I am focus on something other then being tired. I've had all scheduled posts that even like I am not into writing (talking) there will be continuity to this blog.

These are the days. 

Last night, I was crying when during my regular walk to home, I noticed how thin my hair is. And it hit me those what ifs? But of course, let me tell you, I am healthy as far as my blood pressure and sugar level are concern. Just may be so stressed out and burnt?

Writing is an outlet. I get to express what I feel. I get to write those words which doesn't come out in my lips. This is what I love (even though I am not good at it and incoherent at most time) I jumped from one sentence to another sentence. This is just me. 

I wanted to be positive so I am changing my thoughts. I am trying to set another mind set. I personally don't want to deal with just being 'tired'. Because of that, let me share with you what had kept me busy in 2017 and 2018 that I am not actively writing.

Flooding you with pure labor of crochet hand crafted works.

Clutch Bag with Tassels in Red and Black

Clutch Bag with Tassels in Pink and Gray

Beanie in Pink and Gray

Infinity Scarf in Pink and Gray

These are my photos. I'd be sharing more of this in the future whenever, my mind is blank of thoughts or ideas or reasons to write. I also sell made to orders of this stuffs. A hobby I enjoy and at the same time a litte hustle on the side.

Wishing you a good Tuesday morning lovies.

ctto: google photo

How To Protect Oneself from Identity Theft

11 Missed Calls!

Honestly, who would want 11 missed calls from different numbers on a daily basis? It is annoying right? Not just that, seeing 11 missed calls makes me a little nervous as I scroll down the numbers listed. Of course, if it is coming from my mother, I wouldn't wanted to missed that call. Yet, it turned out, the calls are coming from companies offering credit cards, cash loans, auto loans, and others. Had I still been my old self, I would probably grab one those offers, especially when I had loans left and right. But, the new version of me who has learnt the hard way has finally identified that the interest I will be paying for the loans should not come to total waste of money.

I've been answering the calls whenever I get the chance and had been declining those offers and balance transfers and all they say is "I will note it here". But in the next few days, calls are still coming in. Do you experience the same thing?

There are many reasons why I don't give in to these calls, personally.

1) I am not sure if these are even legit.

2) I don't give authentication details to these calls. I only give the information if I call the hot line itself.

3) I avoid phishing and texters. Online dictionary defined phishing as the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Texters on the other hand is through the use of sms or text messaging.

4) I am not confident with how they handle information.


5) I do not know how telemarketers works. But it is bothersome on my part. Anyone knows how to block these numbers?


In these digital age where our information is available through the centralized information systems of the banks, credit card institutions, and government, it also makes us prone to all these fraudster and our information being stolen.


We have to protect our identities and our hard earned money. We have to be always vigilant and careful with sharing our personal information. Fraudster are always on the look out of opportunities to be able to get money or your identity to steal money in your behalf.


1. Limit how much information you share. Never share your personal information such as your middle name for men and maiden name for women. Your birth date. Your mother's maiden name. These are often use to authenticate ourselves for our accounts.


2. Scrutinize the received e-mail. Fraudster sends email and lead us to click a link which may compromise our Internet security and privacy. If in doubt of an email, do not hesitate to delete the email immediately. Or if you receive suspicious email, it is always a good habit to call the institution hot line to verify and confirm if the email is legit. 

3. Properly dispose the important documents which contains delicate information such as your name, mother's maiden name, address, security numbers, birth date, and other pertinent information. 


4. Use caution when shopping in stores or dining in restaurants. Sometimes, you will be ask to fill up some survey, be careful with the information you share. Also, when using your credit cards to pay your bills. 


5. Safeguard your mobile devices. This is pretty straight forward. We've witnessed how a stolen phone can be easily access by the thieves and used the credentials in your behalf. Even a broken phone with details can be compromised.


6. Always monitor the financial and credit statements. It helps if we always check our bank records to be able to identify any anomalies and unknown transaction. Otherwise, if it is already a certain period of time ago, if you plan to dispute, it will no longer be honored.


7. Stay alert. 



Note that I do not discount all calls. There may be calls which are legitimate. Trust your instincts.

ctto: google photos

How To Pay Meralco Bill Using Citibank Credit Card?

Uh-oh!

Yes, I still have my credit card with me until now. I started using one when I started working way back 2005, I think. Like I detailed on my previous post. I am horrible to spending using this plastic cards. Later on in my life, I can say, that finally, I have fully understood how to effectively handle and manage its use.

To this date, I no longer have carry over balance. Had been successful at it for over 3 years in a row now. And it felt so good not wasting my hard earned money on interest and late charges. Instead I am gaining even more by having some rewards points and converting it to purchase on grocery.

Just few months back, I have learned how to pay using credit card to pay our Meralco bill (electric bill).Going to any payment centers and lining up seems a big hassle for me nowadays. What I did was I called the Meralco hotline 16111 and ask if I could pay using credit line instead through online, and they informed me that it will only take 2 to 3 banking days to reflect the payment on their end.

Because I have the Citibank Mobile application on my phone, I immediately, studied how to pay for it. Below are the steps by steps procedure I took to pay online.

1). Check your Meralco Bill. What you will need is the ATM/Phone Reference number. This is the unique code you will have to enter and is located at the bottom left part of the bill.

ctto: google photo

2) Go to you Citibank Mobile app and select the payment tab.Once you selected the payment tab, go to the All billing organizations and choose Meralco.

3) It will take you this page where you will input the ATM/Phone number reference and then hit Next.

4). Enter the amount to pay. You can also add some notes. Hit Pay. Note that on this page, it states that it may take 5 to 7 working days to reflect payment.

4). It will ask you to confirm your payment.

5). When done, the online transaction will state that it is on Pending on the transaction list.

The following day, this will now be reflected as Mobile Bill Payment - Meralco.

Done. Note that, for the Meralco bill, I cannot list it as recurring monthly bill since every month the unique code changes.

Win. win. I get to pay the bill at the comfort of our home with few clicks and I get reward points.

Oh, by the way. I only have one credit card right now so I can only write about Citibank. You can navigate your Credit Card's feature if you wanted to pay online. I hope this helps.