Trick For Asking the Gift That You Want

Well, at first, I called it my own trick but as the people I tell it to started doing "my trick", it's becoming a regular thing already.

What and how is it?

This post will exactly "kill the element of surprise!"

Yeah, you read it right. Don't get me wrong. I like surprises but for my gifts, I'd rather know what would it be so it won't be wasted in the process.

It all started one Christmas. Me and my family are into exchange gifts after the New Year celebration. Before 1:00AM, we already had our gifts opened to each other. Before they bought their gifts for me, I "actually assigned" each one of them what they can buy for me. Since that time I'm starting on my own, I asked them for things that I need in my place. Like a blanket, kitchen wares and notebooks (since I love to write). Eventually, you didn't turn out to be a cheapskate but you just turned practical. And I am telling you, the feeling of getting exactly what you want is more exciting than the feeling of being surprised.

Doing this ensures that all the gifts you will received will not go to wasteland because you will be using them, as per your assessment, that is why you asked for them. The downside of "just surprise me" is what if you already have one of those things that you received?

What will you do with it?

Recycle it - by giving it as a gift to another person? I feel so guilty about this one. I mean the person who gave it to you just made the effort of giving you a gift then you will just give that to somebody else eventually? Totally awwww --- no.

Maybe you can put it in the drawer and be an additional "just another design" in your house. A place where all the dusts can find a home to. Or, for me, a clutter! Big NO again.

Mind you, this doesn't only work during holiday exchange gifts. You can also do this during your birthday, baby shower, despedida party, bachelorette party or any party you can take advantage and where people you know are soooooooo willing to give you the gift you want. (But hey, don't ask for very expensive gifts, okay?)

Isn't it nice to just see that the things you see in your place are just the things you really need? No extra clutter, no unnecessary things, no two identical designs and no wasted items there! One element of being minimalist, right?

....and being practical, too :)

Book Time: The Geography of Bliss

Here's another book that I just can't take my eyes off the moment I started reading it. At first, you don't know its target market - is it for travelers or for anyone who is seeking happiness.

I would say, it is the latter. But, while you are reading it, it gradually makes your soul crave to travel or start traveling. You will also be enlightened how each countries view happiness and why each of these countries were categorized as happiness + or happiness - (you know like a grading system in school).

And mind you, I live alone but I can't help but to laugh at some of the tales the writer experienced while he is on the verge of finding happiness.

As i read through it, I start to gauge if our country is a happy nation. Well, its just me, but i think we're halfway there. We have our own ways of dealing with our happiness. Every country does, actually. Sometimes, it is not the whole nation. Most of the time, it all depends on every individual. It should start from you, believe me.

I believe there is no such thing as the happiest place in this world. There is only you that can make yourself happiest. And when you are happy and you know how you can inflict that happiness to others, that is enough to start spreading happiness around you and everywhere.

:)

All But a Cheapskate

Are you a cheapstake?

Noun1.cheapskate - a miserly person

tightwad

miser - a stingy hoarder of money and possessions (often living miserably)

In our efforts to stick to our budget and live life to the basic, we are often tagged as cheapstake. We are always misunderstood as someone who does not want to spend money at all. You sometimes think how hard is it for them to understand that there are other greater things in life that you should spend your  hard earned money for?

No, they wouldn't simply understand. Because most of the people I know are people who would rather be a one day millionaire instead of saving money and spend it for something more valuable. Something that you really need to spend on and not just because for a simple whim -- which happens most of the time for these people.

I would say cheapstake is a very harsh word. It is like getting things from someone else without even asking if they really want that thing given away. Or, let your colleagues pay their part while you just sit there and pretend you are not part of the group and still benefit from that bucket meal they ordered from a fast food restaurant.

Don't be shy to say these things with a smile on your face:

"I do not have extra money here and besides, I have my packed lunch."

"I ate / kinda full already. Maybe next time."

"I still need to buy something from the grocery later. Can't spend my money here."

Or maybe, just simply no if they ask you if you want to order with them.

If they insist that they will lend you money for the meantime, still say NO. It is a NO-NO rule for me since the day I decided to live frugally to give in to anything that would make me lend money. 

Let them realize / see eventually that you are the greatest example of a person that is truly committed when it comes to dealing with your hard earned money. Believe me, they will not think that you are "kuripot" or "cheapstake." They will just see you as someone who is thrifty and knows how to handle your money very well.

Priceless Hobby: Book Time

Ebooks are everywhere but nothing beats the smell of every pages of a book. Plus the bookmarks - there's just something in it that I find very amusing. I have been saving up to buy this one. This one item is on my wishlist.

It is a very good book. Love reading it. I am just in the middle of it and I recommend it to anybody. Well, I am not not gonna impose it on you, my reader. Just sayin .... LOL

:)

Throw the idea of going to the mall. Sit back and read a good book.

Priceless Trip: Ayala Triangle

After getting my item at a coupon office and only a hundred and fifty in my pocket, I decided to walk around Ayala Triangle. Considering the fare back and forth, the money I have will just be enough to buy a less than 50 pesos meal. But then, I remember, KFC will let you buy your meal using your Globe points so I used it and I still have some money left.

The day is still young so I decided to stroll around. It is not hot that day and not rainy as well. What can I say, just the perfect day to go around the park

Admit it, we have here our own version of NYC's Central Park

Taking a trip should not cost you a lot. Take time to slow down. Take a seat. Be amazed with the wonder of nature and you got a great time already!

Priceless Hobby: Scribbling

Nothing to do? Why not let your creativity out in your own quiet room? It costs nothing and it is actually therapeutic. It is not much not maybe even good but I had fun while doing it. 

:)

Envelope System

I am a visual person. It is important that I am seeing the things that I need to prioritize. I need to have a constant reminder. For a person who is a recovering super spender (that is what I call myself), envelope system is a very effective habit.

This is a very "stretched" process. It is an everyday reminder for me whenever I go to work. For most, there are fewer envelopes. More likely a monthly reminder. To me, as you can see, it is an everyday thing.

Here, you will see a breakdown of expenses I only need to incur every single day. Very detailed expenses. It makes you stick to it because I have a savings goal bi-monthly. I have my own limitations and should-be's and must-be's.

Eventually, it will strengthen your discipline and make you stick to your goal strictly.

What would be its benefits?

• You can definitely say no to your colleagues who likes to have those take out deliveries. They will usually shut up when you say you don't have the money
• The trip back home is shorter. When you have money in your pocket, you like going around the place first to bring some things (more of a splurge). Things that you do not really need. Go straight home - it is cheaper and can give you more time to rest.
• It gives you a better view of what would be your ending balance bi monthly.
• It teach you to be more disciplined on how you should handle your expenses
• Eventually, it makes you evaluate the things and prices of an item before you buy them
• When you see that the money left in the envelope is just for your fare, you will hold on to it. Never thinking of buying things you do not really need. AND PLEASE ... do not ask for money to your colleagues as an excuse that you ran out of money. Do not ask them for money with a promise that you will pay them tomorrow. All your goal will be useless should you do this.

Stick to your goal and see what it can do to you eventually!