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!

Wants vs. Needs

One of the things that burdens us is our confusion of our wants and needs. We often thought that what we want is what we need. BUT .. the reality is what we need is is just a quarter of the things that we want.

Wants are the things that we can live without. Needs are what we need to survive in our everyday life.

One example of it is our trip to the grocery. Pretty sure, you have been there without a list with you. This is a big NO for anyone who is into a tight budget. For my part, here is my usual grocery list:

• soap
• detergent bar + fabric conditioners
• shampoo (i am buying those 3-in-1 or 16 ++ shampoo's as they are cheaper but of course make sure it is compatible with your hair. good thing I found mine that is cheap :) )
• foods (this include the food that will be my meal for two weeks - very basic)
• load (for my prepaid internet load)
• and eherm .. sanitary pads 

Very basic necessities. These are the things you need everyday should you need to go to work or school. It may not be everyday but you need them in the next two weeks. Forget about going to the laundry shop to have your clothes washed. Do it yourself. Imagine what you can save by doing it yourself instead of paying them to do it for you. No one is really that busy and you need that exercise at least twice a week.

But without the list, this list can have additional stuff that you do not really need. You might see your cart loaded with chocolate, chips, sodas, extra kitchen stuff, girly stuff and other stuff. 

• Do you really need to have a stock of chocolates? Aside from additional calories, think of the cost of one chocolate bar. You might want to drop this money to your bank deposit account instead.
• Do you really need to have those sodas? Water, aside from it being cheap, is a healthy drink for you. 
• Chips for your snack? Food preservatives are a big NO for your health. Why not make a short trip to a local market near you to buy some cheap fruits as an alternative snack.
• Those girly stuff like nail colors, lipsticks, foundation - pretty sure you have them but do you need an additional stock of all of these? And those nail polish will not fade away that easily. Maybe in two weeks time. So, next time, you buy one, choose the colors you know you will love looking for the next two months on your feet. Budget, budget!\
• Dresses? Try mix and match. Choose colors that you can easily paired with other clothes in your closet. No one would really notice it if you use that twice in two weeks. If they do, for sure, you can easily find a way to defend yourself!

Make a list. You can download apps on your phone that can plan your shopping list. Make your list bi-monthly - for your payday schedules.

Another thing that is effective is making a wish list. I have mine that is why I know it is effective. It is a projection of your future expenses. Make the list of things you WANT to buy even if you do not NEED it. I have to admit that there are splurges like that but I try to keep it to a minimum. When you make a list, you can prioritize the things you really want to buy first. Eventually, you will see that some of the things on the list will be stuck there  for months. The reason is simple -- this is just the thing that you WANT but you do not really NEED rigth away.

Think about it!

My Frugality Diary

A daily devotional calendar dedicated to how to live your life in a frugal way. I am glad that I found this one as most of the guidelines here are really helpful for anyone who is trying to change their lifestyle. From being an over spender, I started finding ways on how to go back to living a basic life - which is not bad after all. In fact, life should all be basic and not be full of complexity!

It trims down your life to what you really need and what you only want. You should focus on what you need and not what you want. That should be your rule in life. It works for me. Your need and everything else on the list can just be categorize as vices or extra expenses that won't be really beneficial to you in the long run.

This one seems pretty hard to find but if you do, grab it right away! You won't regret buying this one.

:)

Money Money Money

First Year of Independence

It was last year when we decided to sold our house in Quezon City. My sister also decided to live with my parents along with her children.

As for me, I decided to live alone. I rent a small space that my brother has up on their house. There is no special treatment here. He has his own family so I have to pay the rent. Of course, I am willing to do it.

I am quite excited but I already know that the way to living independently is not a walk in the park. The obligatory share to my parents, the house rent, the monthly fare, the food in the house and in the office - I have already listed it down. Let me not forget that at this time, I still have my PLDT broadband connection.

The first few months were such a struggle. Aside from the expected expenses I have mentioned above, I still have an existing loan for another six months so my mind is thinking - can I survive before my salary day?

Yes, I told myself, you can do that.

My source of income does not just come from my regular day job. I am also into oDesk. Plus, I know that there are other jobs I can do outside of my company - if I am just going to be persistent and determined to do it.

To make the story short, yes, it has been a year. I was able to survive. There were sleepless nights. After work, I still have to work additional hours for my other "sideline" jobs in oDesk. It was not easy. But it was all worth it. This is one thing that they told me before that I cannot do but i was able to.

I know I do not how to cook. But the first time I did it, I know for a fact, that I am not just used to doing it. But once I did, I did it right. Maybe it is just my laziness or someone else in our house, my mom, is doing this chore for us.

The only time you know how far you can bend are those times that you were tried and tested. When you did, there's that little grin forming in your lips. In your mind, you're saying, I did it!

:)

I Am What I Am: Single

Reference: Tumblr

When Is Being Lazy Good

I find being lazy these days good for me. The word itself may always imply negativity but when you associate that word on things like how you can save money or how you can live a more frugal life, being lazy is really good! So, start being lazy :)

Crazy?

Here's why I am not crazy when I said start being lazy to live a successful frugal life:

Instance #1:

Working so hard can make you feel so tired at the end of your week. During your rest days, you just want to pig out, sit and relax (unfortunately, this may just apply to single woman like me :(  ). When you see the pile of your clothes you need to wash, it is like they are a big sad face begging you to wash them. Your left and right brain is going to start debating whether you are going to wash them or not. Or, just go to the laundry store to have them do this chore for you.

This is where my right and left brain starts debating again. If I go to the laundry shop, I will need to walk ten blocks from my place. That is a lot of walking! Then I'll get all sweaty or I'll get hungry and I'll buy a food on my way home. Aside from the fact that I already paid for the laundry shop of the chore I should have been doing. And I might also get a cab if I am too tired to walk my way home. Did I just spent 300 pesos for just an hour? That is already my budget for two days!

And yeah, with all those stuff, I gotten lazy already. So, I started to set up everything. The stool, the brush, the soap, the fabric conditioner, the pales and everything you need for manually washing your clothes. The part of just brushing of the clothes already gives your biceps some hard work. Plus, you were able to save 300 pesos worth of expenses.

(I do handwashing because I am really trying to save on the electricity bills - just in case you are curious why I do that!)

Instance #2:

Shopping is every woman's theraphy - even when she's sad or happy. I may not be a big fan of buying after shopping -- I do window shop though. Most of the times, looking back, eating at some not so cheap restaurant is my thing! I am guilty when I say I am taking pictures of everywhere I go - to document my memories just in case I had an early Alzheimer's (I hope not!).

I work in a place where everything around is me is not cheap. I cannot find a single meal which is cheaper than 50 pesos. Prices all starts there. So, what can I expect with the shopping and all? It'll slash out all my payroll salary!

Good thing is that my workplace is like 30 or more blocks to where I live - and I am not gonna walk that far to shop!The shopping malls are not literally near my place. I need to ride a cab or trike to go there. Thank goodness! I love to walk going to work, don't get me wrong! But if I am going to walk just to go the shopping mall and then walk for three hours just looking around and shop for anything -- I'll just stay home: sleep, watch my favorite cable shows or movies, do scribblings and read all my unread books / magazines in the house!

How much did I saved? Maybe 500 to 1000 pesos. That's how I spent then when I am going shopping for a day! Now, it is just a thing of the past.

There's still a lot of scenarios. This post might have a part 2 to 100. Just sit back and be FRUGAL.

Single Life's Moments #1

Reference: Tumblr

Saving Tips #2: X Out Bills To Pay

Before anything else, this idea was inspired from being a patron of the site We Are Sole Sisters!

Nowadays, the only bills I have to pay is the house rent. My parents is living in a near province which is a three hour trip to my workplace. It is not a good and wise choice to live there - even though how much I want to be with them. So, I have to rent my own place near my office.

How did I do that?

Looking back, I have to pay for my internet bills, electricity, water bill, house rent. Plus the loans I took advantage in a snap. A splurge. Back then, I was a bigger fool not thinking a hundred times before doing something.

Now, no loans, no water bill, no internet bills. Again, only the house rent.

I look for a place to rent where the water and electricity bill is already included on the bill. Nice choice, isn't it? Plus, it is a house where I get to use the appliances so there is no need for me to buy my own appliances. In my room, I have my own tv (with a cable, beat that!), an electric fan, a built in cabinet, a king size bed and shower in the bathroom which is also inside my bedroom.

Little luxury, right?

Now, let's talk about the loans. Forget about your splurges. Pay your bills first. You have to do this neglection until you are done with your loan. That is what i did. My budget is so strict that I promise myself no more loans for me by the time I am done paying them.

Now, I am done. I get to buy my very first branded sandals after three years. Well, still on a sale section of the department store. But, it was a good purchase!

Internet bills? A 1,500 pesos bill for an internet bill is not really a good deal. I know how to do the technical troubleshooting of a dsl connection. I have been a technical support for so many years. These companies find it so very hard to admit that they are having maintenance or outage. Because they are afraid that the customers are going to ask for a rebate. In the last two years I have it (since 2008), I only get nothing but disconnections. Technicians will come on the day that you are in the office.

***If you are single with nobody living with you in your place, it is not practical to get that internet connection especially during the times of a tech visit.

So, I ended up disconnecting my internet connection and settling my bill. Because those technicians will tell you it is fixed and your bill will continue even if you have those downtime days. Not really practical.

Nowadays, I am using my prepaid internet connection. It maybe 1000 pesos monthly but I really do not need to worry about being asked to troubleshoot my computer. Again, nothing is wrong with my computer ---- it is your connection. So much for those DHCP release  and renew days! I do not really miss it!

You do not need a mobile plan as well, for geez sake! It is a big SPLURGE even right from the very start. You do not need to call everyday unless if it is company provided one. As long as it is not, take advantage of the unlimited surf or call. I am not a text or call person. I only text if i really need it. Call? I still text like can you please call me? ASAP? Making sure the other person also needs my call very badly. And what about CHIKATXT? If you still don't know that, GOOGLE it.

Now, you are seeing your savings or checking account getting fat ... nice, isn't it?

On Singles and Relationships

Saving Tip #1: 100 Pesos Challenge

This one depends on your daily expenses to and from work. Mine, I can do that at 50 pesos but that will be eliminating the food and making sure that you have a packed lunch. For me, I am not doing that yet because I do not know how to cook and I also do not want to always eat fried hotdog, egg or whatsoever at work - talk about being healthy. It is not. But I am getting my way there.

The trick is first, live a basic life. Second, stick to your basic expenses.

How do I do that?

You need food to eat, air to breathe and of course a dress to wear. Plus your footwear, of course. Then, there is the fare to and from work. Let us stop here. You've got the basic needs. What else do you need? For others, if ever they need a money in case of emergency. However, emergencies are not an everyday thing. So, why think about it? And please, always think positive.

I always make sure to eat in a food court near our office. There is a restaurant where I can already spend 60 pesos for my food. The food serves two viands: any viands and the other one is a veggie meal. So, you can choose another veggie meal, seafood or meaty foods. It comes with a drink. Enough for you not to choke for choosing a very cheap meal for the day.

I still have 40 pesos on my pocket, right?

From our village, I can spend 7 pesos to reach the trike station to get me to the office. well, near the office. But, I can walk my way to the trike station provided that I walk up early so I can afford to walk without being late. So, I saved 7 pesos. I still have 40 pesos, right?

From the trike station, I have to pay 9 pesos. Now, this is quite far so this is really part of the fare everyday. This is also my way to go back to the front of the village. Now, I only have 22 pesos.

Going back to the village, I can choose to ride another trike that will cost me 14 pesos or just walk. Why not a little form of exercise? Walking is good for you. Aside from the fact that it is an early evening walk. Between 6PM-7PM. Not bad and still not scary, right?

At the end of it, I saved 22 pesos everyday. I already saved 5,000 pesos more in a year. The next thing you need to do is to stick to this kind of lifestyle everyday.

What about the snacks?

It is part of my grocery to buy snacks that I can bring in the office everyday. A bread or crackers will do. A 3-in-one coffee or any drink as your additional everyday survival is allowed.

Is it still bad?

Any other excuses?

What do you think?

Single and Deserving

The Lone Traveler

Being single does not always mean being a solo traveler. Well .. sometimes. For me, it is most of the times. I love the impromptu planning and the excitement that goes a long with it. You know that traveling is a haven but the planning part can be hell. If you really want it, the planning can take months before the execution.

For me, why not think and go to the first place that came to your mind. It could be the feeling of I want it the first time I read about it. Why not that? There's no rules in traveling - much more on traveling alone.

Being a single traveler means:

• Get to see the places you want
• Go to it without thinking --- geez I'll be alone!
• More selfies!
• More nature shots
• No second voice telling you this is where I wanna go and not where you wanna go
• Talk about new and fresh things you and your companions used to talk about
• Meeting new acquaintances (and maybe soon-to-be life long friends!)
• Tell your tales while others are also longing to have your courage to travel alone
• Speaking of courage, you are developing a lot more courage than others
• A good way to practice your individuality
• A perfect way to develop your coping mechanism
• Nice area to learn something new
• Indulge on new experiences
• Live a more stress free life! 

Being single should not stop you from going to places you want to go to just because you are alone. Learn to explore your individuality. Take the road less traveled and you'll see amazing things just like I do.