Relationship expenses are essential investment

Last weekend, I went home to my province. There was no significant occasion or event there but our family decided to meet because my brother, who is a seafarer just got home. Since 2007, we've never been "complete in attendance" because me and my seaman brother already have a family of our own and also I am base in island province while he is base in the far north. Last weekend is the only schedule everybody is available.

A simple meeting or homecoming like that entails a big chunk of our budget. But because we value relationships/family more than our budget, we decided to hold the meeting. Unfortunately, my brother's schedule suddenly change. To make the story short, he was the only one absent. I was so disappointed by the turn of events because I have to reschedule several meetings and risked a reprimand from my supervisor. Adding to injury, my brother only confirmed that he is not coming a few hours before our scheduled meeting. Haay...

Anyway, its true that amidst the rough is the diamond. We push through with our simple homecoming, and it was a blast!!! Our simple merienda became an advance birthday celebration for our two bunso (youngest sibling) who will be celebrating their birthday on April 29 and May 2. My estranged dad surprisingly visited that day and it was not the usual uncomfortable situation.

The celebrants with their cheap choco cake which they lovingly devoured..



Papa posing with us, enjoying the merienda prepared by my brother in law:




On my last day, we attended the SM sportsfest - which my sister, Ady is a participant. We have to endure the early wake up call just to attend and support her. My sister (2nd sibling) cannot attend the event because of her sensitive pregnancy and also my other sister (4th) because she and her husband attends to my ailing mother. And lo and behold... Ady emerged as the winner! Not only a placer which she expected but she was the grand winner in her category!! That really made our day even if the price was a mere P700.00 and a P30-worth medal. What was so amazing was our bonding and our excitement and support for our sister.

My sister during the marathon, awarding and with her # 1 fans & cheerios..












I spent a month worth of investible fund coming home but our simple homecoming was worth every penny... thanks to my husband for his usual support. Thanks to my sisters and brother for their time, effort and commitment. Thanks to Papa for being positive that time. Thanks to Mama who never gave up hoping amidst her health problems. I really love my family.. I am really so blessed by God.

Minimum requirements in investing in the stock market thru online means

To those interested in starting building their wealth thru investing in the stock market thru online means specifically thru CitisecOnline.com Inc, here are their minimum requirements:

* Internet access with moderate speed

* Access to bank in your area (Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corp., Security Bank Corporation, Bank of the Philippines Islands, Banco de Oro). If you also have an online account on BPI express online, its easier.

* At least P10,000 peso initial capital/investment

* Filled up forms (downloadable forms, in case of Citiseconline wherein we invest)

* Submit copy of any 2 the following:
• Passport
• Philippine driver's license
• SSS ID (1999 credit card type only)
• Company ID if employed by top 2500 corporations (with photo)
• Major credit card with picture
• Senior citizen's ID
• Birth certificate

* Submit any latest copy any of one of the following in the applicant's or spouse's name:
• Current utility bills
• Credit card statement
• Club membership bill
• Bank statement

Note: * For Non-Resident Filipinos a copy of one's proof of income certified by employer must be secured and documents must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. ** For Non-Filipinos residing in the Philippines, include a photocopy of current visa, alien certificate of registration (ACR) and proof of government permission to engage in business/employment; validity of work permit must be at least one year from its date of issue.

For more information, log on to www.citiseconline.com.. or call their hot line at (02)6333-777.

My financial profile

Let me draw my financial profile first..

My husband and I are government employees.. and you know how little government employees earn here in the Philippines (i mean honest government workers like us..:-)).

We are happily married for three years and struggling to have kids. Our combined monthly salary is averaging only at Php38,000 (roughly US$880). Our monthly expenses reached 70-75% of our salary, and during our medical struggle to have a baby it reached 120%. Its relatively small compare to some of our friends who spent 90-130% of their salary without emergency or medical needs like us. We still live with my mother in law since my husband's four siblings are all OFWs and thanks to that situation, we have a reason to stay with my wonderful mother in law because she needs companion in her big house.. and no rent expense for us.


I can say that I used to be financially dumb. My knowledge of money and "business" is from opportunistic pyramiders and opinions of individuals who pretend to be financially wise. I am easily enticed by every opportunity of quick money scheme and lost a lot of my hard earned money from that.

When I was still single my salary goes to my family as my assistance to them and the rest to my daily needs. They say I'm kuripot (stingy) because unlike singles in my age group, I still can save amidst my obligations in my family and my low salary. I kept my savings in the bank.. and recently I learned it was a bad strategy.

But I'm not really kuripot, I am only saving for some luxuries I enjoy. I splurge on these luxuries and drain my savings at the end of the year or anytime of the year.

That was me before I got married, before I was introduced to Bo Sanchez. Yes, my road to financial freedom started with Bo Sanchez' book and seminars.

Now, I'm still in the government earning the same salary but working on fulfilling our financial goals. We also have passive income on the side without compromising our work time in government because we affiliated with a credit cooperative. We are building our retirement fund thru investing in the stock market. Little by little, we are pushing our way to our goal of financial freedom.

TRQ Seminar by RE Guru Trace Trajano

I attended Trace Trajano's first ever Think Rich Quick Seminar Workshop in the Philippines last March 27, 2010. A one-day affair that charged my credit card for only Php2600 but worth million of pesos on learning and experience.(Actually, since I signed up with Tita Babes, the fee is only P2100 because I got a Php500 discount from her.)

It was worth millions because of the following:

* 100+ millionaire thinking individuals attended the event... 100+ individuals that one can network to attain our financial goal

* workshop.. actual exercises on some critical real estate activities

* success stories from young, common individuals.. pounding you on the head with a realization that these young, unassuming individuals can do it and why can't we..

* apprentice challenge of Trace - will take you a big leap from just knowing the theories and concepts to actual implementation (its sad because we were not able to join the challenge because we are 2 members short)

Never mind the lousy sound system, limited space in the venue and the mediocre food.. the objective of the event was realized and went beyond the expectation.