Money Wise: Earning, Spending, Savings, Investing

Money management has many differing schools of thought, it depends upon the kind of lifestyle and attitude one may have. There is the fundamental equation of economics and accounting, i.e., disposable income- expenditure = savings. Another equation is, as practiced by most Chinese, disposable income - savings = expenditure. These two perspectives have there pros and cons. Crumpling down the myopic wall, these two can be mixed like wine bringing out the best concoction to ones taste.

Money wise is a rethinking process on how that almighty dollar be elegantly and responsibly accumulated, used, preserved, reserved and expanded for a secured and better future, not just for oneself but also for the good of the society. The process starts with an honest review of actual earnings against expenditures. Most would realized, if not scandalized, that spending are more than what they could pay for. It plunges beyond zero to scarcity and indebtedness. Isn't it disheartening? But, see it as a challenge to make it smoothly surging up. The attached sheet is a personal financial statement to guide oneself in the actual review of the present status and for the future financial plans. Before filling up the latter, take a look first at the following:

Bottomless Pocket

People work in order to earn. May they be as an employee or entrepreneur. Why so? Of course, to live life to the fullest here on earth. Every move means a penny from the pocket. Moreover, because of personal economic responsibility, an obligation to support oneself today and in the future. Also, to achieve financial freedom having that capacity to address needs and wants confidently and easily. In other words, to be appropriately wealthy. Then, to help ones neighbor starting within the immediate family towards the bigger community. So, how to increase ones earnings? Well, look for a job and company that pays well. Work your best as to get promoted, bingo! the pay will also increase. Of course, as an employee, the company only pays for eight hours daily. After office, one can get some extra jobs or sidelines, small business maybe or part time jobs. Nowadays, there are a lot of it available, one just have to be smart, creative, open-minded and diligent to venture. If earnings increases, one would find it hard to close ones mouth smiling with all teeth out. At least, it's a positive problem this time.

Splurge Not

Real challenge for everyone, especially for the shopaholics. Isn't it? First, one must have a budget plan. Here enters the above mentioned future personal financial statement plan. The budget plan helps allocate earnings to a particular expenditure or in other way around. It answers to how much goes to what expenditures. Then, have a buying discipline. It really pays to live a spirit of poverty, a simple life. So, away with the tempting credit cards! Use it for emergency purposes. Never to go shopping without a list, in a low mood and empty stomach. Else, one will end up seeking consolations through impulsive buying, which oftentimes regretted. Have a smart buy! Make a canvass, compare prices, quality check, bulk and discount buying. Review some unnecessary expenditures to cut down, eliminated or look for alternatives. Of course, to take care of the material things one has already acquired. Some stuff may last a lifetime if well take cared of.

Dollar A Day

Earnings positive, expenditures are manageable. There comes a savings. How to do that further? Set a realistic, achievable savings goal. This can be simple like a vacation or as gigantic as having a house and lot. It all depends as long as it motivates, empowers and gives a sense of accomplishment. Make a savings scheme plan, one can open a passbook savings account in the nearby recommended savings bank. Avail the company's retirement plan, if there is. Personally, one can have a piggy bank for near future extraordinary expenses.

Multiply

Panicking for savings spilling-over? Foster an enterprising spirit. Open a business or a franchise. This way one can generate employment and help the society. Recommending “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” for reading. If not, look for any investment portfolio may it be a bank for time-deposits, an insurance company or a stock brokerage. Look for a sound investment adviser. Always make a background check before investing

Living life in this wonderful world is beautiful. More beautiful when in wealth and abundance but not superfluous. Just a reminder that life is not all money or wealth. As a famous line goes “what does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world but losses his soul”. One must look up to God as the Father of all, the Divine Providence. Money wise is nothing new it is just as old as the Gospel. There many stories like the parable of the talents that talks about earnings. As St. Escriva wrote in the Forge, 523, “ Do not fix your heart on anything that passes away. Imitate Christ, who became poor for us, and had nowhere to lay his head. Ask him to give you, in the midst of the world, a real detachment, a detachment that has nothing to soften it.”
Note: Worksheet to follow. Cannot be uploaded.

The Best of Clay at Pettyjohn's Pottery

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What it is to be a clay? Pretty ugly, huh! Kasi, PUTIK! Dirty and sticky. Makes ones feet dirty and road impassable during rainy season. But, to a potter artists like Mr. Jon Pettyjohn and his wife Tessy, it is a precious sticky earth. Fortunately, this couple has great talents to draw priceless stoneware out of this stuff.

Kinda skeptic, at first

"Our Lord and our Lady, please forgive me for being cynical to the stories of Emma."
I was kinda skeptical the first time I heard of her. But, my group of friends in Manila talked so much of her that I caught myself listening intently. More so, when we went to Mt. Of Salvation in Caleruega, Batulao, Batangas last August 11, 2009. Been in the area in 2006,in fact my friend told me to go there but I didn't.

Anyway, who is Emma de Guzman? She's a simple woman and who hardly know much about the faith. With the demands of her family needs, she went to Singapore and Canada for work. It's in Canada that she became a visionary, but has already an inkling while in Singapore. Our Lady appeared and taught her how to pray the three mysteries, also taught her the catechism. She also saw St. John, she said he's very young and handsome (TRUE! my idol, my saint!). Then, in Canada, together with Sol Gaviola, they founded La Pieta International Prayer Group. I hope one day, I'll see her for my healing in both body and soul.

Mt. of Salvation is what our Lady asked Emma to look for in the Philippines, a place for pilgrimage to pray for peace. Our Lady appeared here to affirm that this is the right place. After that, the water sprang up which I took advantage to drink on. Not just drinking, but I almost take a bath. Well, the water tastes so well that my companions also did.

See in the pictures, there's the stone saying that our Lady appeared together with Pope John Paul II and Blessed Faustina last April 9, 2005. It means saints are alive and at their prime life. How, I wish to see Pope John Paul II also. Hopefully, I see them in heaven. So, help me God. Amen.

I will stop here first, I still have to watch the June Keithly Report about Emma. More, next time. Thanks

Going to confession isn't that hard

We see that the queue for the Holy Communion is very long during the mass while its barely a line of penitents going to confession. Why is it so? Some would say, I'd rather go straight to God? Why confess and ask forgiveness through a man? For some, they may say, I have no sin. Why should I confess? Well, hopefully they are truthful to themselves. But, there are people, in all humility and simplicity would say they don't know what to say to the priest inside the confessional box. That's pretty cool, so, here's a quick and easy guide for confession:

1.Faith in God

First thing, one must believe in God. If, you don't have, then it's time to ask God for it. Unlucky you, if you don't. Faith is the lifeblood of all faithful Catholics, especially for those people who are living a holy and happy life and have ultimately made it to sainthood. One must desire to seek, know and love God above all. How to do that? Simple, at your fingertips, use the internet or by on foot, go to the church near you. There are a lot of Catholic websites where you can read on. But, most of all is to pray and establish a personal relationship with God.

2.Deep examination of conscience

Recall your sins. In silence, ask yourself calmly what internal and external actions that you deliberately committed against God and your neighbor. It may be mortal or venial sins depending on the nature of the matter, circumstances and your consent. One can use the 10 Commandments as a guide for examination. In fact, some priest use it in giving guided confession for those who have not gone for years. As such, the priest asks and the penitent answers. Other than God's commandments, there are also sins against virtues and teachings of the Catholic Church. After a thorough examination, one must manifest contrition, resolution to make amends and go to the priest for confession.

3.Act of Confession

Go to the church near you or any parish that you know that hears confession in a certain time. Now, here's the step inside the confessional box:

a. Tell the priest that you are going for confession. Then, make the sign of the Cross. A priest will say something, then, you can start with “Bless me Father for I have sinned. My last confession was (______). I accuse myself for (mention here your sins contritely)”. For example, “ I accuse myself for my lack of love of God for having a disordered desire for material things... etc. Then, to end it, you may also ask forgiveness for your past sins against a particular virtue or any past sins forgotten but has not confessed.

b. The priest will then give an opportune advice, here he may open a conversation with you, which you can make clarifications and ask for enlightenment on issues you want. The priest will then give the penance and absolution for the sins confessed. After that, you may recite fervently the penance given to you inside the chapel.

c. Then, smile. God has forgiven you and start life anew. Invite friends to go to confession too. If they don't know how, teach them.

It is very much encourage to conscientiously do the examination of conscience daily. Preparation for confession must be concrete, complete, concise and contrite. One may go at least once a year as the minimum requirement of the Church. But, there is no limit, one can go as often as necessary. Confession, more than anything else, is but cleansing and purification of one's soul and reliving life anew towards the fullness of life in God.

If ever you fall, my son, go quickly to Confession and seek spiritual guidance. Show your wound so that it gets properly healed and all possibility of infection is removed, even if doing this hurts you as much as having an operation. (St. Escriva, The Forge, 192)