How do you spend your money?

During the Christmas season, we usually receive our bonus and Philhealth share, SRA, PEI and CNA (and all other abbreviations of benefits they can think of...).  It is also a great opportunity for income generation with all the parties and gift-giving and shopping.

December is a season of spending money.  Aside from the mandatory gifts, how did you spend your money?

T1.  Share with us what you consider your largest purchase for this year. 

January is the start of the year with the New Year resolutions and we start the cycle of saving all over again.  Some tips on managing your money include (1) creating a budget, (2) saving for emergencies, (3) investing for the future, and (4) reducing your debt.  

I've personally observed that the older generation is more thrifty than my generation and label me as "galit sa pera" but when we discuss about spending with my younger colleagues, they think I have a lot of money that I could have spent for travel and vacations.  

Different people have different priorities when it comes to saving and spending.  Some save up for emergencies or contingencies.  Others invest in further formal education.  Large purchases become forced savings when purchasing a new house or a new car or top of the line gadgets.  Others put away funds for retirement, while others save for travel to allow them to experience new cultures, explore the world and create lasting memories. 

T2.  What are you saving up for?  Is this a need or a want?

I asked Gemini about key investment options and the shortlist I received include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, real estate and commodities.  At my age, I am still paying for my condo unit and a farm that I purchased in 2018.  Filling up my SALN reminds me that I have liabilities that can be considered investments.

3.  How do you save or invest your money?

Join us tonight on #HealthXPH at 9PM MLA time for a healthy discussion on money.

Shallow water makes much noise

When people feel insecure, it is natural to say things or do things that put other people down.  One of the things that I learned the hard way is to accept myself, and accept that I am different.  It's a nice feeling to belong, to blend in with the crowd.  However, if peer pressure keeps you from being true to yourself, then it is ok to be different.  It is alright to stand out.

The CHILD JESUS

Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle shares in his youtube program THE WORD EXPOSED that the CHRIST CHILD Brings Hope.

Reflections on the Santo Nino:

1. How can the CHILD JESUS purify us of false images of happiness?
2. How can the CHILD JESUS lead us to authentic security in life?

 

Don't take the BAIT!

BAITING

When toxic people say negative and hurtful things, they are baiting you to get a reaction from you.  Don't take the bait!  Don't dignify negative comments with a response.

The best way to piss off a narcissist: Stop reacting!

Thankful Heart!

We do not realize the blessings that we have unless we see how others are coping with less.

 

Chill

Sometimes I can feel highly stressed about deadlines piling up, but I verbally and literally remind myself that "done is better than perfect!"

 

When you have a bad day...

There are days that anything you say will be misinterpreted and met with negative comments.   

There are days when anything you do will be considered a threat.  Then again, you have the choice to succumb to the negativity or to consider it as a learning opportunity.

A friend gave me solid advice:  

Don't take it personally. It's human nature. People generally don't want to be told what they should or shouldn't do. The recipient might have interpreted your suggestion as you thinking that they haven't thought of that, or they are not doing their jobs right. This quality is more the rule than the exception though.

Nevertheless, there are proper ways to communicate.  We need to promote non-violent communication, because we do 't really know what the other person is going through.

Atty Augusto W. Go and the University of Cebu

This is the first time I met with Atty Augusto W. Go, the patriarch of the University of Cebu (UC).  During the time that Lola Sising set up The Share A Child Movement, he was one of the benefactors, allowing poor but deserving children to complete their education.  Many of our current scholars are also scholars of UC.

Following the heels of Lola Sising's birth anniversary last January 9, 2025.  She would have been 107 years old... I took a selfie with Atty AWG telling him proudly that I am the granddaughter of Atty Esperanza Valenzona and I took over The Share A Child Movement, Inc until it closed down in 2022.  He still knows Atty Valenzona.  He still remembers the Share A Child Movement!

Honoris Causa

Dr Gerardo M. Aquino, Jr, MD, MHA, CEO VI is now also PhD.  He was awarded with a PhD in Business Management, honoris causa.

I have been contemplating on taking on the challenge of writing a historical research on the impact of Dr Aquino on VSMMC this past 2 decades of his tenure as medical center chief.  This should be done BEFORE his retirement, while he is still available for interviews.

47th

It's my 47th birthday today and I wish to hide from the world.  I feel that I don't want to have the spotlight focused on me.

I think that I have my priorities in check:

PEOPLE.  I think I have done my best to let people important to me know that they are cherished and valued: my family, my direct support group, my work team creating enabling environments for patients and stakeholders, my co-workers, my friends and my patients.

PLACE.  From this quarter's Philhealth share, I spent on building a loft bed which I spent YEARS planning until I was ready to implement.

PROTECTION.  I also put aside sufficient budget to get new tires for Rosebud 2.0 to ensure our continued safety during road trips and family adventures.  It cost a lot, but I feel it is a worthy investment.

PURPOSE.  Today I remember my father who died at 47 years old.  He didn't grow old because he died young.  I am honored to have lived as "young" as my dad.  I remember when his co-workers would post "SMOKING IS HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH" he would add "BITCHING ABOUT" at the beginning of the statement to warn those nagging him to quit smoking.  When he was diagnosed with lung cancer, he quit smoking cold turkey.

I am honored to have lived 47 years with purpose and maximally utilizing my skills and talents to help other people, reaching goals and walking the untrodden path.  Trailblazing!