My father just got out of the Intensive Care Unit. Throughout his confinement, he was constantly asking about the balance on his bills. We tried to dance around the issue. Finally, he stopped asking after assuring himself that he had his Social Security System pension to rely on.
Al was already borrowing money on January 6, so early into the year. When he started working at P7,500 a month over a decade ago, he did not save despite having his living expenses fully covered. Today, he makes double that ─ not counting non-monetary benefits ─ and he still has no savings.
It’s the end of the year and by now all the gifts have been opened. That also means that our billing statements will soon be in the mail as well. No matter. It’s the season of sharing and we are just as happy to go through the shopping and the wrapping to remind family and friends that they matter.
The headlines are blaring, sound clips are plenty and online coverage seems never ending. Amidst all the financial difficulties, someone asked me what new lessons should be learned. I did not have to pause very long.
What do you do with loose change you acquire everyday? Do you drop them into canisters and forget about them? Do you count if you got the right amount in the first place? Do you leave them as a tip, finding them to be too much of a nuisance?
My wife and I work long hours and the kids are growing up with the house help. We have talked about “slowing down” but it really doesn't work. We have also considered the possibility that one of us stop working while the kids are still young.
I have been working for several years now (am 31 years old) but have been jumping from one job to another. As a lawyer, I have recently shifted my career towards working in the financial market. -- Marc
I followed the conventional advice and drew up a plan for my finances years ago. I have stuck to the plan well enough but I do not feel better off today because whatever savings we have doesn't seem enough to beat the higher food prices, higher tuition expenses, higher gas prices etc. etc. - Patricia
