Philly

How Much Does College Cost in the Philippines

2014/02/19 by Philly Leave a Comment

This is a frequent question. Education here in the Philippines is always a popular subject. My wife and I sent a niece through a bachelor of science course program at Philippine Women’s University (it is now coed, despite the name). It worked fine, she graduated, had work experience and foreign travel as part of her curriculum and got a decent job (with a major International banking concern) here in Manila with plenty of promotion possibilities. I’m very proud of her. And the costs? They … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Cost of Living Philippines

Take a Financial Time Out in the Philippines

2014/02/18 by Philly Leave a Comment

Most of my readers and most of my articles here are about moving to the Philippines to live, in many cases to retie there for, perhaps life. I don’t write much about the “touristy” aspects of the Philippines … I’m not much of a “touristy” person. I don’t go to beaches, I don’t platy golf (two of the outstanding activities available all over the country) and although I am technically retired, I prefer to spend my time working on entrepreneurial projects which earn money for me … from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Live There

Make Money In The Philippines — Advice From Successful Filipinos

2014/01/29 by Philly 3 Comments

Just recently I published a guest post here in PhilFAQS about protecting yourself from credit card fraud ... in the Philippines or anywhere else in the world for that matter. Feel free to read it now if you haven't seen it yet: http://philfaqs.com/elevating-consumer-protection-for-credit-card-holders-in-the-philippines/ Want to know how popular it has been? Answer … not very. Now I wonder why that is? Certainly credit card fraud and related fears are very, very popular among … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Earn a Living Online

Elevating Consumer Protection for Credit Card Holders in the Philippines

2014/01/26 by Philly Leave a Comment

This week has been a terrible start for South Korean card holders. A reported 20 million people fell victim to the largest private leak of private financial information. Thus, people are going nuts, with 1.5 million subscribers cancelling or renewing their credit card contracts since Monday. Unfortunately, credit card fraud and identity theft aren’t exclusive to other countries. June last year, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested 6 suspects for credit card fraud involvement. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Banking

We Support Our Troops and Other Catchy Phrases

2014/01/23 by Philly Leave a Comment

How many times have you heard or scene that catchy phrase. Often it’s used by some commercial offer, and one often has to wonder did the person printing it or saying it Really have the welfare of the troops in mind, or did they have a hidden profit motive? At least one can take comfort in the fact that our own (US) Department of Defense has troop welfare, both active duty and honorably retired in mind, right? Well, maybe not so much. If you are a US military retiree, you should be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Insurance

Even With An 18yo “Running Partner” You Still Can’t Get Away From Yourself

2014/01/19 by Philly Leave a Comment

Wow are we on a roll here. As Colonel John 'Hannibal' Smith was so fond of saying, “I love it when a plan comes together”. I get a good comment, decide to publish it in the main blog so that all who come here will be sure to see it, and bang … another faithful reader responds with another insightful, well written and very much “On Point” essay. We’re on a roll here, guys and gals. Keep up the great work! (Thanks, John), I should keep this article bookmarked … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Culture

More “Right” and “Wrong” Head Advice — From Those Who Know

2014/01/18 by Philly 2 Comments

I received another fantastic comment from reader DaveW. Well thought out, speaks from experience, and he expresses himself very well without “dissing” anyone who holds different views. rare in today’s comment world I can tell you that. So I’d be kind of crazy not to publish it as a full-fledged article. There’s a lot of good advice here guys … if anyone wants to read and think about if, Thanks DaveW, I appreciate both responses from Peter and Bernie, but have a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Culture

Even In The Philippines You Have To Use The Right Head

2014/01/09 by Philly Leave a Comment

I love it when this blog virtually writes itself. A few days ago I posted an excellent article from reader Peter. I chose to make it into a featured article because I felt Peter had a lot of good advice and that we all should get the benefit of his 8 plus years in toe Philippines. Well not only did many people enjoy Peter's advice, abut along came another reader, Bernie, who added on a wealth of further information and cogent thoughts. Thanks, Bernie. Some good advice from Peter. One … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Phils Editorals Tagged With: Living a dream? Or a nightmare?

No Matter Where You Go You Take YOURSELF With You

2014/01/07 by Philly 5 Comments

I often say that those who do not read the comments on a blog like this often miss half or more of the information available. Plus the chance to build a strong relationship or two along the way. It doesn’t matter how much I may know about a certain subject or how clearly I may (or may not) write, I certainly can’t know everything. And I am often bad at “connecting” with the reader who honestly wants to know more. Comments (and the Readers Who Make Them) are Very Valuable Here’s … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Culture Tagged With: Lessons Learned From 8 Years in the Philippines

Basic Ways To Earn With A Website — No Matter Where You Live

2013/12/27 by Philly Leave a Comment

Here’s a great visual aid my long-time blogging colleague Darren Rowse just published. Can Ordinary “Real” people Make Money With a Website? Well the answer is absolutely yes. Many of you reading that sentence may say, “Yeah yeah, talk, talk, do you have any proof Dave”? Well, I do, actually. Tears ago, long before the Internet, I remember reading advice from many successful entrepreneurs that told a virtual fool-proof way to find a viable “niche” or specialty to set up a business … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Earn a Living Online Tagged With: how does Dave do it?, I need to make money online

My Christmas Gift To You — One Word Can Change Your Life

2013/12/24 by Philly 1 Comment

This is my eighth Christmas here in the Philippines. Was moving here back in November of 2006 the right thing to do? Well for me, I’d certainly say so. Let’s make a quick comparison between December 2006 and December 2013. Financial Comparison 2006 thru 2013 --- Was My Move Worth It? Assets/Liabilities 2006 2013 Credit Card Debt $20,000+ $0.00 (I owe NOTHING. We lived tight and paid it all off) Real Estate $ 0 ~$50,000 (Fully paid for. My wife and I dug deep and paid … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Editorials Tagged With: One Word Makes All The Difference

Can I Just Get a Job Flipping Burgers in the Philippines?

2013/12/22 by Philly 5 Comments

I get a lot of questions from folks wanting to move here to the Philippines about jobs here. Although I am very much opposed to the idea of most foreigners working hare … it’s really a losing proposition see: 10 Reasons You Don’t Want A Job In The Philippines and for more explanation: 10 Reasons You Should Never Get a Job I do try to help when I can … see: Philippine Job Listings for Foreigners or Filipinos What’s So Different About Working in the Philippines? A few … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Philippine Jobs Tagged With: Can't I just flip burgers in the Philippines?