Frugal Tip No. 8: On Credit Cards

It's been a while since the last time I posted a frugal tip. =)

Now, I want to share some of my tips on using credit cards:

Photosource: From Google

1. Limit the Number of Your Credit Cards

One or two credit cards are enough because it is very hard to maintain and monitor if you have too many cards cards. Aside from that, the more credit cards you have, the higher the chances you will be tempted to spend.

Before, I used to collect credit cards. Name it! I almost have a credit card from each bank - HSBC, Citibank, Union Bank, Standard Chartered, Eastwest Bank, etc. I don't actually use them all. You know, just a collection. Also, I get thrilled every time my credit card application was approved.

Later on, I became mature already. I just cut the number of my credit cards to 3.


2. The Primary Use of Your Credit Card Should be for Emergency Purposes Only

As much as possible use cash on your purchases. At least, you don't need to worry about paying something in the future, right?

The problem with having credit cards is that you'll have a tendency to think that you have an immediate cash that you can splurge anytime. If uncontrolled, will later on put you into trouble. That's why if you have a credit card, you should only use it for emergency purposes only.


3. Make Sure You Have a Ready Cash to Pay for Your Credit Card Purchases

If ever you use your credit card, make sure that you have an available cash to pay for it. Not the other way around - the thinking that you'll have a money in the future to pay for it. What if something bad happened like you lost your job or you need some money because there's an emergency? I'm sure that you'll be dead broke and you won't be able to pay your credit cards which will later on make you heavily indebted because of high interest rates and various credit card fees.


4. Use Your Credit Card to Your Advantage

Credit card companies are very competitive now-a-days. They have different form of gimmicks to attract credit card holders to use their cards. There are instant rewards, rebates, points, etc.

I use my credit cards to my advantage. I take note of the promos available for each of my card. Applying Tip No. 3, I just use my credit cards just to avail of their promos. Because of that, I get a lot of freebies such as gift certificates, meals, drinks, etc. Isn't that great that you get something for free from your purchases?


5. Always Request for Waiver of Annual Fees

Credit card companies usually charge you for annual fees both for principal and supplementary credit cards which you could request them to waive.

Your request will have a better chance of approval if you are a good credit card holder. Meaning, you religiously pay on time and in full. Sometimes, they will just give you options in order for them to waive your annual fees such as using your accumulated points, subscribing to their e-statement, utilities payment enrollment, giving you spending requirement, etc. In my case, I usually choose the spending requirement option.

Then if they don't agree to waive your credit card annual fee, you can just have your credit card cut since it's very easy to apply for a new one.


6. Pay Your Credit Card Bills on Time and in Full

Make sure to always pay your credit card bills on time and in full. In this way, you'll avoid paying credit card charges and high interest rates.

Don't be tempted to pay only the minimum amount due for it will later make you pay more. Later on, you'll realize that you are just paying for the interest and credit card charges. Thus, making your debt balloon.


7. Leave Your Credit Cards at Home

Not unless you have high-self control, you should always leave your credit cards at home when you go to malls. In this way, you can resist temptation and you can think twice or thrice before purchasing something.


8. Keep Track of Your Credit Card Purchases

You should keep track of your credit card purchases by having a notebook where you list down all your credit card transactions. This will help you have a check and balance once your credit card statement arrives. Aside from that, it will also create awareness on how much you owe already.


9. Avoid Zero Percent Interest Purchases

Again, there is no such thing as zero percent interest. I suggest that you just save up for something and buy it in cash. Choose delayed gratification over instant gratification! In fact, delayed gratification will give you greater pleasure.

You'll also be amazed if you offer to buy something in cash. They will give you additional discounts which is actually the hidden interest if you use your credit card.

10. Request for Lower Credit Limit

This is weird right? Anyway, this will help you control your spending.


That's all for now. I hope this blog entry helps you. =)

Gassed Up for Coke and Max's =)

May hindi pa ako naikwento sa inyo. Eto yung mga latest experiences namin sa paglagay ng gasolina sa aming munting sasakyan. Hehehe.

May promo kasi ngayon ang mga Shell gas station. That is may libreng 1.5L Coke whenever you gas up (see their promo here). At the same time, on-going din ang promo ng EastWest Bank for Max's Fried Chicken (see their promo in my blog here). Knowing me, I took advantage of those promos. Sayang ang freebies di ba? Aminin, sino ba naman ang aayaw sa libre? Hahaha!

So eto na...

Scenario 1: Full Tank Didn't Reach P2,000.00

Minsan ako na ang nagvolunteer magpagas ng car ni hubby para habang kumakain siya ng dinner, nagpapagas na ako. So dali dali akong pumunta sa nearest Shell sa amin at nagpafull-tank. Napuno at kinalog kalog na ang sasakyan pero hindi pa rin umabot sa P2,000.00. Bitin ng P62.00. Sabi sa akin ng gasoline boy na ok lang dahil accumulated purchase naman yung P2k para maka-avail ng Coke. Pero sa akin, hindi ok yun dahil kailangan umabot ng P2k ang pag-swipe ko sa credit card ko para ma-avail ko yung promo. Hehehe.

Alam niyo ba kung ano ang ginawa ko para lang umabot ng P2k yung babayaran ko? Nakiusap ako sa gasoline boy na mag-abang ng jeep o tricycle na magpapagas and willing ako maghintay para ma-avail ko ang promo. Hahaha! Buti na lang at may tricycle kaagad na dumating. Actually, P50.00 lang ang ipapakarga niya pero di ko alam kung paano napapayag ng gasoline boy na P62.00 ang ipakarga. So ayun, solve na ang problema ko. May Coke na ako, may Max's pa ako. Hehehe.

Scenario 2: Natuyuan 

Eto ang the best experience! Para lang umabot ng P2k ang full-tank, pinakiusapan ko si hubby na isagad yung gas niya. Ok naman nung una, nakaabot sa bahay kaso lang iniwan muna niya na naka-idle yung sasakyan knowing na ready na kami umalis. Unfortunately, medyo natagalan kaya ayun, saktong sakto nung pagsakay namin sa car biglang tumigil! Natuyuan ng gasolina yung sasakyan namin!!! Sa ilang taon namin nagmamaneho, ngayon lang kami natuyuan ng gasolina at dahil lang yan sa mga promo promo na yan! Hehehe.
         
And for hubby, sobrang tawang tawa siya sa akin dahil sa ilang taon niyang minamaneho yung sasakyan niya, ngayon ko lang daw sinisi na walang warning sign yung gas niya. Hahaha. Kaya sabi niya kaagad sa akin na wag kong kalimutang iblog ito. Hehehe.


Kayo ba mahilig din ba mag-avail ng mga promos? Ano ang pinakahibang na experience niyo when it comes to availing promos? Share naman...

MERALCO POP Rates Program

Guys, hubby and I just discovered that Meralco has an ongoing program wherein you could save on your electricity bills. It is called Meralco's Peak/Off-Peak (POP) rates program. Unfortunately, we are not qualified for the said program because our average monthly electricity consumption is less than 500 kWh. Baka kayo you are qualified that's why I'm sharing this to you.

Here are the details of the program for residential consumers which I got from Meralco's website (www.meralco.com.ph):

photosource

Meralco's Peak/Off-Peak (POP) rates program (formerly known as "Time of Use" or "TOU) is an alternative energy pricing scheme that is based on the time of day electricity is generated and on the cost of supplying electricity during that time. With this pricing scheme, Meralco customers can avail of lower generation costs in their total electricity rate during pre-defined off-peak hours:

                                               PEAK                            OFF-PEAK
Monday to Saturday     8am to 9pm (13 hours)        9pm to 8am (11 hours)
Sunday                        6pm to 8pm (2 hours)         8pm to 6pm (22 hours)

Compared to standard rates, the POP program more accurately reflects the cost of electricity generation during specific time periods.

I. Overview

Intro

Approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the Meralco POP (Peak-Off-Peak) rate program is an energy-pricing scheme which offers two power rates, computed based on the time of day electricity is produced and the corresponding generation cost during that time.

What do Peak and Off-Peak periods mean?

Peak periods are hours of the day when the demand for electricity is high. Energy prices during peak periods are substantially higher than the charges during off-peak periods. This is because more power plants, including those running on expensive fuels, are needed to run during the peak hours to supply and meet the demand for electricity. During off-peak or low demand, only plants runing at low operating costs supply the electricity.

II. Mechanics

What are the POP Rates?

Airlines and hotels offer cheaper rates during off-season or periods of low demand for travel. Telecommunication firms extend to its subscribers lower rates at nights. The Meralco POP program is a similar scheme that specifies different pricing depending on the time of day, day of the week and season of the year.

Meralco's POP pricing consists of:

1) Two time periods
    a) Peak
        Monday to Saturday 8a.m. to 9p.m. (13 hours)
        Sunday 6p.m. to 8p.m. (2 hours)
    b) Off Peak
        Monday to Saturday 9p.m. to 8a.m. (11 hours)
        Sunday 8p.m. to 6p.m. (22 hours)

2) Two Seasons
    a) Dry/summer (January to June)
    b) Wet/rainy (July to December)


                                                             PEAK            OFF-PEAK
                                                         (Php/kWh)          (Php/kWh)
DRY                POP rate                         7.48                   3.55
                    Non-POP rate                     5.69                   5.69
                       Difference                       1.79                  -2.14

WET               POP rate                         7.28                   3.55
                    Non-POP rate                     5.57                  5.57
                       Difference                       1.71                  -2.02        
               
                  *With approval from ERC

Under the POP program, the peak rate will be Php1.80/kWh more expensive than Meralco's default non-POP rate, but to encourage customers to consume electricity during off-peak hours, the off peak rate will be lover than the non-POP rate by P2.14/kWh.

What's the difference between the old TOU (Time-of-Use) program and this new POP pricing scheme?

The Off-Peak rate under the new pricing scheme is even lower than the Off-Peak rate in the previous TOU program.



                                                              TOU                 POP
                                                         (Php/kWh)          (Php/kWh)
DRY               Peak                                7.25                    7.48
                       Off-Peak                          3.86                    3.55
                       Difference                        3.39                    3.94

WET               Peak                                6.95                   7.28
                       Off-Peak                          3.94                   3.55
                       Difference                        3.01                   3.73


Note: The above rates include the generation cost adjustment (CGA). Meralco's POP rates consist of the basic generation rate plus (or minus) the generation charge adjustment (GCA) for the month. The GCA will adjust the basic generation rate for fluctuations in generation cost as well as other rate adjustments as approved by the ERC.

III. Benefits

Intro

Customers can take advantage of using applicances with high power demand during off-peak periods since they will be charged with lower electricity rates.

The POP program is most beneficial to those who:
   a) Normally use their electrical appliances during off-peak hours (e.g. use of air-conditioners,
       water heaters, clothes dryers at night or early morning)
   b) Can shift a considerable amount of their high electricity usage from peak to off-peak periods.
   c) Can reschedule power-intensive tasks to off-peak periods like Sunday (e.g. operating washing
       machines, clothes dryers and vacuum cleaners)

This would result in savings which could be used for other household expenses.

What are the power-intensive appliances to watch out for? These typically include:
   a) Air-conditioners
   b) Flat irons
   c) Clothes dryers
   d) Washing machines
   e) Vacuum cleaners
   f) Water heater

IV. Requirements

How would I know if I'm qualified to apply for POP?

   a) Residential accounts with a 12-month average consumption of at least 500 kWh.
   b) No pending service irregularity or violation of contract cases
   c) No overdue accounts

How do I apply?

   a) Inquire at the nearest Meralco Business Centers
   b) Call the POP Helpline (632-8008)

What are the POP application requirements?

Qualified customers must submit a signed POP application form.

What are the corresponding fees?

   a) Upon application to the program, enrollees must pay a one-time application fee
   b) Monthly incremental costs:

     1. Metering charge, which refers to the cost of reading, operation and maintaining power
         metering facilities and associated costs attributed to the provision of metering service
     2. Supply charge, which refers to the cost of rendering service to customers such as billing,
         collection, customer assistance and other associated services.

                  One-Time Application Fee                    Additional Monthly Charges
                      P999.00 + 12% VAT                           POP Metering Charge
                                                                                           P 0.66
                                                                                 POP Supply Charge
                                                                                 P 0.01/kWh + P1.94

Note: One-time application fee includes cost of installation of a POP cable meter. Unlike the existing meters, POP-capable meters have a computerized clock that is able to keep track of the energy consumed during different times of the day. This will be the basis for the peak and off-peak consumption where the special POP rates will be applied.

Does the program have a lock-in period?

Customers are required to enroll in the POP program for a minimum of 12 months, which will also serve as the lock-in period.

If the customer wants to leave the program prior to the end of the 12 month contract, the following should be submitted:

   a) Formal letter to Meralco stating their intent to discontinue their enrollment with POP
   b) Payment of a pre-termination fee equivalent to the remaining portion of the incremental  
       metering charge and additional costs associated with their POP enrollment

What if I am currently enrolled in the Meralco TOU program?

The POP program is the new Meralco TOU rates program but with lower rates. In effect, existing Meralco TOU customers do not need to re-apply for a new contract (or terminate their existing contract) to enjoy the new POP rates, based on the current contract's provision that allows them to be billed on whatever POP rates are approved by the ERC for the duration of their contract period.



For non-residential consumers, you may click here for more information.

Frugal Tip No. 8: Kurot Principle

I want to share you guys an excerpt from Vic and Avelynn Garcia's book entitled "Kontento Ka Na Ba Sa KaPERAhan Mo?". This is a good read and super nakakarelate ako. I'm proud to say that my hubby and I are practicing Kurot Principle. =)

Here it goes...

Kurot Principle

Ano 'yung Kurot Principle? Ay, ang ganda nitong Kurot Prinicple na ito. To better understand this, I will tell you a story of a person na balak bumili ng cellphone worth P1,000. Nagkataong mayroon siyang P100,000 na savings. Puwede ba siyang bumili ng cellphone? Puwede, kasi yung P1,000, kurot lang 'yon sa kanyang savings.

May pangalawang taong balak bumili ng cellphone. Ang bibilhin niya ay worth P1,000.00 din. Mayroon siyang savings sa bangko na P1,000. Bumili siya ng cellphone. Anong tawag dun? Dakot na 'yun! Dinakot lahat ang pera niya!

May pangatlong tao, balak bumili ng cellphone, pero walang savings. P1,000 lang naman 'yung bibilhin niya. Bumili siya. Anong tawag 'dun? Utang na 'yun!

Ang tanong: ano'ng prinsipyo ang ginagamit mo sa buhay mo? Kurot, dakot, o utang?

Magtataka pa ba tayo kung bakit tayo naghihirap o baon sa utang? Ang gagaling nating dumakot! Ang gagaling nating umutang! Gusto mong yumaman? Starting today, matutong kumurot. Kapag may bibilhin, dapat kinukurot lang! nagkakaintindihan ba tayo? Kapag ginawa mo ito, pangako, yayaman ka.

Pag-aralan nating muli ang mga pinakamayayaman sa Pilipinas, ang Chinoy. Again, bakit sila mayayaman? Ang gagaling nilang... kumurot! Tayo ang gagaling nating... dumakot! Sasampolan kita...

Pinoy vs. Chinoy Businessman

May dalawang negosyanteng nagsimula ng kanilang negosyo, isang Pinoy at isang Chinoy. Ang capital nila pareho ay P100,000.

Sa unang buwan, si Pinoy, kumita ng P10,000. Anong iniisip bilhin? Cellphone. Si Chinoy, kumita rin ng P10,000. Ano ang gagawin niya? Idadagdag niya sa puhunan.

So magkano na ngayon ang puhunan ni Chinoy? P110,000! Si Pinoy, P100,000 pa rin, pero may bago siyang cellphone. Ang ganda!

Ituloy natin. After a few months, maganda ang takbo ng negosyo. Si Pinoy kumita ng P50,000. Ang Pilipinong may P50,000, ano ang balak bilhin? Bibili siya ng home theater, DVD, at LCD TV! Si Chinoy, kumita rin ng P50,000. Anong gagawin niya? Idadagdag uli sa puhunan niya. Magkano na ang puhunan niya? P160,000 na!

A few months later pa, ang Pinoy kumita ng P150,000! Ang Pilipinong mayroong P150,000, ano ang balak bilhin? Second-hand na kotse o pang-downpayment sa bagong kotse. Ang Chinoy, may P150,000. Ano'ng gagawin niya? Idadagdag sa puhunan! Magkano na ang puhunan niya? P310,000!

Buwan-buwan, si Pinoy kumikita. Dagdag siya ng dagdag ng gamit. Magkano ang puhunan niya? P100,000! Si Chinoy, buwan-buwan kumikita. Ano ang ginagawa niya? Dagdag ng dagdag sa puhunan niya. One day, Chinoy was able to save P1 million! So ginawa niya, he approached one supplier and said, "Supplier, kung bibili ako sa'yo worth P1 million, bibigyan mo ba ako ng discount?" Hulaan mo kung ano ang sasabihin ng supplier. "Of course, ang dami mong bibilhin, kaya bibigayn kita ng additional 5% discount!"

Ngunit naisip ni Chinoy, "Hindi naman yata maganda na sa akin lahat ang 5%. Ang gagawin ko, bibigyan ko ang customers ko ng 3% discount at sa akin na lang 'yung 2%." Ibig sabihin, bababa ang presyo ng kanyang mga ibinebentang produkto.

It just so happened na magkatabi ang tindahan ni Chinoy at ni Pinoy. Pareho sila ng mga produktong ibinebenta. Given the situation, kanino kayo bibili? Kay Chinoy, because it's cheaper. Ano ang mangyayari sa negosyo ni Pinoy? Malulugi na. Kasi mas mahal ang kanyang produkto. Ano ang gagawin niya? Ibebenta niya 'yung kotseng nabili niya ng P150,000. Sino ang bibili? Siyempre, ang maraming pera, si Chinoy. Tatawaran pa ni Chinoy ang kotse ng P80,000. Dahil gipit si Pinoy, kahit palugi ay ibebenta na rin niya. Si Chinoy ngayon ay nagkaroon ng kotse na murang-mura lang!

After a few months, mauubos din ang P80,000 ni Pinoy. Ano ang susunod na gagawin ni Pinoy? Ang home entertainment niya ay  ibebenta na rin. Magkano? P20,000 na lang. Sino ang bibili? Si Chinoy. Darating ang araw na pati ang cellphone ni Pinoy ay ibebenta na niya. Magkano niya ibebenta? P2,000 na lang! Isang araw, magsasaraw na ang negosyo ni Pinoy. Ano ang gagawin niya? Malamang, magtratrabaho na lang siya kay Chinoy. Ito ang kuwento ng bansang Pilipinas!

Naalala mo ba noong araw, mas mayayaman ang mga Pinoy kasysa sa mga Chinese. Bakit nagbago? Ano ba ang problema natin? Dakot kasi tayo ng dakot! Sila, kurot lang ng kurot!

Mayroong kaming naging participant before na nagsabi, "Sir, hindi naman totoo 'yan! I know a Chinoy, he drives a BMW. That's a P5 million car! Kurot ba 'yun?" Malamang kurot 'yun! Noong binili niya 'yun, mayroon na siyang P100 million na savings! So kurot lang 'yun! Nandiyan ka pa ba?

Isang kahig, Isang Tuka

Saan ka makakakita ng mga taong isang kahig, isang tuka? Saan? Sa squatters area? Magtigil ka! Gusto mo'ng makakita ng mga taong isang kahig, isang-tuka? Sa Ortigas, sa Makati, may makikita ka.

What do I mean? Kapag hindi ka sumuweldo ng isang buwan, mabubuhay ba ang pamilya mo? Kung wala kang credit card, kung mawalan ka ng trabaho ngayon, ilang araw ang aabutin para mabuhay ng matino ang pamilya mo? Kapag nawalan ka ng suweldo, patay ka!

Ang mga Chinoy, kahit hindi muna kumita o magnegosyo, mabubuhay ng maganda. Bakit po? Kasi many years ago, kumahig sila ng kumahig at tumuka lang lang konti. Kaya marami sa kanila ngayon, tuka na lang ng tuka. Maraming Pinoy, kapag hindi tayo kumahig, wala tayong tutukain.

Ito ang masakit-sometimes, kahit matanda na tayo, kahig pa rin tayo ng kahig. Gaano karaming Pilipino ang 60 years old na ay trabaho pa rin ng trabaho? Puwede ba, simula ngayon, kumahig ka nang kumahig at iwasan munang tumuka. I-deprive ang sarili ng kaunti.

Ang pinakamasakit sa lahat ay ito-one day, you want to work, but you cannot work. You are already old. Why? Nagpakasasa ka kasi noong bata ka pa. Inubos mo na lahat ng lakas at kalusugan mo sa bisyo.

Tanong: Masama ba'ng bumili ng mahal? Sagot: Hindi! Basta kinukurot lang! Kapag nakakita ka ng kasamahan mong naka-Nike shoes, huwag mong husgahan kaagad iyong tao! Malay mo, kinurot lang niya iyon. At the end of the day, what is happening to other people is not important. What's more important is what is happening to you.

The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4:1, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you."


Ang ganda ng message ng excerpt na ito right? It's just like saying that always believe in delayed gratification. Darating din ang panahon na mabibili o magagawa mo ang mga bagay bagay na kurot na lang sa iyo. Eh ano ngayon kung ang ibang tao may ganun at may ganyan? We should stop keeping up with the Joneses. As long as nabubuhay tayo ng maayos at hindi tayo nagugutom, ok lang yan. We should not be insecure or feel that we are inferior dahil wala pa tayong mga bagay na mayroon na ang iba. Malay mo naman, panlabas lang pala nila yun di ba?  You know what I mean?

Anyway, super natuwa lang ako dito sa excerpt na ito. I hope may napulot din kayo dito.

Happy Sunday guys!!!

Frugal Tip No. 7: On Travelling

Here are some of my frugal tips on travelling:

• Book your flight and accommodation ahead of time. You'll save a lot when you book your flight and accommodation in advance.
• Avail of promo flights. Flights now are becoming cheaper. You should check airline websites from time to time for their latest promos.
• Take the economy class. There is huge price difference between business and economy class. You'll arrive in the same destination anyway.
• Travel in groups. You could share in transportation, accommodation and food expenses.
• Travel light. Airline companies now gives you option in terms of check-in baggages.
• DIY Tours. As much as possible don't avail of tour packages if you can do it on your own. Just do a research and plan your own itinerary.
• Bring Baon. You could save a meal or two if you bring your own baon.
• Eat brunch.
• Eat Cheap. Try local restaurants. Don't be afraid to explore on food. 
• Take public transportation. It is expensive to take a cab. I tell you it is more enjoyable and adventurous if you try the public transportation.
• Walk, walk, walk. You save while you enjoy sightseeing.
• Sleep Cheap. Try to find a cheaper accommodation since you'll be out most of the time unless you plan to have staycation.
• Stick to your budget. Avoid unnecessary purchases.
• Use cash instead of credit cards. Credit cards has high exchange rates so better use cash.
• Avail of Tax Refunds. Always ask if they offer tax refunds.
• Go off season. Usually, they charge more if it is peak season.
• Sign up for reward programs. Usually, airlines and accommodations offers reward programs. Earn points and travel for free.
• Buy your food and pasalubong in local grocery stores. It is cheaper there than buying in department stores and convenience stores.

How about you, care to share some tips on how to save on travelling?

Frugal Tip No. 6: Reuse and Recycle

Reusing and recycling things can help you save money. Here are some things that I usually reuse/recycle to save some bucks...

Plastic Bags

• Big plastic bags (grocery bags, big diaper packaging, tissue packaging, etc.)
• I use them for packing stuff
• I use them as trash bags - Since mahal ang trash bags, I usually make it a point to save big plastic bags.  
• Small plastic bags (plastic labo and other small plastic packaging)
• I use them for small trash (fish bones, chicken bones, vegetable trimmings, used cooking oil etc.)

Grocery Paper Bags

• I use them for packing stuff
• I use them as trash bags for dry wastes

Paper Bags with Handle

• Shopping Paper Bags - I use them for bringing some stuff
• Gift Paper Bags - I keep them for future gifts

Gift Wrappers

• I use them to wrap gifts
• I use them for crafts

Ribbons

• I use them in wrapping gifts
• I use them to hold curtains
• I use them to tie things
• I use them to tie cabinets so that the kulilits won't be able to open them
• I use them for crafts

Used Coffee Grounds

• I use them as fertilizer for our plants
• Some other uses of used coffee grounds that I researched:
• Deterant for cats by sprinkling around beds or pots in the garden
• Facial mask by mixing some mashed avocado
• For ashtray
• Anti-cellulite scrub
• Can be used to get the smell of onion or garlic off your hands
• Can be used as a replacement of baking soda to eliminate odors of your fridge or freezer
• Ants, snails and slugs repellant
• Brown fabric dye
• Can be used to scour away grease on your pots and pans
• Dried used coffee grounds can get rid of the stink of your smelly pair of shoes
• Can be used to prevent dandruff
• Skin exfoliant
• Can be used to color scratches of your wooden furniture
• Can be used to give paper "aged" look

Old Clothes and Towels

• I use them as rags or pamunas (cleaning cloths)
• Here are some other ways to reuse old clothes and towels:
• Patches
• Gloves
• Fabric accessories - headbands, hair ties, bracelets, necklaces or belts, little pouches etc.
• Chairs like bean bags
• Shopping bags
• Make stuffed toys or clothes for your stuffed toys
• Quilt
• Book cover
• Pillows and cushions
• Shock absorber
• Ropes
• Winter accessories - scarves, hats and mittens
• Pet clothes

Paper

• I cut them to be used as scratch paper
• Paper for my kulilits to draw/write on
• I make improvised envelopes

Old Newspaper

• I use them to clean glass and mirrors
• I use them as cushion for my ceramics or other breakable things
• I use to them to dry things
• I use them as pansalo ng kalat 
• I use them to light charcoals
• Something to sit on when I'm outside
• Other uses of old newspaper:
• Paper mache
• For dog poop
• Painting mask
• Gift wrappers
• Packaging
• Used to ripen tomatoes
• Fruit and vegetable drawer liner
• Paper funnel
• Shoe and boot mat
• Garden Mulch
• Deodorizer of stinky shoes
• Shelf lining
• Cooler deodorizer
• Grill cleaner
• Cheap rags
• Hat shapers

Tin Cans

• Small Tin Cans
• Knick Knacks organizer - safety pins, paper clips, hair pins, etc.
• Big Tin Cans
• Sewing kit
• Storage - food, detergent powders, charcoal, letters, etc.

Boxes

• I use them to organize things
• I use them as gift boxes

Plastic To-Go Containers

• I use it in bringing baon which I intend to dispose the container afterwards
• I use it for guest take outs after party para kahit hindi na mareturn yung container ok lang
• Can be used as containers for ingredients preparation
• I use it to organize things - crayons and other abubots

Liquid Soap Dispensers

• I usually buy refills na lang since it is cheaper then I refill the dispenser

Nice Bottles

• I use Starbucks bottles as coin banks
• Flower vase
• Other uses:
• Crafts
• Ornaments
• Wind Chimes

Actually, there are a lot more. How about you, what items do you usually reuse/recycle?

Frugal Tip No. 5: On Grocery Shopping

Here are my frugal tips on grocery shopping:

Make a grocery list and stick to it 

Check on your supplies and prepare a grocery list. Having a grocery list saves you time and make you purchase things that you only need. Siyempre, you should stick to it. Kailangan malakas ang fighting spirit sa mga temptation sa loob ng supermarket.

Stick to your budget

Knowing your budget sets you a limit. If may natira pa, pwede niyo itong dagdag sa ipon niyo, save it for your next trip to the supermarket or you can buy something not in your list.

Don't shop when you are hungry

I know na narinig niyo na rin ito. I read it somewhere kasi na you tend to shop more when you're hungry. Kaya before going to the supermarket, load up muna. Besides, kailangan niyo rin ng energy dahil maraming lakad and buhat ang gagawain niyo inside the supermarket eh.

Don't shop when you are depressed

Di ba tendency if you are depressed you either binge on food or shop to the highest level? Kaya if you are depressed, better palipasin muna kasi malamang sa malamang you'll end up buying more than what you need or you'll buy something that you don't really need.

Schedule your grocery shopping

Do your grocery shopping on a weekly, semi-monthly or monthly basis. Maraming benefits ito. You'll save time, save on transportation cost and mas iwas sa temptasyon. In my case, I do it on a monthly basis since wala akong yaya/maid and very hard for me to shop because of my kulilits.

Buy in bulk

As much as possible, buy in bulk. Mas cheaper kasi eh. Maspalaki ng palaki ang size ng product, mas nagiging mura since mas nalelessen ang manufacturing cost. Pero siyempre, applicable ito sa products na madalas niyo nagagamit or mabilis na nauubos. Kasi kung hindi, imbis na nakatipid kayo, masasayang lang dahil na-expire lang.

Look for promos

Normally, maraming promo sa loob ng supermarket. Mga buy one take one, may mga freebies, etc. Try to look for them.

Stock up on promo items

Kung kaya ng budget niyo, try to hoard some promo items na madalas niyong ginagamit. Minsan lang kasi ang mga promo eh and sigurado naman na makakatipid kayo. Pero titignan niyo rin yung mga promo ha, kasi minsan ma-eenganyo kayong bumili pero hindi niyo naman talaga kailangan. In my case, site ako ng some examples. (1) Nung may promo ang Drypers sa S&R (free smaller pack), talagang naghoard ako kasi kambal anak ko eh and malakas talaga sa diapers. (2) Tapos minsan, yung 1 liter ng cooking oil may free na half dozen eggs, pinatos ko rin yun. At least, natanggal yung budget ko for eggs di ba? (3) Meron din buy 1 Kilo of oatmeal then may free 1 big can of evaporated milk. Ang dami ko rin binili since ang breakfast ng mga kulilits ko and hubby is oatmeal everyday and I use evaporated milk for their favorite sopas naman. 

Try other brands

Normally, we tend to buy known brands and most likely itong known brands na ito mas mahal. Try to experiment with other brands. Kung baga sa gamot, try generic. Magugulat na lang din kayo na mas-ok pa yung iba kaysa sa mga nakasanayan niyo na.

Have a supermarket loyalty card

Madalas may mga loyalty cards ang mga supermarket. Try to get it and earn points. These points can be used in your future purchases. Aside from that, may other perks din sa mga loyalty card holders like additional discounts or promos.

Be aware of the prices of the products that you usually buy and know the supermarket that offers lower prices

Hindi dapat dampot lang ng dampot. You need to be aware of the prices the product that you usually buy. Kasi ang mga supermarket iba iba ang price nila. May mga pang-masa , pang-soso and pang-totsyal na supermarket kasi eh. Example tayo: pang-masa - Puregold, pang-soso - SM, pang-totsyal - Rustan's. Siyempre kung gusto mo makatipid, dun ka na sa pang-masa or pang-soso since pareho lang naman ang tinda nila. Pero may mga exemption din naman, for example sa akin, I buy diapers and detergent powder sa S&R kasi masmura talaga kasi doon compared sa iba. Pero the rest ng grocery items I buy either sa South Supermarket or Makati Supermarket.

Buy more fish and vegetables than meat

Malakas na ang loob ko na sabihin ito since I changed na my diet since last year. Pero in fairness, mas nakakatipid ako ngayon dahil ang mahal na naman talaga ng kilo ng pork and beef ngayon. Aside from saving a lot, healthy eating pa kami sa bahay ngayon.

Buy fresh produce at the wet market

If you have time and means, it is better to buy fresh produce at the wet market. Mas fresh na, mas mura pa. For instance, price of small eggs sa wet market is only P4.00 (P48.00 a dozen) a piece samantalang sa supermarket more than P5.00 a piece (around P65.00 a dozen). Some of the items that I buy at the wet market are fishes, fruits, veggies, eggs and rice.

Never bring your husband with you 

Etong last tip naman na ito ay para sa sarili ko lang naman (peace Doc Padu!) and maybe sa mga nakakarelate din sa akin. Hehehe. Kasi madalas, ay hindi madalas parati pala, kapag kasama ko si hubby sa supermarket, kung ano ano ang dinadampot at bigla na lang nilalagay sa grocery cart. Minsan, mas mahal pa yung mga pinagdadampot kaysa sa mga binili ko. Like for example, nung namili ako sa S&R ng diapers and detergent, aba nagulat ako at biglang naglagay ng iba't ibang klaseng beer sa cart. At huwag ka, umabot ng more than P2k ang iilang pirasong beer na yun ha! At eto pa, nung last grocery namin, biglang naglagay ng kahon ng Nescafe Dolce Gusto and some kind of cheese. Eh yung lang dalawa na yun, almost P700.00 na! Pero di naman ako makatanggi at makareklamo dahil siya naman ang sole provider ngayon sa household namin. Kung baga, reward na niya yun for working hard for us.


So there you go guys! Those are only my personal tips for you. It is up to you if you follow it or not. How about you guys, may mga tips din ba kayo on how to save on grocery shopping?

Frugal Tip No. 4: Create and Maintain a Statement of Asset, Liability and Net Worth

Normally, we often hear "Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth" or SALN sa mga politicians or government employees. Pero siyempre, hindi lang sa kanila applicable yan, you can also have your own.

When I first encountered it when I did my dad's, sabi ko sa sarili ko: "Ok ito ha, magawa rin nga!" So I created my own so-called SALN and I update it on a monthly basis. I listed down all my assets and liabilities. Then from the list, I determined my net worth that time. Exciting siya kasi makikita mo in totality how much you have and how much it grows as years pass by. Aside from that, you can determine also how liquid you are. Minsan kasi ang tendency, we only see how much cash and assets we have. We tend to disregard our liabilities kaya minsan di natin namamalayan, baon na pala tayo sa utang.

Alam niyo ba, nung una, negative net worth pa kami kaya nakakafrustrate. So it motivated me more to save and look for ways to have a positive net worth. Kaya ngayon, I'm very glad to say that we are already on the positive side. =)

Hindi naman kinakailangan complicated ang so-called SALN eh. You can keep it simple. For example:

Assets:

Cash on Hand
Cash in Bank (list all banks and type of account)
Investments
Properties
Other Assets

Liabilities:

Credit Card Bills
Short-term Loans
Long-term Loans

Net Worth: Total Assets less Total Liabilities


Madali lang di ba? You can try it yourself and it will somehow push you to increase your net worth.

Frugal Tip No. 3: Create and Maintain an Income and Expense List

I keep track of both our income and expenses by listing them down. As in detalydo to the last centavo ha. Tipong pati mga tip nililista ko. Ganun ako ka-OC in terms of our finances and it works naman for me kasi it helps me to monitor our finances. Though very tasking, I see the following benefits in doing it:

I hope nakakatulong itong tips ko. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to message me and I'm more than willing to answer you. =)

Frugal Tip No. 2: Budget Planning

BUDGET PLANNING is the key!

According to Asian Journal, budgeting is the systematic allocation of one's limited resources (income) to a potentially unlimited number of needs and wants (expenses).

Ever since I'm single, I'm trained by my father to do budget planning. Siguro plus factor na rin na CPA ang dad ko at natuturuan niya ako about financial planning. Kaya ayun, I apply it also to my married life. I have a per event, monthly and annual budget. Ang dami ano? I do that para I'll be prepared and hindi ako mabibigla pagdating ng actual na gastusan.

I'll define each category of budgeting that I'm doing ha...

Per Event Budget

Eto yung mga one time event or expenses for me. Like for example, child immunization, change oils, wedding, birthday parties, travel plans, etc. Believe it or not, may Excel file ako in every event. Nilalatag ko yung mga related na gastos for each event and my corresponding budget for it. May column din ako for actual expenses which is for my own monitoring if I'm working within my budget or if may sobra pa ako na pwede ko i-spend sa ibang bagay.

Example:

Birthday Party

                           Budget          Actual

Venue                   xxx               xxx
Food                     xxx               xxx
Sound System       xxx               xxx
Invitation              xxx               xxx
Giveaways           xxx               xxx
Cake                     xxx               xxx
Prizes                   xxx               xxx
Games                  xxx               xxx
Balloons               xxx               xxx
Decors                  xxx               xxx
Party Host             xxx               xxx
Outfit                    xxx               xxx
and so on...

Monthly Budget

These are our monthly expenses such as groceries, utilities (water, electricity, cable, phone), gasoline, laundry, clinic rentals, toll fees, association dues and so on.

Annual Budget

These are our annual expenses such as car registration, driver's license renewal, professional license renewal, annual business registration fee, annual membership fees for professional affiliations and so on.

Very toxic kung titignan ano? At first mahirap yan, pero kung sanay ka na at nasa system mo na, bale wala na lang. Very helpful ang budget planning for me because of the following reasons:

1. It makes me in control of my money and not the other way around. Since I already prepared a budget and allocated funds for it, ready and stress free na ako pagdating ng bayaran.
2. It makes me spend less. With a budget, I avoid spending on unnecessary items or services which are not part of my plans. In short, iwas sa mga impulse purchases.
3. It makes me aware on where my money went. Since everything is listed down, I can easily review where our money went.
4. It helps me communicate with my husband about our money. In case may tanong siya about our finances or may kakailanganin akong extra money from him, ilalatag ko lang sa kanya ang Excel file, gets na kaagad niya.
5. It alarms me in case we need to work extra effort for upcoming expenses. In case may big expense or potential money problems, I'm being aware. I'll inform kaagad my hubby and we'll make some necessary adjustments for it.
6. It helps me determine if we are ready to buy extras or invest on something.
7. It makes me save more. Knowing the budget, it can help me think of ways to save on something. Like for example, cutting costs on electricity and water or paying association dues for one year (in our village, if you pay for a year you'll only pay for 11 months). Aside from that, iwas din sa mga late fees, penalties and interests if you on time or in advance.
8. It makes me debt free! Meaning, I'm stress free of debts due to unnecessary spending. 

That's my piece guys in budget planning. How about you?

Frugal Tip No. 1: Save Money

As I have mentioned in my previous blog post, save at least 20% of your earnings and take note of the following:

• Open a separate bank account for your savings. Better ito because it is safer and you can monitor your money.
• As much as possible, don't get an ATM for it. Tempting kasi if you have an ATM kasi you can withdraw your money anytime, anywhere. 
• Kailangan religious ang pagsave. Meaning, walang palya dapat. Magugulat ka na lang na unti unting lumalaki ang savings mo.
• Use your savings for emergency use only or if you want to invest on something.
• If your money is big enough, you may place it in other form of a higher earning investment. But remember, don't put all your eggs in one basket.
• If you got extra cash, save mo na lang din kung wala naman kailangan pagkagastusan. Minsan kasi if we have extra, we tend to look for something to spend to kahit hindi naman kailangan.

Yan lang so far ang tips ko in saving money. How about you guys, may mai-shashare din ba kayo?

Frugal Quotes

Sabi nila kuripot ako. Kung kuripot si Papa G (a.k.a. RFG), mas kuripot ako. Sa aming magkakapatid, ako lang ang bukod tanging nakamana ng katangian na yan kay Papa G. Kaso nga lang, sumobra daw. Hahaha!

Soon, I'll be sharing you some of my frugal tips and ideas. For the meantime, I'll be sharing you some frugal quotes that I learned from my dad...

No. 1: Questions you need to answer before buying wants

Eto ang number 1 when you plan to buy something (alam ko narinig niyo na ito). You need to ask first yourself the following question:

1. Kailangan mo ba talaga ito?

2. Ikamamatay mo ba kung hindi mo mabibili ito?

Yang mga katanungan na yan ay talagang isinasapuso ko. Hahaha!

No. 2: "A Peso saved is a Peso earned"

This is true enough. If you save from your allotted budget, you have extra money which you could either spend or save. Kaya ako, I try my best to save on things - utilities, toiletries, groceries, etc.

No. 3: "Save at least 20% of your income"

Automatic dapat yan. Once you receive your paycheck, set aside kaagad ng savings not the other way around. Yung iba kasi spend first then yung natira yun ang savings nila.

No. 4: "Don't live beyond your means"

In Tagalog, huwag pipilitin kung hindi naman kaya. You should only spend on things that you can afford or else mababaon ka sa utang.

No. 5: "Always believe in delayed gratification"

Huwag magmamadali. Hindi lahat ng bagay instant. Darating din ang panahon kung saan magbubunga lahat ng pinaghirapan mo.

No. 6: "There is no such thing as 0% interest"

I do have credit cards but I don't purchase on 0% interest. In doing large purchases, I either pay cash or straight charge since they offer additional discounts on this kind of transaction.

No. 7: "Kung secured kang tao, hindi mo kailangan maki-in"

Naalala ko ito nung kasagsagan ng mga cellphones. Kuntento na si daddy sa Nokia 5110 niya. Ang point dito is, you need not to be insecure kung hindi ka in sa lahat ng bagay basta alamin lang kung ano talaga ang purpose kung bakit meron ka nito. Example: cellphones are used to communicate, cars are used for transportation, etc. Sabi nga ni daddy and hubby, yung mga taong akala mo can't afford, sila pa yung talagang mayayaman.

No. 8: "If you are buying for someone, think as if it is your money that you are spending"

This is more on stewardship pero puwede na rin siguro isama sa pagiging frugal. Kasi di ba, hindi porket hindi sa iyo yung pera, basta basta mo na lang lulustayin.

No. 9: "Always look for an alternative"

Scout, scout, scout first before you buy.

No. 10: "If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys"

Popular itong quote na ito. It just means na not all the time yung pinakamura ang bibilhin. Dapat yung sakto lang or there is a good value for money.

Yan lang so far ang naalala ko. Hindi naman masyadong halata ang impluwensya sa akin ni Papa G ano? Hahaha! I hope you learn something from it too. =)

Carpool It Is

Yesterday, I have to take public transportation in going to work since hubby's clinic is in the south area. Hubby dropped me off to the shuttle terminal at around 7:10am. Unfortunately, there are no vans available because I think most of the shuttle vans there are colorum and they are hot right now in the eyes of the traffic enforcers.

It's 7:45am already and yet there are no vans coming. At the queue, a group of girls asked me if I want to take a cab with them and the drop off point will be at Makati Med. I agreed because I'm terribly late already. Haayyyssttt...additional 41 bux for the fare...It's an ouch in the wallet...

While on our way to Makati, I asked these girls if they want to join me in a carpool since my hubby is driving me to the office every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. They just have to pay me the same fare (P70.00). At least I could save in paying the Skyway Toll Fee which is P164.00 one way. They agreed (Yehey!!!).

This morning, it is the first day of our carpool. Only two of my new-found friends showed up. Not bad huh? It is still P140.00 savings on Toll Fee.

How about you guys, how do you save in your transportation expenses?