If you’re a regular INQUIRER reader, you might have read this article. But, for those who haven’t, I suggest you find time, grab a cup of coffee and spend a little time reading this article. It’s a great ROUNDUP of articles that may help you go through 2009. Undeniably, 2008 was one of the worst years in the Financial History. So, let’s not make the same mistakes for 2009. Friends, protect your money and take charge of your finances. Happy Reading
Last year was mostly volatility and uncertainties. Companies going belly up, US Recession, and Global Economic slowdown were just few events I never thought I’d see in my lifetime. But, do we now see the light at the end of the tunnel?– NOT QUITE.
For me, 2009 will be a year of extreme caution as nothing is certain anymore. Save harder, and be sure to stay diversified.
How to face 2009? Let me count the ways:
1. SAVE SAVE SAVE. Save harder than ever. Save for the short, medium, and long term goals. May it be for a new gadget, for a car or house downpayment, or for a business, be sure to religiously save a portion of your monthly salary.
2. Stay away from DEBTS (especially credit card debts). If your investments don’t earn you any money, at least don’t lose some by paying interest rates and finance charges. It feels great to have 0 credit card debt — trust me. If you don’t have a good reason for taking up a loan (car or house), then never be tempted. Most people avail of salary loans just to buy new clothes, gadgets, and go on vacations — WHY?
3. Diversify your PORTFOLIO. Start the year right, re-balance your portfolio, and be sure you’re not over-exposed in any instrument. Depending on your risk appetite, select a balanced portfolio that works fo you. For me, i will keep my positions in Stocks, Mutual Funds, Bank Products (both commercial and rural), and hopefully Business starting this year. I remain aggressive towards STOCKS. It doesn’t mean I’m buying now, but for sure I’m saving very hard to re-enter the market when the right time comes. Also, if you have placements in Rural Banks, be sure to stay within the PDIC limit — better be sure than sorry.
4. Stay away from any PONZI Scheme — when it’s too good to be true, it is too good to be true. Never risk your hard-earned money and voluntarily give it to heartless individuals.
5. Stay INSURED. Protect your assets and your loved ones. Never miss your car insurance and life insurance payments.
6. Know your NET WORTH and keep a BUDGET. If you have not started creating your SAL and PSIE, now is the best time to do it. How can you start SAVING, if you don’t know how much you can afford?
7. Stay HAPPY and BLOG more .
Every August or September, most major bookstores have their annual book sale. So, if you’re shopping for books and want a good bargain, reserve all your book shopping during this time of the year. Over the weekend, I went to Powerbooks and National Bookstore, and YES they’re On Sale — up to 70% for some titles, but at least 20% for all International Titles. Great Savings!
So, to all bookworms and book lovers out there, mark your calendar for this annual book sale. If you happen to spend a good amount of money every year for books — this is the best time.
I grabbed several books myself — enough to keep me busy for the next few months. Good Times!
Finally, PGMA signs Republic Act 9505 or PERA into law. This should help Filipinos think about their retirement and save for the future. To know more about it, you can click the following links:
Posted by artgamolo 
Posted by artgamolo 
Posted by artgamolo 
