First Time at the Exchange

image courtesy of  law-usimmigration.com

Its been a dream of mine to invest in a stock portfolio which I can see the earnings of my investments more than the usual interests gained from bank deposits. As we all know, most of us are afraid to learn something new, particularly stock investing. Many people tend to back out from the mere appearance of the word "stock investing". That these should be dealt only by "stock brokers and experts" alike. But on my personal opinion, this is a new challenge for me if I want to expand myself especially in financial literacy. As what a friend told me before we should ride vehicles in order to achieve the growth in regards to our money. Money will not move by itself and it will not appreciate on its own. Actually money is very volatile. Its value decreases and for lay man's term this is because of INFLATION. And that's what I am afraid of, to be left behind by the inflation and its a race that I really need to win. And this is just the START!

But for now, I need to do my assigments in analyzing financial statements of various companies that I want to "invest stocks" into. I will keep you posted regarding the ins and outs of the trade for newbies like me and also some actual application that I will have for myself.

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Posted in: first time stock investing,Freedom Ideas,Passive Income,stock investing

Successful People have Mentors

I am venturing into something that I am totally zero knowledge about it. I have no sales background, I'm an introvert and most of all, I dont want to deal with agents. It may sound silly, but I became one. Yes, I am now a Real Estate Investor. I have no knowledge about it. But Im willing to learn. Though, I find some points from books, there are still big difference if there is someone you can ask to. Someone who will tell you how good you are or will give you rays of lights in times of confusion. And I am lucky I have one. Currently, I am under Local Coaching by Ms Lyn and I am proud of it. It is my deep appreciation and honor to be under her because she's already there. I mean, I dont need to question her capacities and capabilities because she is already successful in her chosen career. And now, I chose the same path as hers. Though its just a month since we started, I can honestly say that all things she told us are true. Its up to us to follow and dont be too stubborn and just follow. "Nothing in our past determined her future", thats what keeps echoing in my head everytime i doubt her style of coaching. But she's already there. She is a self made millionaire and I want to be like her someday. So I need to persevere and follow what she is sharing us during coaching time. I dont have to argue with her because I paid for that information. I didnt asked her to give that information for free. For I know, 90% of my success will depend on my prudence and only 10% will be brought by the knowledge I gained from her. So for the benefit of the doubt, I still follow my instincts. And they are always true. So what does my instincts telling me? Just follow her, the knowledge you will gain from her, and in time you will become a self made millionaire too like her soon. Really really soon....

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Posted in: Attitude,Freedom Ideas

Simple Things Matters

Everything that we have to do, we really need to start from scratch. On my journey to financial freedom, I realized one thing. That simple things matters. Every million starts with a centavo. That means every achievement it started as a dream. I really wanted to achieve all my dreams and aspirations. Actually, shifted things a bit to achieve my target. In case I retire, I want to earn passive income of P 100,000 a month. And only two things can contribute to achieve this. Its either owning a multiple door apartment or having my own school. Two things that can come hand in hand. But I want to prioritize the second one. For I want also to contribute in molding future of a child. And also, it will generate multiple jobs, from janitors, teachers and security guards. I'm happy that I have thought about it. Will think about simple things that will eventually to lead to this dream of mine. I don't need to earn multiple million of pesos in one deal, because I know I still need to work on handling those huge of money. In simple terms, I still have emotional hindrance that I need to work out. For I know, its a matter of right time and people who will definitely help. And it will be soon no longer a dream.

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Posted in: Attitude

Emotions are Normal

Does it occur to you that whatever goal you are pursuing, at the middle of the journey you tend to backslide? Well, personally speaking I did. You see I maintain jars for different purposes, but an inevitable event happened. I needed money to cover up some overdue expenses and the sacrifice, one of those jars. Actually I spent the jars for abundant spending. Meaning, that jar is intended for some luxury that I want to spent in a day. It's okay. I really dont feel guilty about it because the spending just came quite earlier. It is supposed to be spent on June though its just only April. Lesson learned, keep the jar in a more secure place... just kidding. Saving takes discipline and determination. What went wrong? I spent the amount for that foreseeable expense in some other things. And thats wrong with me. I dont prioritize. I am still in the process to overcome being a impulsive buyer. Its a long way to go. And I acknowledge it. That I need to drain all the wrong perception I had when it comes to money. I am deprogramming and reprogramming slowly and surely. I hope one day I will not backslide again. And I promise this will be the first and last.

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Posted in: Attitude

The Power of Jars

Way to millions needs self discipline and perseverance. See, we are all capable of earning the money that we want, the problem is specially for Filipinos they tend to spend away what they just earned. In tagalog "Dadaan lang sa palad". We haven't practiced and enlarged our psychological wallet. But what is psychological wallet means? This is your way of thinking on how you can handle a certain amount. If for example your current psychological wallet is just Php 5,000, tendency is when you are able to get money much higher than 5k, your tendency is to spend the excess away and maintain only 5k. Personally, I am experiencing this dilemma. When I got the opportunity to have several thousands of pesos from my bonuses and 13th month pay last Christmas, I tend to cram up because I cant handle that huge amount. My mind automatically programmed that I should buy this, buy that which should not be the case. My mind and pocket just want to maintain few thousands and throw away the excess. I am thankful that I am introduced to maintaining several jars for several purposes. Try to see my post for some details. Now I am on my 2nd month on this, and boy! it really makes a difference. Before, every time I receive my pay, I tend to think what are the things to be paid. But now, before I think about the things to be paid, I set aside money first for the said jars. I am slowly increasing my psychological wallet and next time, literally increasing the amount I can set aside into my wallet.

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Posted in: Attitude

5 M's to Million Formula

Every day, we really wanted to earn millions. Some invest their time and life in working non-stop getting near to that amount. Some put their luck in betting in the lottery hoping that one day those numbers will appear and hit the jackpot. But there is a time and tested formula for these and it really needs an open mind and open heart to fulfill that million.

1. Mindset
          When I started in this quest, it is not just by want instead its a need. As all of you know, I am a single mom and living in a single income household so most of the times  I am living paycheck after paycheck. And also my valuable time with my kid also suffers because of working long hours. So one day, I decided that I will not forgo the things that really matters to me. Especially my family and the times I am spending with my loved ones. No one can replace the happiness that it can bring but it will make you feel guilty if you by yourself know that you are broke.

2. Mastery
          "Jack of all trades, master of none." Most of us are like that. We tend to master the art of multitasking. If we want to excel into something, we should focus to a single goal and hit the home run. Archers are trained to be like this. They tend to hit the same spot for a thousand times so that they can master how to hit the aim.

3. Mentor
           This is where we all lack. To have someone to guide us in our quest for our financial freedom. Luckily here in the Philippines, mentors are mentors are sprouting like wild mushroom that are willing and able to share their knowledge and not that selfish enough to give us hope that we are getting there. Currently, I am an avid follower of Bro. Bo Sanchez, Jomar Hilario and Trace Trajano. I am lucky that I have come across people like them for they are full of inspiration that they are willing to share their knowledge for newbies like me.

4. Mastermind Group
            This are people who share the same passion as you. If you are surrounded by pessimistic people, by chance you will be like one too. So choose the group or people you join to. For they will encourage and help you for the journey that you will be heading too. And they will be the best friends that you can have and they will give you the same insights and knowledge that you will undergo to.

5. Management
            If you tend to mismanage the millions that you earned, time will come you will end up broke again and go inside the cycle again. I prefer earning millions the hard and long way compared in earning them in an instant. The more and harder I earned it, the longer it will last in my hands.

Hope this things brought sunlight in your faces. I am noting this one by one and been telling all of my friends about it. If you got the mindset and lacking the four, nothing will change. Just follow all of this steps and you are near in reaching your millions.

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Posted in: Freedom Ideas

Means of earning Passive Income

There are many ways of earning Passive Income. But first, what is Passive Income means. According to Wikepedia "Passive Income is an income received on a regular basis, with little effort required to maintain it." In simple terms, its an income you earn even if you are sleeping. Right now, I got one little investment that I earn passive income from. I lent money to someone and it earns _% every month and I like the way it works. Its just you need to follow up that person when its due and sleep days for the rest of the month. It worked for me, hope it will work for you too. I will give you some other examples i know that you can earn passive income while you sleep. The list is endless so here it goes.


1. Rent - Whether you own a building, room, or anything that can be used by somebody else, you can lease or rent it out to them. Its just a matter of trust you put into that person if it is a thing that is to be used. If its a property, it is much better to protect yourself by binding yourself with a contract.


2. Stocks and Bonds - Stocks are shares of company that is usually being traded in the stock market. Bonds are  liabilities of a company to a person or entity. Stocks are considered to earn passive income if you will just let your money grow with it. I mean, you just invest to a certain X Company's stock and just let it appreciate through time. You derive passive income from the dividends that are declared by the company. Bonds earn its passive income through its interest being yield when the maturity date comes.


3. Network Marketing - When you become an affiliate or network marketer, your goal is not just to sell the products; you will also work to recruit other people to become an affiliate, as well. When they sell anything, you earn a percentage of the commission. With enough recruits in your downline, you could earn several thousand dollars a month in passive income. This is extremely rare, of course — and watch out for scams and hype.


4. Bank Accounts - If you like saving your money in banks, this is for you. The money earned from interest seem small but the longer you keep it the bank, the more money you will make. Try to look for high interest savings account in your local banks. 


5. Writing a book - Earning from writing a book are called Royalties. Every time your book is being printed, a portion of that will go to you as royalties. Even you have wrote it many years ago, you will receive the same income for the royalty you have from that book.


6. Writing for Web - Another way to earn passive income from your writing is to join some of the online article sites. Many of them pay you for the views your articles get each month or when someone clicks on ad that has been placed on your article’s page. Many writers are earning as much as $300 or more each month in passive income from these sites. Hubpages.com, Squidoo.com, and eHow.com are just a few examples.


7. Building Websites - This is what I am currently learning. Having your own websites, making enough traffic and leasing out a space in your site will earn money for you. You will benefit for the advertisers and also for the traffic you will get from it. Try to study SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and you will be creating a money machine out of your sites.


8. Lending Clubs - Here in the Philippines, most of the people who are practicing this are mostly Indians. We call them "5-6". They earn a certain percentage from the money they lent to other people and mostly they collect everyday. You can do the same too, but be sure that the money you will lend to others will be paid back to you. Or you will just getting your headache if ever. I am currently doing this, and the income is surely great. But I dont do it my own, I have someone to collect for me and the interest I get from it are invested to some other passive income generating mediums. Isnt that great!


9. Selling Insurance - Whether it is life, non-life or anything that can be put to insurance, sell it. Everytime your client renews their insurance, you will earn another commission. Signing up several customers each week ensures your future income, as the majority of your customers will renew their policy each year.


The things I have mentioned are just a few of the sources of getting your passive income. If you are exercising one from the mentioned above, congratulations.You are on your way to be financially free. As most people already work forty to fifty hours each week, the last thing they want to do is put more time in to make more money. Instead, they could be earning passive income. By investing some time into learning the different methods of passive income generation. With passive income, you could stop working so many hours and still make more money than you were before. It is all a matter of understanding how wealth building works and how to make it work for you. 

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Posted in: Freedom Ideas,Passive Income

Its all in your ATTITUDE

I attended seminar last March 5 and I learned many things. It is called Money Magnet Seminar by John Calub. They dont teach there how to get rich in an instant. Instead they deal with the things that are hard to accept, which is correcting the program we have in mind since birth. You know, Filipinos tend to think that being rich is bad or being rich will bring you to hell. But these things are misconceptions and I am thankful that I am enlightened as early as now. I am trying to de-program what I have in my memory (brain) so that I can attract wealth that will lead me to total financial freedom. I am applying this tools too to my son little by little by infusing the things i learned from the Seminar. The following are the most important point that I have learned and applicable to everybody especially for beginners on their quest to financial freedom. Sir John told us to maintain 6 Jars and do this always. It will really make a difference in our attitude towards money.

Jar 1 - I always have money account 
            1% of our gross income should be placed here and we will not withdraw the money for the rest of your life. Meaning, it will just deal on the mentality that I always have money attitude though literally you have because of this jar. Some loose change also can be placed here.

Jar 2 - Financially free me
            3% of our gross income should be placed here and the said amount will be reinvested in an instrument that will give passive income (income you get without working). There are many investments around so just keep an open eye for the opportunity.

Jar 3 - Abundant Spending
            Another 3% of our gross income should be placed here. Just determine how much money that you want and when that amount were already achined, spend all the money in this account only in ONE day. This will eliminate the guilty feeling we have everytime we purchase something. Do you like that new pair of jeans or signature bag displayed on the mall. Then this account is special for you.

Jar 4 - Yearly Income
            This is new to me. For this jar, you need to determine how much money you need to last yourself for a year. Put another 3% of your income to this account and try to reach that yearly income you have targeted.

Jar 5 - Tithing
            Even bible says we should set aside 10% of our income to tithing or donate it to an organization or church you belong to that brings spiritual guidance to us.

Jar 6 - Giving
            This jar is also new to me. This is for the alms that we give to the beggars on the street or the yearly fund raising activities in our place. We should set aside 3% of our income for this because it will work on our attitude of giving to others. How come we could give if we ourselves dont have enough to give away. So this jar is exclusively for giving.

I know you have noticed that these jars are not just jars. These are jars that will practice you to become conscious on our attitudes towards money. It might be small thing, but most of the time small things are very hard to do. So if you still want to push through your financial freedom journey, join me as we fill our jars full.

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Posted in: Freedom Ideas

Getting Started

What ever we do, what ever we say, there is always a reason behind it. I created this blog for the purpose of documenting my journey out of the rat race. I want to retire at the age of 45 and to be financially free. But first things first, how can I achieve those things. Theoretically, it is achievable. Just make the correct computations and assumptions, everything will be possible. But in practice, money doesnt grows on trees. Money earned hard are money well spent. I have given the following points in which serves as my guide in achieving my target.

1. How much money do you want in your pocket when you retire?
- Basically Php 1 today will not be the same 10 or 20 years after because of inflation. According to Wikepedia, "Inflation is a rise in the general level of prices of goods and services in an economy over a period of time. For me, I want to have 5M in my bank account before I retire. That is a lot of money, right? Wrong! Im 32 now and it will just take me 13years more to hit my target of retiring at the age of 45. To achieve that amount, I need to generate income not just from my salary but also coming from other source of income that I invested on the side. And that 5M now, will not be as much as 5M after 13 years.

2. Determine your net worth.
- To understand this fully or what you call Lay Man's Term, I will show a simple formula to determine your net worth.

                    Assets less Liabilities = Net Worth

So now, let us define what are the terms mentioned above. Assets are everything you own. There are many classifications of Assets, these are Real Assets (Land, House,etc) which are cannot be transferred physically. There are also Paper Assets, these are assets in form of Stocks, Bonds (Receivable from a company), and Money deposited in bank. So you will ask if the appliances and gadgets you own are considered as assets. The answer is yes. Based on the meaning above, Assets are everything you own. Whether it is just a simple stove in the kitchen or a simple rug in the living room. But there is a big "But" as time goes by, those assets will depreciate and lose its value. So include the cost of the depreciation deduct it to the cost of the said asset, then you will get the book value of the said asset.


Liabilities are everything you owe. Means, all your credit, whether from Credit Card, Mortgage, or from other people. List it down according to how much interest is being added up in the principal amount. I know most of us have a very long list particularly for this one. But have no fear, I know you will never stumble upon this blog if you really dont want to make a start to be financially free.


Net Worth is the excess of Assets over Liabilities. There are times that you wonder upon making the computations above, Liabilities exceeds over Assets. It just means that you are not living within your means. You already consume what you suppose to earn in the future which should not be the case. Because there are no such thing as future inheritance.

3. Determine your sources of Income
- For me, currently I am just spending to cover my expenses from my salary. Meaning, I am living paycheck to paycheck. I am just starting and I have some savings that I invested and the interest I got from it is being kept so that in the future I can reinvest it again. If you have talents use it. Do you know how to sew or some crafts? Do you have eyes for photography or the confidence to talk in the crowd. These can be used as sidelines. God gave us talents to nourish not to keep it to ourselves. Who knows after developing those talents, it might be another source of income for us.

4. Study, apply and ride your vehicles to wealth
- Dont be afraid to invest in knowledge particularly money matters and be thankful for those mentors around you. Read, attend seminars, surf the net. Your options are infinite. Seek also mentors who are willing to share their knowledge and experience for being financially free. For me, I really admire Bro. Bo Sanchez and I really follow every cent that he say. He is indeed a mentor to look upon to.

5. Tithe
- Lately, I just realize that if you will not be able to give 10% of your income to God's glory. how come you will expect that He will give abundance to you. The more you give, the more you will receive. As much as possible, I set aside 10% of my gross income and used it for tithing.

6. Save 
- Whatever your purpose is, set aside 20% of your income regularly. If you dont have bad debts like Credit Cards and other loans, lucky for you. You can save all the 20% solely for your future. But if you have debts like I mentioned above, set aside a portion of that 20% to your "Freedom Fund". I will set myself as an example. Out of the 20% I set aside from my income, I divide it into 4 categories. (1) Long Term eg. Retirement  (2) Short Term eg. Travel Abroad, Additional Investment (3) Emergency - self explanatory (4) Freedom Fund - very important!

7. Set timetable and dont PROCRASTINATE
-  Most of us is just contented on what happening to our lives right now. But if we will make some pushing, all things are achievable and we will just realize it that it is worth it. I myself, I want to retire at the age of 45. By then I will have Php 5M in my bank account. Do the math and I will definitely be able to achieve those dreams.

7. Pray and Believe
- Make it a point to dedicate what ever you are doing for the Glory of God. Because nothing in Him is impossible. So always believe that those dreams will come true. I am sure it will.

These are just some points that I practically apply to myself. I hope it will help you the way it is helping me right now. Good luck in your endeavor and journey. Our journey to financial freedom....

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Posted in: Freedom Ideas

Why I Want to Retire Rich

From the moment i finished the book Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, I told myself that I will be like him. Earning Passive Income more than my expenses. As all of you know, I am a single mom with a kid and maintaining a single income household is not an easy task. I'm trying my best to make ends meet and I created this blog to record my journey getting out of the Rat Race. And also to share to you some facts and info I get from the journey that I am taking. If some of you not familiar what is Rat Race, it means living from payday to payday. If you are an employee like me, I expect all of my income will come from my salary which is given every 15th and 30th of the month. And making ends meet is really a tough job, much tougher than my usual 9-6 working hours. And I am making the move to create Passive Income higher than my expenses so that I can live comfortably and retire rich.

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Posted in: Rat Race