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Money mistakes of OFWs
(OFW-Overseas Filipino Worker)
The painful truth is that many OFWs remain poor despite working abroad for so many years. Ask typical long-time OFWs about their savings, and if they answer you honestly—they don’t have much, or none at all. So, what went wrong?
Here are the top five money mistakes of OFWs.
- Instant upgrading of material things. Once they fly out of the country, many OFWs and their families immediately switch to more expensive stuff. They buy more expensive phones: iPhones instead of Androids that are just as functional. They buy pricier clothes, shoes, bags and cosmetics. They replace old appliances and furniture that they could have kept for a few more years had no one flown overseas. Money spent on expensive things could have been used to build up savings and investments. However, OFWs choose to spend it on things that depreciate overtime. If you can still use something, there is no need to replace it. You don’t only save money, but you also reduce negative environmental impact.
- Excessive “pasalubong” or gifts. As a way to compensate for their absence, OFWs buy a lot of “pasalubongs” or gifts. They give something to almost everyone, not just to the immediate family members but even to the remotest relatives. And don’t forget the neighbors, kumpares and kumares, inaanaks, and so on. The list is endless. What “pasalubongs” do they give? Chocolates, canned goods, shoes, perfume, bags, t-shirts, wine, and all other stuff. That’s a lot of money spent on “pakikisama”. Stop it. Give only to a few who matter most in your life. Learn to ignore “parinigs” and criticisms.
- Travelling and buying material things at the same time. You want to reward yourself, and you deserve it. But if you have no emergency savings yet, or you still have outstanding loans, you should not be shopping and travelling at the same time. In fact, even doing just one of them may still not be wise. But if you need it for your mental health, choose just one. And save for it first.
- Having only one income earner in the family. In many cases, the entire family depends on the income of the solitary OFW. From the family budget to the housing loan amortization— everything is provided by the OFW. This is so wrong—and risky. Other adult family members should be able to contribute financially, no matter how small. The wife can bake goodies. The husband can render repair services. Teenage children can sell something or do tutoring. Ideally, money for food and bills should be earned by family members in the Philippines. And the OFW’s income should be for long-term goals such as college fund, house and lot acquisition, and business capital. And God forbid, what if the breadwinner-OFW suddenly dies or gets incapacitated? What will their families do?
- Delaying savings and paying of loans. “I’ll save next pay day.” “I’ll do it next month.” (I’ll upgrade my phone first. Or, I will travel first. Or, these shoes are on sale. Ito muna.) And next month becomes next year. Next year becomes next contract. Next becomes never. So, what is the end game? Someone in your family gets sick, you borrow money. Your collegiate son or daughter needs money for thesis, you borrow money. You fail to pay your housing loan, and your house gets foreclosed by the bank. You fail to pay your car loan, the bank pulls your car. You suddenly lose your job, and you go home with nothing. In short, you’re still poor. Don’t postpone setting aside money for savings and investment. Don’t delay paying interest-bearing loans. Once you postpone one or twice, it becomes habitual. Once you skip one or two monthly loan payments, it becomes harder and harder to get out of debt.
Kabayan, being an OFW is a great opportunity that you should not waste. You have already sacrificed so much. Be wise with your money so you don’t go back to a life of poverty and debt.
Leaving with a grateful heart
“You’ll know when it’s time to leave.”
Last August 2021, my career as an English lecturer at a state university in Oman officially ended. It also closed a chapter of my life as an OFW for 11 years. Three years in Libya and eight years in Oman.
GRATEFUL. That’s the word that best describes how I feel about my overseas career. My job as an OFW enabled me to turn my life around, financially speaking. Just before I left for Libya, I was broke. Miserably broke. There was a stretch of about seven months when I had to work seven days a week. I was teaching in two different colleges during weekdays, and I was conducting IELTS review on Saturdays and Sundays. I was exhausted all the time, yet the money was never enough. When I became an OFW, I recovered. No, I did not get rich. But I was able to pay my debts and reclaim my dignity. Yes, I will say it. There is NO dignity and peace of mind in an empty pocket.
GRATEFUL. I grew professionally as an educator. New teaching-learning set ups. New curricula. New culture, tradition and beliefs. Adjustment was hard, no doubt about that. But it was an immense learning experience for me. That period of 11 years teaching English to Arab Muslims was a period of experimenting with new techniques, and resetting my mind about how teaching should be done. I could not cling to previous methods and principles which were not applicable to the new educational setting. Anyway, I tried to deliver the goods to the best of my ability. Of course, I had my shortcomings—but I did my best in and out of the classroom. I did my best, whether it was peace time or war time.
GRATEFUL. My interaction with people from different countries confirmed what I have always believed about human nature. Kindness does not belong to just one race or religion. Omanis, Libyans, Indians, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, Pakistanis, Iranians, Yemenis, Japanese, Americans, British, Canadians, South Africans, Filipinos. I was shown kindness by people from these countries. Muslims, Catholics, INCs, born-again Christians, Mormons, Protestants, atheists and heretics. I received kindness from all of them. Yes, including the last two. I am grateful for all the gentle words, even if I didn’t understand some of them. I am grateful for every act of kindness: giving me a lift home, fixing my computer, offering me a cup of Karak tea, delivering authentic shawarma to my door step, and so many things.
Working as an OFW was a rough road that I had to tread for 11 years. There were tradeoffs, but that’s part of the deal. Overall, it was a rewarding experience. Maraming salamat.
Salalah Photo Dump!
I have been working and living in Salalah, Oman for eight years. Actually, the province is officially called Dhofar and Salalah is the capital. But in the tourism industry, the name Salalah represents the whole province. From July to September of every year, Salalah is transformed into lush, verdant paradise. It’s called “Khareef” or monsoon season. You wouldn’t believe you’re in the Middle East!
Local and international tourists come here for nature tripping, not shopping. There are a few malls here but not as massive as the ones you find in Dubai. If you want to enjoy Salalah, bring a tent or a mat, and some foldable chairs. Be ready to drive in your SUV at dawn so you can catch the magnificent sunrise.
Some public beaches are very accessible from the main roads while some are hidden and secluded. These isolated beaches are great places for unwinding and meditation. You will also find fertile coconut and banana plantations.
Profitable skills for young people
When you’re young, time and energy are your currency. Use them to learn and master skills that will help you gain financial independence. And even if, eventually, you land another full time job, extra skills will be handy for a side hustle. Remember, one source of income is never enough. Here are five skills that young people should have. And the good news is, there are free resources you can access to learn them.
1.Baking and cooking
The pleasure that food brings is unequalled by other desires, and so people will always crave for it. And they will always be willing to pay for something that satisfies their hunger and comforts their emotions as well. Therefore, baking and cooking are money-making skills. Fortunately, the internet is generous with free recipes and culinary tips. Take advantage of them. For better profit and to avoid losses from spoilage, make products that have longer shelf life. Examples are cookies, candies, pickled veggies and sardined fish. Make sure that you also know proper costing. Sales don’t always mean profit. Many great bakers and cooks fall into bankruptcy because they didn’t know that they’re selling at a loss! Learn this skill and eat to your heart’s content.
2. Phone and computer repair
Who doesn’t use these gadgets these days? Every gadget, no matter the brand, is bound to fail in one way or another. If you know how to fix PCs, laptops, tabs and phones—you will not go hungry! You will always have a customer. You should be good at both the hardware and software aspects. And because technology continually evolves, you need to keep yourself updated all the time. You can start practicing with your own or your family’s gadgets. If you’re a Filipino, you may avail of TESDA’s free course on Computer Systems Servicing.
3. Copywriting
Do you have a flair for words? Copywriting may be for you. Copywriting is a type of persuasive writing intended for use in advertising and marketing. The purpose of the product—called copy or sales copy — is to generate sales and profits. Aside from typical advertisements we see on mainstream media, copywriters also write product descriptions, advertorials, e-mails and website content. With the far reach of the internet, business organizations have to make their presence felt in the digital world. That is why there is a great demand for copywriters. Almost everything you see on the internet is a form of copywriting. You need to be creative, research-oriented and excellent in your native language and in English. You should also have an eye for details for the editing and proofreading tasks.
You can read free articles about copywriting to improve your skills. Check out websites of well-known businesses—from retailers to real estate developers—and you will see great examples of copies. Then, try to write your own. You can create your own blog where you can post samples of your work. Also, you can contact companies and offer your initial service for free, on the condition that you can mention them in your resume and include them in your portfolio. Remember, only your initial service is free.
You may join platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr to find copywriting and other freelance opportunities.
4. Driving
The growth of online businesses and e-commerce also spurred the demand for delivery services that need riders and drivers to deliver the goods, literally. Therefore, if you enjoy driving a motorbike or a van, you can join the fleet. Of course, choose the best company and platform. Pay may be minimum, but you can get tips from generous customers. It’s not easy to find free driving courses, but it depends on where you are, your connections and your family. A lot of people learned driving from a family member, especially fathers and older brothers. You need a budget for gas to master driving. For this gig, you need not just a valid driver’s license but also a cool head and superb navigational skills. Of course, you should be at least 18 years old.
5. Gardening
Gardening may not appeal to you if you’re young, but you will reap rewards if you manage to psych yourself into it. If you have the space, you can grow ornamental plants and edible herbs. The lockdowns have somehow reignited people’s interest in flowers, plants and herbs. In the new normal and even in the post-pandemic scenario, people will still likely spend more hours at home. People are redecorating and landscaping their homes for better ambiance. Those who have been into floriculture and gardening pre-pandemic time have earned money selling their orchids, roses, snake plants and bonsai trees. On the other hand, the demand for organic, fertilizer-free herbs such as oregano, mint and sage has increased because of people’s serious attention to health and better diet. Edible herbs can also be made into tea! Aside from the potential profit, gardening also boosts a person’s mental health and well-being. If you visit rural areas, seeds and cuttings can be obtained cheap or even free. Pots can be made from recycled materials.
The best time to learn new skills is when you’re young. (And the second best time is now!) Don’t waste your spare time sitting idly. Learn the skills that pay the bills!
Quiet Gratitude
I choose to practice quiet gratitude. I am not the type to exclaim “Thank you Lord” on social media. I am not inclined to say ”Thank you God for the blessings I don’t deserve.”, or ” God is so good to me.”
Of course, I am grateful, but do I really need social media to tell God how grateful I am? Does God need Facebook to know how I feel? I thank God all the time. Yes, all the time, but I do so in the privacy of my heart.
Do you know why?
First of all, the words “God” and ”Lord” are sacred words. You don’t just utter them or mention them. These words should be treated with the highest reverence. If I am not sure about the absolute purity of my intention, I would rather not mention these words.
Second of all, out of deference for other people. There are good people out there who are struggling. People who are kinder than me, nicer than me, more generous than me, more hardworking than me, more religious than me, more prayerful than me. And yet, they are suffering from ordeals that I have been spared from.
If you or your loved ones survived a terrible accident where other people perished, you don’t need to shout on Facebook “Thank you Lord for saving me.” Thank the Lord in private because other people have died. How would their families feel? Why didn’t God save their loved ones? No one exactly knows.
If you got a promotion or received material blessings, do you need to reveal it to the whole world, and involve the name of God by saying “Thank you Lord for the blessings I don’t deserve!” What? God gave you blessings you don’t deserve? While your hardworking, kind neighbor is skipping meals because of poverty? What does that make God? Playing favorites?
I know that out there, there are better teachers who are paid less. There are more patient migrant workers who are treated inhumanely. There are women and men who would have been far better mothers and fathers, yet have not been given their own children. Somewhere, there are really good people who are struck by tragedies every so often.
Out of respect for other people’s suffering, I thank the Lord quietly. AND I AM SURE HE HEARS IT.
Just hold on
How are you, my friend?
This time last year, you were cautiously but optimistically anticipating 2021. You wanted to skip the remaining parts of 2020, and just fast forward to the next year. You were expecting that the pandemic would be over by now, and that your life would be back to pre-pandemic normal.
Now, it’s already September 2021. The virus has mutated and countries are dealing with third, fourth and fifth waves of the pandemic. The end to this plague is still nowhere in sight. In many parts of the world, the situation is grimmer and bleaker.
Maybe, you have lost a loved one or a special friend in this pandemic, and you’re grieving. You’re mourning the loss of someone who breathed their last alone and scared, in an ICU bed.
Or maybe you lost your job, or you just closed your business. You don’t know where the next rent or the next meal would come from.
Or you haven’t been re-united with your parents, kids and partner because of the travel restrictions.
Or maybe you’re a hugger, but you haven’t hugged anyone, and haven’t been hugged for a year and a half. And you feel so sad.
Or maybe you’re tired of the frequent zoom meetings, and the work-from-home set up is not for you. You can’t get things done.
Or maybe your mind cannot catch up with the online lessons, and you cannot really comprehend what the teacher is saying.
Or maybe, the isolation and all the complications are pushing you to your wit’s end, and you’re thinking of ending everything.
Just hold on, my friend. Look for micro-solutions to survive the day. Reach out to someone, and there is always a person out there who is just waiting for you to ask. There is always someone to run to. There is always something that can be done. And there is always a reserve of inner strength that you can harness.
Survive for just one more day. Then, REPEAT.
The hidden blessings of childlessness
One of the biggest heartaches that a person can experience is not having a child when you really want to be a parent. It causes so much emotional pain—-not only because your personal desire has not been granted, but also because of the insensitivity of society. Childless couples are often the target of sarcastic jokes and comments, especially in Asian cultures. And that certainly adds insult to injury.
If you are childless, you have been deprived of a unique kind of joy that only children can bring. However, being childless has hidden blessings. Once couples have accepted and acknowledged that they cannot have children, they can move on to find these invisible blessings.
- Less worries and stress. Being a parent is a roller coaster of emotions. When you become a parent, you constantly think about the welfare of your children. From their infancy up to adulthood, you never stop worrying about them. There are always nagging questions in your head. Can the baby breathe? How is he coping in school? Is she being bullied? Why haven’t my kids come home yet? Can they get a job after college? The worries are endless. But if you’re childless, you don’t experience this level of anxiety.
- Being spared of the worst possible heartache: death of a child. With all the crazy things going on—-crimes, accidents, juvenile suicide, diseases, natural disasters— death is everywhere. The fear and threat are real and hitting people closer. There are so many young people dying, causing unfathomable pain on the parents. It is a pain that never leaves you and never heals. It is a kind of pain that hangs like Damocle’s sword on every mother and father.If you are childless, this possibility does not exist. In this context, being childless is a big blessing.
- Less financial worries. It is expensive to have children. Baby food, diapers, clothes, tuition fee—- everything costs a lot. Many parents work two or three jobs in order to provide for their families. They have to give up many things—-like their own medical check ups or a new pair of shoes —- to make both ends meet. If you are childless, you have more available money. You are also less likely to have huge debts and loans that most parents have to pay until old age.
- More time for yourself. You can take care of your health and have access to expensive health services that many parents skip. Also, you can focus on your other interests; like joining a charitable organization, starting a business, or learning a new skill. You can learn how to play the piano, or start working on that novel you have been meaning to write.
- More time for your partner. You can devote more time to your spouse and make sure that his or her needs are met. If your marriage is based on love, being childless should not ruin your relationship. You can spend time together in romantic places and enjoy adventures that couples with children rarely do. Candle-lit dinners at nice hotels, trips to exotic places. Use your time and resources to strengthen your bond.
If life did not give you the child you wanted and prayed for, don’t waste your time crying , complaining and comparing. The child you never had saved you from a lot of hardships. The child you never had gave you freedom to do many other wonderful things.
You can find collateral beauty in childlessness, if you will seek it. Life can still be amazing!
Till debt do us part
Are you tempted to borrow money to have a special pre-nuptial shoot or a grand wedding reception? Don’t do it! You are putting your relationship at risk.
A scroll on your Facebook and Instagram feed will make you feel envious of that couple who had a photoshoot in a posh resort. You gasp in awe at another couple’s lavish wedding reception. Created by a crew of artistic and tech-savvy kids, the mementos boast of almost Hollywood-caliber videos and photos. You sigh in envy.
And now it is your turn to tie the knot, and you feel the urge to follow the trend. You feel the pressure from your own family members and friends. “It’s just once in a lifetime.” “It is your way of showing your love for one another.” “You’re creating special memories.” You hear a lot of things and you also come up with all justifications, even if you know the truth very well. YOU CANNOT AFFORD IT.
Here is my advice. STICK TO YOUR BUDGET. By “budget”, we mean the money on hand—not the money you anticipate to earn in the months or years to come.
The wedding is just 1% of your marriage. Don’t go into financial misery because of this 1%.
Starting a marriage with debt is just so wrong. How are you creating nice memories on an interest-bearing loan? How can emptying your savings account be a proof of your love?
A wrong financial decision will have a lot of ripple effects. Once you start a family, the expenditures are endless. You need to find a place to live in and equip it with the right furniture and appliances. Once the wife gets pregnant, there will be constant visits to the doctor. When the baby comes, expenses are tripled. Add to these other issues that always come up—like a parent needing medication or a typhoon damaging your roof.
What if you started with zero in your emergency fund? What if you are still paying the loans you incurred for that wedding reception? You will borrow more and more. And it will be harder and harder to get out of debt.
Ask any marriage counselor. Money problems are a constant irritant in marriages. Many relationships have turned cold, if not bitter, because of constant financial issues. You can avoid or minimize such irritants by proper handling of finances right at the onset.
Therefore, start your marriage right with a simple, well-budgeted wedding. There is no need for an extravagant pre-nuptial photoshoot. With a little creativity— you, your partner and some friends can come up with a scaled down version of a shoot. Sure, the quality is not the same. So what? The success of your relationship does not depend on that.
A simple church or civil ceremony, followed by an understated reception, will do. There is no need for a couturier or a venue filled with roses. Nor is there a need for wedding souvenirs. Again, your love for one another is not measured by how much the wedding bill is. If that were true, celebrity marriages would have lasted a lifetime. Memories are created on a daily basis— not just on the pre-nuptial shoot or on your wedding day. If you put a price tag on the quality of memories, then—you have no idea what true love is.
Have a realistic look at what kind of wedding you can afford, without emptying your savings account or needing to go to a loan-shark. Stop comparing yourself with other couples who have higher incomes or rich inheritance.
Again, the wedding is just 1% of your marriage but if you go overboard with your budget, it has the potential to affect your life and your marriage for many years.
A frugal, solemn wedding is a step in the right direction.
Middle Age woes
Forty. That’s generally accepted as the start of middle age. And it ends at 60. This is a difficult and challenging period. Here are the reasons.
- You are starting to have health problems. Your body starts to feel the impact of the unhealthy lifestyle that you have indulged in during your younger years. Your blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels are off the charts, and you need a regular visit to your doctor.
- You are dealing with teenage kids who are at the craziest stage of life. Your unpredictable, rebellious and entitled brats provoke you all the time and give you endless worries.
- You are dealing with your own senior parents who need attention and medical care. Giving your own time to aging parents can be hard if you yourself are unhealthy and problematic. You are lucky if they have enough savings and insurance to cover their expenses. However, if they don’t, you end up spending for their medication, caregiver fees and others. This is really tough if you’re poor, or even if you’re middle class. You have to work longer hours to make both ends meet.
- You have become physically unattractive. Looking at your naked self at the mirror makes you cringe. Wrinkles, receding hairline, curves at the wrong places. Your self-confidence starts to erode.
- Your marriage has become boring and dysfunctional. As years pass, “life” happens and marriages tend to lose their spark. Arguments and conflict arise frequently, and many relationships crumble. Divorce and separation ensue.
- Job burn out. It’s not really the job, but the long years that you have been hustling. Every little thing in the office annoys you, and issues that are tolerated by most people become intolerable to you. You are exhausted after the first hour of work.
- You realize that none of your dreams has come true. The high-paying job, the beach house, the awards, travels to exotic places—not even one came to fruition.
Yes, middle age is a tough age, and the first tip to survive this is to be aware that it is tough. Acknowledge this fact, and work gradually to alleviate the situation. Start with your health. This is non-negotiable. Eat more greens, reduce processed food and cut down on sugar. Exercise can be as simple as stationary jumping for three minutes.
Do deep breathing when you’re stressed. Inhale slowly for eight seconds, then hold it for seven seconds, and then exhale slowly for eight seconds. Repeat.
Practice calm communication with office mates, kids, spouse and parents. If a marriage is beyond repair, split amicably.
Find a source of income that can be automated. You can sell through dropshipping, or create and sell an online course that features your skills, like low-carb baking and carpentry As long as your income depends on the number of hours you work, you will never have enough money. As you grow older, you will be less and less capable of working. So, it is about time to learn a new business model.
Work on that dream, even for twenty minutes a day. Whatever it is. You will be surprised where those twenty minutes can lead you.
Remember the oft-repeated saying: Life begins at 40…(or older!)
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