crosswordbebop

This week, I made another slightly major purchase of a 'want'. I feel giddy and guilty. photo grabbed from Egandeula's Sari Sari's Facebook Page So I'm sitting here on top of my uncomfortable high chair, in front of a borrowed laptop (my husband's), willing myself to start on my financial plan. To be fair to myself, I am not starting with nothing. I have some savings. But to be realistic, I am an employee, part of the (hard) working middle class. I have two kids, one of school age (4 years old). The husband and I are bracing ourselves for a major borrowing commitment (his part of the commitment) and a major unavoidable expenditure (my commitment) in the next 3 to 4 months. Now if I could just win the lotto. Not that thought again. :) If you are like me, let's not despair. I have just read this article on www.brighterlife.com.ph on How an Employee Can Prepare for Retirement . Th e article says if we, ordinary Juans (and Juanas), can save 20% of our net pay co...

So we are already registered as household employers with SSS and Philhealth. We have also registered online for Pag-ibig but has yet to receive our Employer Number. This is now Part 5 of our quest to understand and comply with the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Batas Kasambahay. Please click on the links to visit my previous posts. Understanding the Kasambahay Law (Part 1): Implementing Rules and Regulations and QA released by DOLE, NSO birth certificate Understanding the Kasambahay Law (Part 2): Guide to SSS Registration as a Household Employer and for the Household Employees Understanding the Kasambahay Law (Part 3): SSS Payment of Contributions and Submission of Contributions Collection List Understanding the Kasambahay Law (Part 4): Philhealth Registration Employer Registration Pag-ibig or HDMF registration can be done online via www.pagibigfund.gov.ph and click on e-services.  Click on E-SERVICES Step 1 - Select employer registration to register as household empl...

This is a continuation of my previous posts in our quest to understand and comply with the implementing rules and regulation of the Batas Kasambahay.  Understanding the Kasambahay Law Part 1 - Implementing Rules and Regulations and QA released by DOLE, NSO birth certificate Understanding the Kasambahay Law Part 2 - Guide to SSS Registration as a Household Employer and for the Household Helpers Understanding the Kasambahay Law Part 3 - SSS Payment of Contributions and Submission of Contributions Collection List Registration I have been meaning to complete our Philhealth Registration by end of August but Maring and Habagat caused much hassle ( flood! ), work backlog and delays.  I initially thought we can register our household helpers as Individually Paying Members, so we processed the registration of one of them online through www.philhealth.gov.ph . We accessed the eRegistration facility which enables individuals to register online. Be ready with the following:  1 -...

Back in May, during one of my "I want to find my true passion" moments, I thought I'd make my college dream come true by enrolling in a fashion design school. I was inspired by a colleague from my previous employer who pursued her passion for fashion design while working. After some years of hard work, fun and persistence, she graduated and was making a wedding gown the last time we talked. So I turned to google and I came upon Style Studio Fashion and Design School. I sent them an inquiry and got feedback right away but I got cold feet and I did not push through. I'm all plans but no guts. ;( Anyway, I recently received an email from them. In case you are or you know someone interested, here are the details: Style Studio Fashion & Design School will start the next term for short courses on Sept. 7, 2013. Enrollment are now going on. Please see attached file for short courses they offer. Saturday Class Fashion Illustration 9AM - 4PM Pattern Making 9AM - 4PM Sewing...

I went to the dentist today. It is a big accomplishment for me because I don't fancy going to the dentist. I did not enjoy having my impacted wisdom tooth extracted about 3 years ago. But I just turned a year older so I decided to face my fear and get it over with. What was I to lose? A lot of bucks! Indeed. While I was lying down on the dental chair, cringing from the sound of the dental equipment hitting my teeth, I decided to put the experience into context. Come to think of it, the pricking during a facial hurts more than the cavity filling and oral prophylaxis (dental cleaning) but I endure that every other month. Why not do the same for the sake of my oral health! I liked the way the dentist handled my session so I listened to her advice and finally decided to fix my issue on teeth sensitivity due to exposed roots. Dental appliance anyone? I was really proud after and was bragging about my accomplishment to my son. It felt good to have squeaky clean mouth and a major (always ...

Next time, don't spend the flooded day guessing how much was credited to your BPI payroll account. Even with no access to my payslip, I knew right away how much money I received because of BPI express online banking. And I was able to spend a good amount that same day even though Habagat and Maring troubled us for three days. Okay, not exactly a good reason. :D To my colleagues who are yet to enroll in online banking, especially those who are on mobile unlidata, the steps are easy. Click on the images to enlarge. For ATM based accounts, you can register and activate your Account in BPI express online via this link . Be ready with your Account Number (the 10-digit number at the back of your ATM card) and Joint Account Indicator (the two-digit number after your name in the ATM card). To activate the enrollment, you may visit any BPI Express Teller ATM within 20 banking days. This should not pose a problem. I use online banking to pay my BPI credit card bill, phone and internet bills...

I have been a big Apple fan for a while. It all started with the iPod Video then the MacBook Pro, iPhone 3G, iPod nano, iPod touch and iPad 2. I'm currently using the iPad mini and iPhone 4s. You get the picture. And now I know why I am so bankrupt! But, for some reason, I wanted to try Samsung Galaxy S4. So as soon as the much-awaited retro pay (and more, yey! ) was credited to my payroll account, I bought it! I am really an impulsive buyer, a problem I need to address. I hope I don't regret this buy. :) Anyway, one issue I have is the transfer of contacts (and other files) from one phone to the other. The answer? Google it! Among the search results, I chose to transfer through the bump app since I have it in my iPhone. Very easy indeed, no more than 5 minutes and I got all my contacts in my Samsung Galaxy S4! Here's the video for your reference, too: You just follow the instructions in the app. It also worked for the photos!

Initially, I was not inclined to throw a 1st birthday bash for our son. We were saving up for a future important expenditure and I thought TL#2 wouldn't even remember his party anyway so why bother? But then (shortly a month before), it got to me that our youngest is turning 1 year old once in a lifetime and it is worth a celebration. Plus, the husband shelled out the initial budget so why not. :) I'm not much of a party planner. I am an introvert and I do not like talking to strangers (weird me!). We settled for Fun Ranch (Ortigas) because of the party package they offer - venue, food, host, magician and photo booth supplier. Very convenient! It is a bit more expensive than when you DIY but I did not have the luxury of time, so. I first thought of Active Fun in Bonifacio Global City which is near our place and got their party package brochure. But I found the rates of Fun Ranch more reasonable. You may click on the images below for comparison. Activ...