Financial Freedom

Of late, I have been a bit anxious about our financial standing. Half of the year is over and we haven't even started paying off our credit card bills, therefore, it means we have not been able to save for other important things like the future of our kids and our retirement fund. Probably I am just not good with money, but I haven't been able to start with my financial goal of the year which is to invest in stocks.

My sister has been urging me to start investing as the financial market in the Philippines is really performing rather well for the past year. I only need a few couple of thousands and I would be able to enroll in easy investment plans. But that's just it. I don't have the couple of thousands since whenever I get some extra cash, I use it to pay off some bills. It can get really frustrating but I don't really know how else to deal with it.

Thankfully, God has really been faithful. He has always provided for our needs. He never lets us down and just went we are running on empty, He would find a way to bless us. I believe that He also would want us to attain financial freedom from debts and I guess, I would need to find courage and wisdom so that I can finally invest in daytrade and other income generating ventures.

Stock Trading Tips

Being a stay at home mom, sometimes you get restless at home and start to feel useless when it comes to helping the family financially. When the bills come in, I sometimes think about going back to regular work. But then, I remember that I am making a sacrifice for the welfare of the kids. So for the mean time, I have to think of other ways I can earn while I am here at home.

My sister has been telling me about the stock market. She said that I should read about it and learn how to trade stocks. So I did! I checked out some books on stock investment, read some blogs and informative sites like Tim Sykes stocks. It seems like I just need to have a steady online connection which I have, be aware of the news and learn the ropes of stock trading online.

Stock trading is something you can't learn just by reading books. Trying it out and experiencing trading will give you insights as to when you should be buying and selling your stocks. For starters, just buy few stocks and trade it. You can also register on those clubs which give free tips on what to do. Watch programs which educate you on stock trading.

Don't be greedy and be thankful. It is your attitude which will determine if you will make it or not in stock trading.

Health Insurance

As a stay at home mom, I believe it is truly important that we become aware about our health and health care insurance. Most of the time, we neglect to invest on ourselves and it is often too late when we realize the need.

We should invest on health care because we all know that the day will come when we would need Medicare supplements should we get sick and need some assistance. It is also important to know what the government health care insurace like Philhealth would provide. Medicaid info from the government is something that we should be familiar with so that we can pay for our contributions properly in preparation for the time that we would need their services. If we don't have any healthcare insurance, should we get sick, our family would be burdened by the sudden medical expenses and this could add to the problems on hand. It is wise to plan ahead and save up before we actually need the money.

Stock Market Thoughts

The stock market is a great venue to earn or lose money. That is why it is imperative that you become educated about it first. You may go sites such as top penny stock picks or other local stock market information websites. My sister has been informing me of her recent stock purchases and how the stock market is going here in the Philippines. It is quite inspiring to see your money working for you. Instead of saving it all up on a bank account which only earns a bit, I think the stock market would be a good way to invest some of your retirement funds.

I have read a book about investing in the stock market a few months back, it was entitled My Maid Invests in the Stock Market and it has helped me understand how the stock market works. Of course I still need to learn about the technicalities but the basics were clearly presented. Anyway, it has become my goal to save up some amount and open an online stock market account before the year ends. I honestly am not sure if that goal will be achieved as I am swamped by bills and needs but with God's providence, I do hope to start saving up for our retirement.

Financial Woes

Whenever we talk about finances, we can't help but be disappointed because we always seem to be needing more money for our daily expenses. Our personal credit seems to always be adding up. Bills needing to be paid, renovations waiting to be done in the house, medicines needing to be bought... these are just some of the things we need to have accomplished but we need additional finances.

When we talk about the government, we know that there are so many things that the government needs to fulfill for its people. School classrooms needing to be built, better public highways and roads, bridges and other needs. But finances always seem to be the biggest barrier into getting these done. The analysts always say that the Philippines need to improve credit score in financial institutions. The national government is so deep in its debts that they need to keep borrowing money just to stay afloat.

These type of talks can get depressing but I know that God always provides just in time. He knows our needs and what is best for us so when it seems that finances gets in the way, let us trust in the faithfulness of God. He will see us through these challenging times.

Essentials in Life

Before I became a stay at home mom, I was working full time as an IT professional. Money was never my problem because I had a stable income. Even the medical insurance was provided for by the company I worked for. I had money to buy the latest gadgets. Money never was an issue.

But after I left my full time work to become a stay at home mom, I realized that I know move in a different world wherein I don't have the luxury of having a stable income. I needed to learn to budget the income we have so that we would be able to have enough money for our needs. We needed to categorize our expenses and prioritize the necessities and let go of those which are merely wants.

Here are some of the important expenses which we often neglect. They actually become good investments since the benefits outweigh the expenses for the family. In the area of physical health, it is important to have some form of medical and health insurance. Medicare supplements and insurance is important to our family since medicines and doctor fees are really expensive. Emergencies happen when you least expect it and having a medical insurance on hand does not compromise the health and safety of the family members.

We also wanted to have our own place. So instead of renting an apartment, we looked for a house that suited our needs and budget. Once we found it, we used VA Home Loan to help us finance and pay off the seller of the house. Acquiring a home loan is essential if you want to be able to get a place for yourself and not just be renters until your old age.

Retirement plans is something we often overlook as well. While young, retirement is far off the mind but once you reached the mid-30s, it is important to check sites like AARP.org which has retirement plans and benefits so that when old age comes, we will be ready.

It is truly important to be good in handling our finances, so while young, it is best to invest wisely.

Our Home Loan

When we first got married, we lived in a rented apartment in the metro. But as soon as we got pregnant, I really wanted to move to our own place. With a limited budget at that time, I was really thankful to God that He showed us this house which is the right size for our family and with a price that was just right. We were quite happy that we were able to get a home loan like that of the VA Home Loan and we have been paying the bank with a varied interest for the past 6 years.

Every year, the bank's interest would change and if we ever get any money, we try to pay up the principal amount so that our loan would lessen. Streamline Refinance of a loan is something that you should try so that you can lessen the remaining number of months you need to pay or the amount you pay each month.

We still have 2 more years to pay off our home loan, but I am really thankful and grateful that God provides ways for us to pay off our loan every month. Whenever we have any financial problem at hand, I just look back at where we started and where God has brought us now, and I know that He is the same God who will take care of our needs and our future!