Happy Holidays from Investing in Philippines!

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As we go to our homes and as we celebrate the birth of the Savior and preparing for the bang this New Year just some quick reminders.

Count your blessings

Often times we forget to be thankful in our day-to-day lives. The practice of the virtue of gratitude is actually a very good way towards one’s financial freedom. To be thankful is acknowledge the blessing given us. For some this year might be too painful due to some issues they have experienced but nonetheless we still should be thankful that even such pain was surpassed.

For those who have enjoyed many blessings don’t think that after these you will in turn face the bad things next year. Life after all is not a wheel where at times you are at the top and at times in the bottom. Again the best way to enjoy your blessing is to share it. I am blessed that this year after only working for about a year with my current employer I was awarded Super Star of the year (it is like the employee of the year in most institutions). I am blessed to serve my fellow co-workers, peers, and managers not only here in the Philippines but across the seas as well in our counterparts in Australia, New Zealand, and United States. I did get a cash prize which I gladly shared my co-workers. I would also like to personally thank Mary Grace (my technically first boss on the job) who endorsed me for the recognition.

For those who in one way or another received a blessing try your very best to enjoy it with others. It could be the #bestdateever with your dad or mom or siblings over pizza, burger, or ice cream. It could be a Christmas party with the less fortunate in your neighborhood or in an orphanage. To share the joy you have goes a long way and has more weight than enjoying it for yourself. This Christmas be the gift giver, the gift need not be expensive; it’s the thought that really counts.

Personal inventory

As the year closes and a new chapter of our lives comes, let’s take time to see where and what have we done so far. Taking a personal inventory of our finances, relationships, achievements, failures, and blessings will helps us get prepared for the next year. In a way it is both preparation and cleanup. There will be things that we must keep and there are things that we need to let go and need to throw away.

Got a fight with your parents, siblings, best friend, co-worker or your neighbor? Mend them now so that when the New Year comes you all start at a clean slate. Have a long list of to dos and bucket list? Probably you need to sit down and cross off unrealistic ones, tick marked what’s already done, and re-analyze ones that you haven’t achieve yet because you are looking at it in the wrong way. You might also down size that bucket list of yours instead of burdening yourself of doing each of it when in reality a few ones are the real things you want in life.

Financially re-visit your financial goals. Adjust your expectations. If you are employed and seems that you are not getting nowhere might see other options like overseas work, new sideline business, or better yet going full time in your growing sideline business or practice for profession. Also set time to check how you are on track with your retirement fund and emergency fund. So far does your emergency fund is enough to cover unexpected expenses. Did you have new person in the family (a new baby or one child now going to school)? Are your parents health all in good shape and what are the chances of emergency hospitalization and to a possible unfortunate death (sorry to be morbid but please these are real matters).

Make sure to make this checks and re-alignment before the year ends. At least 3 days before you hit the bang in New Years Eve will be an ideal time to revisit these goals and expectation. Better yet do this as a family so that each member is aware of the expectations.

After discussing this and setting up measures, raised it up to God and let go. Remember worrying brings you to nowhere. Also it is not our job to have a perfect life; rather it is our job to live life. Surrender all these dreams and goals to God and enjoy life. Be glad that you had a great year and a greater new year to come.

Again Blessed Christmas and an Abundant New Year!