• Work/Money Diaries

    {How} I Save Money

    June 4, 2016

    I have been struggling for over two years now. I never imagined myself going through this. I got no issues three years before. Whenever I use my savings, I make sure to return it the next payday. Same as when using my credit card, I always maintained zero balance.

    Then, I became so obsessed with shoes, planners, and stuff. You know what I mean. I started buying things I want. Who needs four pairs of sneakers? Much more, three planners in a year? I felt so much guilty of splurging too much on weekend and online sales. My savings turned upside down, and my credit balance went low. I am not kidding. I do not earn that much, yet I spend more than what I earn.

    It is not too late to change. I need to pay my debts. I need to save. But how?

    Salary – Expenses = Savings

    I never followed a formula for saving. Whatever is left on my salary is my savings. There were times when my saving is big, but most of the time, it is small. Instead of keeping what was left, I will spend that small amount that was supposed to be allotted for savings on little things and save next time when the payout is much bigger.

    Too much spending plus bad attitude equals NO SAVINGS.

    Salary – Savings = Expenses

    Today, I am learning a new way to save. I make sure that I set aside first a certain amount then budget what is left. My expenses usually cover food allowance, transportation allowance, house rental, water bills, electric bills, phone bills, loans/debts, etc. It is difficult at first. But mind you, it will be successful in the long run. We will learn the art of thriftiness.

    Start this early. Save for your future.

    Update: I am currently using the 50/25/15/10 formula. I set aside a certain percentage of my salary for my loan, debts, housing, food and transportation allowances, savings, “paluwagan” and even tithes. This is more detailed than the previous. My salary is properly disseminated to what I need most. I even opened a savings account so that I will not be tempted to spend. In time, my loans/debt will be paid, plus I have extra to shell out in times of need.

    50/25/15/10 Formula

    50% Loans, Debts, Housing
    25% Food, Transportation
    15% Savings, Paluwagan
    10% Tithes
    100% TOTAL

    How do you save?

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  • Random

    {How} I Personalize my Planner

    April 30, 2016

    There are endless ways to customize and personalize your planner, even the generic notebooks we see around. Your planner would not be your planner without your personal touch. Here are what I use to personalize my planner.

    Planner Itself

    It took me months to decide what planner to purchase. I wanted a planner that I can use not only for a year but for several years to come. Also, I want a planner that keeps me motivated and inspired to use it all the time—Filofax Original Patent in Fuchsia best suits my funky personality.

    Dashboards

    It is the first thing you see when you open my planner. Dashboards vary from one person to another. My idea of a dashboard is a transparent plastic sheet that came with my Filofax, a postcard from HeyKessy, an inspiration phrase, soldier bookmarks attached in the rings, and a photo of ours.

    Interior Pockets and Pen Slots

    On the left side, you will see slots for cards and an elastic band for the pens. I use the pen loop for my Coleto Hi-Tec C pen and tuck some weekly plan and time table sticky notes in the elastics for scheduling tentative plans.

    Pen

    My all-time favorite is the 5-barrel pen Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto. This is not just a single pen but a system of pen bodies, refills, and pencil mechanisms that work together interchangeably. Pilot Hi-Tech C Coletos are popular nowadays because of the variety of pen colors it can hold. I refilled mine with Black, Blue, Red, Green, and Orange. BTW, I got my Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto 5-barrel pen from DavaoArts. Check their instagram.

    Dividers and Tabs

    I divided mine into several sections, add some tabs I bought from National Bookstore and labeled it using my Dymo Label Maker. My sections include Daily, To-Do, Expenses, Lists, Blog Ideas, Work, and Others.

    Printable Inserts

    My Filofax came with its dedicated inserts when I bought it last year. When 2016 came, I bought inserts from Craft and Create. The paper is amazing.

    Paper Clips or Page Markers

    I do not have lots of this. This helps me locate important notes and pages in my planner. Also, it is a great way to add color and style to your pages.

    Sticky Notes and Stickers

    Decorating is not for everyone. As much as possible, I minimize the use of sticky notes, stickers, and washi tapses. I do not want my planner to become overly decorated. I am more of a functional planner.

    Washi Tapes

    Washi tapes add a little color and fun to dull inserts. I have quite a collection of washi tapes. (Washi tapes from HeyKessy, HobbyDepot, and DavaoArts; Sticky Notes from National Bookstore)

    Charms and Journaling Cards

    Your planner can also be a source of positivity. You can add a little encouragement through these journaling cards. I got mine from BeeHappyCrafts.

    How do you customize/personalize your planer?

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