Friday, February 21, 2014

Buying a BMX or Mountain Bike

It has been a tough week this week.

To buy or not to buy! that is the question. I was searching for a good mountain bike or bmx this week. The convenient website for buying items is sulit.com.ph or ayosdito.ph if you want the value for your money.

By searching diligently, you will come across different stores and vendors. You can check the specs that you want, from color, size, shapes, etc. But the main factor is how much money are you willing to spend. How much budget you have in your pocket.

My first choice is a Mirraco BMX from Glorious Ride Bike Shop that is worth P7,500. This model is 3x cheaper than the MTB yet it has limited features.



My second choice is a Cannondale Trail 4 MTB from Ryan Bike Shop that is worth P26,500. It has lot of features and can go off road or road routes.



And the verdict is.. I will deferred my purchase until September 2014 because I have a more important  financial commitment for this year.

And as Warren Buffet suggests Avoid expensive toys and luxuries and rather Pursue your passion relentlessly.

The question of reality bites, do I really needed a bike? The answer is No. :)

Till next week guys.

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Billionaire on a Budget: 7 Unbelievable Ways Warren Buffett Practices Frugality

When you first think about billionaire chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett, you probably can’t help but think about how much wealth, power and business success he’s accumulated over the last half-century.
However, Buffett is most proud of being frugal with his spending and savings, prompting him to share frugal living tips during interviews and public appearances on several occasions.
Living frugal might not be at the top of a to-do list for many people, yet that’s exactly what Buffett practices on a day-to-day basis. With a net worth of $46 billion, according to Business Insider, it’s undeniable that Warren Buffett must be doing something right when it comes to managing his personal finances.

7 Ways to be Frugal Like Warren Buffett

We’ve gathered the seven best frugal habits Warren Buffett practices so that you too can live like a billionaire on a budget.

1. Buy a Modest and Affordable Home

Believe it or not, Warren Buffett has lived in the same five-bedroom Omaha, Neb., home since 1958, when he bought it for just $31,500 — the equivalent of roughly $255,000 in today’s money.
Although buying a lavish home in a wealthy neighborhood can be tempting at times, buying a modest and comfortable home like Warren Buffett will free up extra money you can use to build your savings and retirement accounts.
Being frugal when it comes to owning a house will pay off in the long run, especially when you avoid substantial mortgage payments that could quickly escalate into mortgage debt if you’re unable to keep up.

2. Handle Investments Carefully

When it comes to making investments, Warren Buffett is often quoted saying, “The first rule of investing is don’t lose money; the second rule is don’t forget rule No. 1.” As far as investing goes, Buffett discourages anyone going into debt unless they’re certain they’ll make a profit later
However, Buffett also stresses that one of the best investments you can make is in yourself, according to San Diego Union-Tribune.
“Anything that improves your own talents; nobody can tax it or take it away from you,” Buffett said. “You can have all kinds of things happen. But if you’ve got talent yourself, and you’ve maximized your talent, you’ve got a tremendous asset that can return ten-fold. ”

3. Avoid Expensive Toys and Luxuries

This might seem like one of the more obvious frugal habits, but if you have billions like Warren Buffett, sometimes it can be a hard one to employ. According to Business Insider’s “15 Frugal Billionaires Who Live Like Regular People,” Buffett doesn’t own a yacht or other stereotypical luxury items because, as he said, “Most toys are just a pain in the neck.”
Take a hint from Warren Buffett and avoid splurging on a new sports car or expensive wardrobe. Instead, take your extra cash and place it in a certificate of deposit with great interest rates. You can sit back, relax and watch your money grow.

4. Pursue Your Passions Relentlessly

While this may seem like a luxury to some people, Buffett does not consider it one. Buffett has said countless times that he loves what he does for work, meaning he doesn’t have to spend much money on travel or leisure.
Although you might not be as in love with your job as Buffett, you can find an inexpensive hobby that you do enjoy. You can even possibly earn a side income while being frugal, rather than spending hundreds of dollars on spas, relaxing therapies or exotic vacations to de-stress.

5. Never Pay Retail Price

For all you bargain hunters out there, you’ll be happy to know that Warren Buffett also shares your love for a good sale. By practicing patience and waiting for sales on the market, Buffett often finds a great company he can purchase on clearance. Don’t be hesitant to take the extra time to find sales, clip coupons or wait for deals on big purchases like cars, houses or vacation getaways.

6. Give Back to Others

Philanthropy is an art Buffett has no doubt mastered thanks to his significant net worth, and many people wouldn’t consider it an act of frugality.
That said, donating old clothes to Goodwill or canned goods to food drives can be a great way to give back to others — while clearing your home of unnecessary items.

7. Weigh the Pros and Cons

Sometimes we forget to think things through and review the pros and cons before making personal financial decisions. This can often lead to hasty spending and money trouble. Buffett often credits his commitment to thinking decisions through thoroughly to his financial success.
“You ought to be able to explain why you’re taking the job you’re taking, why you’re making the investment you’re making, or whatever it may be, ” Buffett told the U-T. “And if you can’t write an intelligent answer to those questions, don’t do it.”




http://www.gobankingrates.com/savings-account/7-ways-warren-buffett-lives-frugally/

Friday, February 7, 2014

Travel to Singapore with Philippine Airlines

Thank God its Friday!!

There's so much to be thankful for.. :)

I promised committed (this is more appropriate) to myself that I will write diligently every Friday. Hopefully this would become my routine in the weeks to come. 

This week I was given a chance and a privilege to travel again to Singapore. A work assignment given to me by the office to fix something (upgrade of a system). Am I excited? Naah.. It is because the office booked me to travel on 02 Feb, this is a Sunday. Normally I spend the whole day in church during Sundays.

And this Sunday is special because the Single Working Men will present their special numbers in the evening service. The Mulawin Quartet that will be singing Champion of Love.

Anyways back to reality.. I have to travel to SG. I was booked to a 10:25 AM flight, Thank God.. normally they booked me in the 6:00AM flight which is too early..

Philippine Airlines or PAL is now awesome.. the boarding time is on schedule and even the departure time. Before PAL is being notorious when it comes to time.. Palaging Late! (They are always late). The stewardess and flight crew is very courteous and smiling. Plus points for them.

They are also prompt to help when you need something. Plus points again.

And the best thing about PAL is that they have a decent inflight meals.. unlike budget airlines like Cebu Pacific or Jetstar. But they have the same choice of food, Chicken Curry or Fish Fillet. Sawa na ako sa Chicken Curry... ha ha ha because I have been to a tanker vessel with all Indian Crew.. Curry in the morning, afternoon, and in the evening. Easy choice was to choose Fish Fillet. But something is missing.. the Goldilocks cake..




And for the dessert, it was a chocolate ice cream from Magnolia. The stewardess is too generous to give me an extra ice cream.. :D

Hoping someday they will have LCD screens on the chair so that you can choose the entertainment that you like.. But this will have additional cost. :(


Travel to Singapore with Philippine Airlines, all in all is an enjoyable flight.