Here is a guest post from OFYuppie Earvin Charles B. Cabalquinto:
TOP 10 Must Do's For OFYuppies
With the people of the world on the move and younger
groups seek travel or professional experiences overseas, long-term investments
are forgotten along the way. Most of the time, short-term and weak acquisitions
are made especially among Overseas Filipino Workers. With poor decision making
and impulsive purchases on top of debts to settle and daily expenses to be
shouldered for the left-behind families, most OFWs are tied up with living on a
string of cash advances and borrowed money.
But things can change. You, as a strong and mobile
Overseas Filipino Worker or OFYYuppies, has all the luxury to choose and track
a healthier, rewarding and productive direction. Let me share to you the TOP 10
must do's for an OFYuppies while enjoying the track of an overseas worker.
1. Invest
on a Land. You may be tempted to buy gadgets
from time to time. While they are investments as well, their value depreciate
over time. Why not try investing on a land somewhere in the Philippines. Be it
a commercial lot or residential area, you can be sure that your money and its
value goes higher.
2. Build
a Place of your Own. While you are young, put some of your
savings on building a house or getting yourself a condo unit. At least, should
you wish to go back to the Philippines, you have nothing to worry on where to
stay and enjoy a new life.
3. Go
on Budget Travel. Nothing could you give the energy
and passion to explore cultures and traditions in the world while you’re young.
With this in mind, once in a while, indulge in travel, whether you’re alone or
with your family and friends. Just bear in mind to achieve a budget-friendly
travel package, which can help you save money.
4. Insurance
On a Roll. You may not be aware of it but
investing on insurances keeps you ensured in life’s unforeseen event. Whether
it’s a medical card or some funding, it is best to allot a portion of your
savings for insurance fees. I tell you, maturity of insurances will definitely
bring you financial freedom and a comfortable life.
5. Go
for Business. In this challenging and indefinite times,
being an Overseas worker, most of the time, does not last a lifetime. Today,
you have a job; Tomorrow, you’re on your way back to the Philippines, with no
job to boast. So with your repatriation in mind, think of investing on a
business, which you can use as a source of income or a plan B in life. Whether
it’s a small or a big enterprise, keeping your goal in focus will definitely
motivate you to save.
6. Power
Up Savings. Whatever your aspirations in mind – buy
a car, get married, send your first child to school or simply get empowered
with enough finances – saving a few dollars from your salary can help you
achieve your goals. Master the art of budgeting; try to assess your lifestyle
and work on your priorities.
7. Enroll
in Higher Education. Investing nowadays is not only about
putting your money on a land, business or some insurances, you can also invest
on your skills and knowledge by enrolling your school in either in a
traditional or online universities or institutions. Truth be told, with the
proliferation of digital technologies and online courses, taking a higher
education is now within reach. Isn’t this a good upgrade for self-improvement?
8. Take
Care of Your Health. Believe it or not, health is wealth.
Most of the time, with so much focus on winning that promotion or getting a
salary increment, you tend to forget the essential root of your mobility – your
mind and body. Although your work may be demanding and simply stressful at
times, take time to unwind and treat yourself. A pampering, a shopping frenzy
or perhaps a dining escapade with friends can give you the boost to keep your
health running on a fit lane. Do not forget to exercise as well.
9. Work
at your best. Each and every Overseas Filipino Workers
represent the image of the Philippines. As an OFYuppie, be always cautious and
positive with what you say or do. Reality bites, the image of the Philippines
has always been perceived as chaotic and unsafe. But with the actions and
attitude you show, you can contribute in changing the course of beliefs and
myths by stepping up as an ambassador of a real, unique and very hardworking
citizen of the Philippines.
10. Be
Connected. Whether you already have a starting family abroad or
you are a single and carefree person in some island of the world, it is best to
reconnect to the Philippines. With different communication technologies to
choose from, you can be updated by not only communicating with your family and
friends. Check out Philippine media reports to understand history, the changing
culture and the evolving traditions in time of development. With awareness at
the core, you can draw inspiration overseas and make little steps in helping
the Philippines.
By Earvin Charles B. Cabalquinto
