On Online Job

It was around five years ago when someone told me to join Odesk. At first, I was hesitant to try. However, after reading some reviews from the forum, I concluded that this was not a scam. So I created an account...but forgot about it.

Money Mistake #1

I was a loyal prepaid Globe subscriber ever since I got my first cellphone, which was the trusty Nokia 3110. Technology has changed, as well as my cellphone, but I'd remained prepaid. One of the things I like most was the fact that I can control my expenses. I was ok with a Php 300 load for a month or Php 500 during Christmas and January, my birthday month (because that's the time I receive many greetings.)

That's until my boyfriend got his iPhone 4s. He was so happy with his cellphone because it's so "smart" (what can you expect from a smart phone?) He then told me to get myself one. "Why?" I asked him. Where he answered, "Because you deserve it. AND you don't want to call me because of you load limitations and for that you always ask me for a pasa-load" Noted.

The Good, The Bad, and The Bankrupt

I read a news on Inquirer.net saying that Manila City Hall is "virtually bankrupt." The article cited that the local government does not have enough cash to pay off its debt (which is three times more that its cash). Yikes! (Read the article here.)

Is this a reason to panic?

Lessons I've Learned from CAL

I invested in Calata Corp. (CAL) when it had its IPO last May selling at Php 7.50 per share. Citisec (now COL Financial) only allocated 100 shares (which is fine with me because I don't know much about the CAL, but would like to buy anyway.) Lo and behold, before I knew it, the price continued to rise and I was just there, sitting in my work station, mesmerized, asking myself, "why is this happening?" But then, as fast as it went up, it eventually went down. And me? I was still there, still mesmerized and wondering how low can this get.

But just last week, I felt I finally came to my senses when I read this news. According to the news, there's an alleged manipulation in the price of CAL. As soon as I read that, I sold all my shares at Php 7.19. It was my first ever realized loss. Well, it's a small loss (Php 57.11  including all the fees), but still it's a loss and I knew deep inside that it should have been prevented early on (and gain in the process.)

So here's what I've learned:

SSS' Auto Debit Arrangement Program

I have my "senior moments." I sometimes forget the time slot of my favorite show (hence, my need for Torrent, hahaha!) and due date of my Globe and credit card bills. My worst moment is forgetting to double lock our door one night. Good thing, we were not robbed, but I had to face my angry mom the morning after.

Since I am now a voluntary SSS contributor (my employer does not withhold anything), I need to remind myself to pay my contribution and loan every month. But just today, I've discovered that I don't have to do that anymore.

OMG! I'm technically a millionaire!

I have just realized, after looking into one of our company benefits, that without me doing anything, I'll be an instant millionaire.* 

How?