“How’s your new project?” lolo asked me when I was reviewing the first draft of my project.
“It’s fine. I’m quite happy with the first draft. I can’t wait to add the other elements to see the final output.” i replied with a happy face.
“That’s good, but can you do me a favor? I hope you’d learn to save up after you finish that project of yours. I know you worked hard for that. Producing something like that can be physically, emotionally and financially draining. I know it’s your money but – ”
(Here we go again)
“I know” i interrupted. “I know I’m spending too much on this, but this is what I really want to do and I am happy seeing my works being appreciated by others… being appreciated by you” i defended trying to hold back my tears.
He simply nodded. He went back to his room while I stayed at the dining area just staring at a black piece of paper.
———————
While multitasking at work on a Sunday afternoon, a good friend of mine asked a magical question in our chat conversation:
“Magkano ang natira sa ****** mo?”
I simply stared at his question. I can’t think of any figure or amount. I was staring trying to recall how much money I spent last December and January. FCUK. Can’t think of a concrete answer. Can’t come up with a specific answer because I refuse to write something heartbreaking.
“WALA” i replied
He didn’t reply back (or i think he did, but he changed the topic). I remember telling him last December that I will save up so that in case i’ll be needing extra moolah to buy something important, I can get some from my savings. But no. I failed at this one.
———
SAVE UP. Easy to say, hard to do. See, I am currently heartbroken. Nah, I’m not talking about boys and the Hallmark-proclaimed holiday called Valentines that drives a lot of single individuals crazy. I am heartbroken in terms of realizing my shortcomings when it comes to my finances. I am not really earning that big from my salary and blogs, but I do think I can seriously set aside some money if only I am not a compulsive drinker and eater (drinking mocha and eating donuts, i mean), if only I didn’t travel that much (Subic and Cebu FTW), if only i bought clothes and shoes instead of expensive rides (i need a closet revamp. i badly need it!) and if only i didn’t pursue with this project.
But no. Why regret? I can think more if i drink mocha and donuts. I really had fun in Subic and Cebu and surely, I will treasure more memories on my upcoming trips. I can still buy clothes and shoes if someone influences me to and hey, nothing beats seeing the characters you created come to life.
I may have spent a lot and failed to save up, but hey, i don’t regret anything at all. Being the hardworking bullhead that I am, I know that these risks that I am taking will be the key for me to achieve what I want and that is happiness – no matter how redundant that sounds. Who wouldn’t be happy exploring other places and meeting new people? Who wouldn’t smile if you have a sip of mocha and a bite of donut after a stressful day at work? And who wouldn’t feel contented upon seeing something you yourself made be appreciated by your audience?
Again, I took a risk. I’m not sure if you, the reader of this blog entry, would fully understand my situation right now. You know the feeling of doing something you truly love yet your financial worries stops you, but you didn’t give a damn about it and you just let the bull-headed persona in you fight in a right and fair way? Taking risk can be very tricky, but hey, at least I did, right? At least I made a move without feeling sorry for myself with what ifs and all that mind-bugging queries.
So there. It’s 6AM in the morning and I haven’t slept yet. Actually, I am worried about my portable HD. All my travel pictures, project52weeks videos and past documents are stored in here. The problem is, I can’t open it here in my laptop. All of sudden, it is prompting me to reformat the portable HD. I tried it in my office computer as well, but I encountered the same problem! What should I do now? I don’t want to press the ‘format’ button as that means all of my precious files are deleted permanently! I will risk in any field, except for this portable HD. I need some help pft.
I’ll end this entry now. I just can’t stop writing LOL. Happy Valentines LOL π
All photos taken from LX3 Moments , the project I haven’t updated for days T_T
it’s never too late to save. start today. kahit alkansya type pero 20 peso bills lagay mo instead of coins, as a start. And lessen your cafe and donut trips….di naman kelangan totally mawala yan, bawasan mo lang. π kaya mo yan. alam ko kaya mo. π
as long as youre happy with what you are doing and it gives you the satisfaction you are looking for, go with it.. bata ka pa naman di ba.. hehehe
just explore and learn during these times.
and set your priorities din.. you have a lot of things that you wanna do but still so little time and the budget is draining your savings..
priority.. satisfaction.. happiness.. ^_^
Ever since we went to that finance seminar last year, I’ve been listing everything down in an excel sheet. I try to save at least 25% of my total income every month. It’s not easy and sometimes I slip up and splurge, but I’ve managed to save up a decent amount in the past few months. I think you just have to take a look at your monthly spending, give yourself a budget (i.e. make a note to not spend more than 2k (or however much you think would be fair) on donuts and mocha drinks), and alot an extra portion for your movies. That way, you can save up for your big projects and put aside money for the future as well. π You never know when that rainy day is coming, after all!
rich dad says that everybody can do it “saving money”,but only few are doing it.
Hi Micamyx! I think we are of the same age, and I am not saving any money at all. I have sort of sworn before never to save money until I get 24 or 25. But now I am certain that that was a very crazy idea, and now I feel dreadful ’cause I’m worth nothing, every kusing I have is treated as liquid. Now having learned, I at least save money in case gratuities from office droning gets uber delayed. Btw, I love your blog π
I think only a few get the point and a vast majority miss it completely. Saving up is always a good thing. But have we asked ourselves why save up? If we can get already our happiness with what we have right now. The same principle goes for my photography. Family and friends always encouraged me to save up (and up until recently I did!) but since I can already get what I’ve wanted (in terms of photog stuff) what is the point? Live deprived now, so that when you are old and gray you are happy? I’d rather be happy now and figure out what I’m gonna do when I get there. π but that’s just me.
I guess we all have our opinions on this – saving. Me naman, I’m a saver. I grew up in a big family and had to learn how to delay gratification. It has its perks too.
At the end of the day, I guess it really depends on what you value on the most. π
I do have a suggestion though – why not apply for a retirement plan? I’m talking about insurance. I pay 6000Php every 6 months and the growth compounds as the years go by. The younger you start, the cheaper it’ll be for you and the bigger the benefits are at least 10-20 years from now. Its like 1000/month lang. Fyi, di kita binebentahan ha. I’m saying this because I think its a wise investment. π
hello po! My mom always told me to save since we never know what we’ll encounter in the future. It doesn’t have to be really big naman. I’m still a student so my goal is a realistic 10 pesos a day (hahaha). I echo jaydj- you already have work so you can save a little bigger everyday. ^_^
And I like your blog! ^_^
awtts… I think I am with you sis… in the same shoes… It’s really hard to balance things out sometimes especially when you are doing a lot of things at the same time… as for me… this year… I’m trying to say no to gadgets and travel… I’m saving for something big muna… secret nalang muna pero yon… Lizz has a nice point.. saving up at least a bit… ayan attend kayo sa event ng Sunlife π
I have the same problem. It’s difficult to save especially when you work for the media or creative industry. My mentality is usually “I’ll treat myself to something good” after a long project.
Kung investment ang hahanpin ko, it would probably be insurance or something. It’s a first step.