Since the start of this year, my wife and I are thinking to refinance our house which we loaned from a bank for 10 years. Our interest rate for the first 5 years was fixed at 10.5% which ended this month of February 2010. The reason we’re planning to refinance our housing loans is because there’s a lot of banks offering a much lower interest.

We actually set aside some of our savings for various fees such as processing fee, documentary stamp, notarial and other fees the other bank will impose.  Until we received a letter today from our current bank stating that they reduced our monthly amortization to 9.50% per annum. This is indeed a good news for us. We don’t have to shell out any money to pay for the fees I’ve mentioned, and no need for us to fill-up new documents too which I really hate doing.

Have you refinanced your home loan? Or do you have any idea on what it’s all about?

Home refinance in other terms can be called refunding on the same property. Home loan refinances are taken up usually to repay the first home loan and continue the second loan with a favorable rate of interest. A home loan refinance always lowers down the interest rate from the prevalent interest rates. This profitable home loan refinance rate can be the biggest reason to refinance your home loan. There also can be various other different requirements for taking up a second loan or a refinance.

Reasons to obtain a Home Loan Refinance Read the rest of this entry

Leading work-expert Nick Williams has identified the twelve principles of the work we were born to do. He shows how we can activate these principles to amazing effect and utilise our inner power at whatever stage we have reached in our working lives. A 128 page synopsis of the principles of The Work We Were Born to Do with extra exercises.

Whether you are looking to change work, get re-inspired or are simply seeking direction, this text offers a chance to explore how to bring more creativity, integrity, fulfilment and fun into your work.

Here’s what’s inside -

• Introduction to the twelve principles of the work we were born to do.
• Defining the work we were born to do.
• Undoing our conditioning; discovering the spirit of our work.
• Awakening the heart at work.
• Knowing that money is never really the issue.
• Working on purpose.
• Integrity, authenticity and the return to wholeness.
• Contribution and the discovery of meaningful work.
• Welcoming transformation and change.
• The inspiration to create.
• Abundance and inner riches.
• Experiencing the true meaning of success.
• In conclusion.

My wife and I are already finished with paying the 2 memorial lots that we bought last year. We paid the 2 lots in terms – a 1 year payment with no interest. We are thinking to buy more because my wife and I think that it’s really a good investment. We believe that the best time to buy a memorial lot is during the development stage when big discounts are given. The price increased to 20% already since we bought the lots last year.

Why do more people today buy memorial lots ahead of need?

No. 1 is choice. Since interment usually happens daily, choice of lots are also being bought daily. So by the time you actually need one, you’ll most likely look at a sold lot and wish you could still buy it. Buying now assures you of getting that choice lot – today.

No. 2 is affordability. If you buy a lot at the time of need, you will have to make a full payment. You also pay more since lots will sell higher in the future. Buying now not only locks you to the current price, you can also buy under more affordable payment terms such as 3 years or 5 years to pay.

No. 3 is protection. When you buy ahead of need, you assure your family of less financial strain upon the demise of a family member. What’s more, installment purchase is covered by insurance (up to a maximum of P200,000) -adding further protection for the family.

No. 4 is investment. Think of it as buying budget meals daily. In 3 years, you would already have paid for a property. One thing is sure though; the lot you buy now will sell higher in the future. And because fewer lots are available in the future, you are assured that you have invested your money on a “high demand” instrument.

For those who are looking for affordable investment, you may get in touch with Lorenzo Tipon of Eternal Gardens at 09205945850

Don’t you think it’s time you buy ahead of need?

There is nothing wrong with giving our loved ones expensive gifts. But when we are consumed by the desire for expensive material things and obsessed with giving (or receiving) the most overpriced gadget, then there might be a need to rethink our reasons for gift-giving.

Homemade gifts are not as popular as the commercial ones, but they are more precious because of the time and love that go into them.

If you are on a tight budget or if you simply want to give more meaningful gifts, consider giving something from the heart instead. Take the time to think about each of the people on your list and what would be meaningful to them.

Choose a gift that shows you appreciate and understand the person you are giving it to.

Giving thoughtful, homemade gifts don’t necessarily mean you have to make them from scratch. You only need a little time and a dash of creativity to create the perfect gifts.

Remember, too, that not all handmade gifts are cheap and easy to make. Many gifts will take time and effort to make, but you will be rewarded by your loved ones’ gratitude and appreciation.

Have fun choosing and enjoy making them for your loved ones!

We are going on a family trip this coming holiday vacation in Pagudpgud, Ilocos Norte. My wife and I decided to bring our car instead of riding on an airplane because we want to drive around the towns of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and the provinces of La Union and Pangasinan.

We already booked a room in a nice, family atmosphere hotel somewhere in Pagudpud. This is not my first time to go there so I know how far the place is – around 12 hours of driving from Manila.  Food is very cheap in that province. The only expenses I’ve been thinking around that will eat most of our budget is the gas.

Gas prices are getting more and more ridiculous. And it’s going to keep increasing with no limit in sight! Gas price went down by 50 centavos for unleaded gasoline last week but still high.

Therefore, it is becoming more and more important to maximize your money and save at the gas station.

Below are the 10 best tips I have compiled to help you get the most out of your money!

Tip 1: Shop Around
This is the advice that you can apply anytime you buy anything not only for Gas. Always shop around specially if there are gasoline stations that are near to each other. They usually try to compete by lowering their prices. Y

Tip 2: Try another brand
You may be loyal to the brand that you are using now but probably you can get yet cheaper price for a different brand.
Tip 3: Buy Gasoline When the Weather is Cool
I actually learned about this tip from my friend. Gasoline is denser in  in the morning or at night. Gas stations measure volume, not density. The gasoline easily evaporates during warmer temperatures.

Tip 4: Avoid Gas Stations That Just Refilled Their Tanks
I’ve experienced this in Baguio City during Typhoon Peping.  The small particles at the bottom of the tank get stirred up when the tanks are refilled, and when these particles get into your gasoline tank, they affect the fuel efficiency of your car.

Tip 5: Don’t Top Off
The gas pump needs some time to draw out the full amount of gas, so when you purchase a bit of gas the station, you get short bursts of fuel that you’ll probably pay extra for. Try to refill your tank when you have less than half a tank left or when you find a price that is so low you cannot afford to miss it.

Read the rest of this entry

This is the third and last series on Think and Act Rich. If you haven’t read the previous articles, here are the links:

1. Think and Act Rich – It is what you choose to think, and act upon, that produces the money you want. What you think will be, will be.

2. Control Your Expenses – It’s living “below” your means and not “within”.

And here’s our last post for this series:

Many people think that rich people are selfish, that’s why they have lots of money at hand. This may be true in some cases; however, there are a lot more individuals who are wealthy because they know how to give.

When you give something from your heart without expecting anything in return, you release a powerful force that will trigger your good deed to “bounce” back to you in amazing, and sometimes unusual ways.

Whenever possible, be generous in giving to others. You will notice that what you receive, or the return, will be more than what you give. As humans, we have the tendency to reciprocate what we receive. But don’t give for the sake of expecting something in return. Read the rest of this entry

When I was still young, I used to hear the expression: “Live within your means.” I think nowadays, we need to correct this expression by changing “within” to “below.” These days, if we work for somebody or for a corporation, we need to set aside some savings which we can use for a “rainy day.”

There is never enough savings, that is why we sometimes find a second job. And this is the reason why we want to improve our lives financially, by getting off the “rat race” and achieving financial freedom.

Sometimes, we have the uncontrollable habit of buying things we don’t actually need, especially when items are “on sale.” We stock up on things that are “on sale” thinking that we are saving. At first thought, it seems we are, but on second thought, we are actually losing. Foodstuffs get spoiled. Clothes go out of fashion. Appliances’ warranties expire even before they are used. Sometimes, they become defective due to prolonged storage. And new models are introduced which makes what you have on hand, obsolete or phased out. This might probably be the reason why they are “on sale.” Read the rest of this entry

Always keep in mind that you can attract as much money as you desire by knowing that it is all in the mind. It is what you choose to think, and act upon, that produces the money you want. What you think will be, will be.

Feel Rich and Be Grateful

What I am about to tell you is a simple yet very powerful way of attracting wealth and prosperity in your life.

First, imagine what life would be like if you are rich.

Don’t just see it. Feel it as if you’re already experiencing the luxuries and lifestyle of the rich. Do you see yourself driving your dream car? What model and color is it? Touch the seat and feel its soft texture. Open the car radio and listen to your favorite music. Experience the joy of driving it towards your favorite place.

Maybe you could visualize a house. How many rooms does it have? Take a relaxing soak in the bath tub. Smell the food aroma coming out from the large kitchen. Play sports in your own private gym.

The important thing here is to believe that you are already rich.

Now doesn’t that feel good? By doing this exercise, you are unleashing the powers of your subconscious and directing it to give you what you’re dreaming of.

But it doesn’t end there. To make this even more effective, breathe slowly while still hanging on to this wonderful feeling of being rich, and say a small thanks to God, or to a Higher Power.

By being grateful, you are commanding the Powers of the Universe to work in your favor. You are confirming that you are graciously accepting your blessings.

Try it out. Believe and feel that you are already wealthy, and be thankful for it. You will be astounded by the results.

This an invitation which I received the other day. The speaker, Antonio Miguel J. Sanchez, let me share this invitation to all KayaMoPinoy readers. Below is the email which I’ve copied verbatim.

The invitation starts here:

Attention: Human Resources Manager
Subject: Free Financial Planning Seminar
Dear Sir/Madam:

Greetings!

We believe that it is every employee’s aspiration to be financially independent in life! However, studies have shown that only 1 out of 10 Filipinos are actually saving for their financial future.

As such, we strongly believe in the paramount value of saving and investing as a financial tool to have a secured future for yourself and your loved ones. And, it is for this purpose that we are reaching out to you for an opportunity, which you might consider worthy of your time.

For more than 114 years now, Sun Life Financial-Philippines, one of the leading financial services companies in the country today, has remained steadfast in its mission to provide financial freedom to every Filipino family. The company has well-trained Financial Planners to herald the good news about the benefits of planning ahead to cushion the impact of life’s uncertainties.

It is in this light that we would like to offer a FREE SEMINAR on FINANCIAL PLANNING to your company employees for the purpose of educating them on the importance of saving and investing for the future.

This seminar and workshop aims to:
(1) Educate employees on the basics of Wealth Management through financial planning to enable them to effectively manage their finances; Read the rest of this entry

Filipino Efren Peñaflorida has been awarded the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. Peñaflorida has been selected after seven weeks of online voting.

Peñaflorida received the CNN Hero of the Year citation at the “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood Saturday night (Sunday in Manila). The gala event, taped before an audience of 3,000, premieres on Thanksgiving, November 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the global networks of CNN.

Efren Peñaflorida, who started a ” Kariton(pushcart) classroom” in the Philippines to bring education to poor children received $100,000 to continue his work with his group, Dynamic Teen Company.

“Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry,” Peñaflorida said in his acceptance speech. “Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.”

The top 10 CNN Heroes, chosen by a blue-ribbon panel from an initial pool of more than 9,000 viewer nominations, were each honored with a documentary tribute and introduced by a celebrity presenter during the gala night.

A Blue Ribbon Panel of distinguished leaders and humanitarians — including Gen. Colin Powell, Whoopi Goldberg , Sir Elton John,Phil Jackson, Wallis Annenberg, Tory Burch, Kirk Cameron, Malaak Compton-Rock, Masi Oka (actor and star of NBC’s Heroes),  Mariane Pearl, Rossana Rosado,Shakira, Tavis Smiley and  Ted Turner (the founder of Turner Broadcasting and CNN and chairman of Turner Enterprises Inc.). — has selected 2009’s Top 10 CNN Heroes.