Category: Press Room

Emergencies bring many forms of expenses, may it be for health or for home. However, not many of us are aware that there are ways to decrease our expenditures in times of crisis. Being in a calamity requires not just a peace of mind, but also financial smarts. Only then could we be able to avoid spending big amounts of money to cope with tragedy. With these in mind, we enumerated a couple of ways to manage your finances in times of emergency, most important, how to prepare for one financially. Take note that proper planning is key to doing the following pointers. Always be ready for anything.

1. Save up for future use.

There are certain moments in which you may need an extra cash just to be able to pay for emergency utilities and rations. It would be wise to remember to at least have your own emergency fund so you may be able to have just enough amounts of cash to help you during calamities. Keep your cash in a safe, yet easy to access container, one which only you are aware of so that you may readily acquire cash when everything goes to panic due to calamities. Also, never rely too much on ATM’s, as usually they tend to go offline after a storm passes, giving you more to be concerned about in terms of where to withdraw that much needed cash. Consider opening up an emergency savings account or designate a credit card exclusively for emergency use.

2. Protect your home with precautionary measures.

It is always wise to at least try and make your home storm/calamity/damage proof. They say that prevention is better than cure, which is why, if you’re able to, install a few fire alarms at home. A simple smoke can set the alarm off, making sure you’d have enough time to at least extinguish the small fire before it becomes a huge inferno. There are also some of us who live in earthquake prone areas, an indication that one should arrange their furniture in a way that it wouldn’t fall over any of our loved ones. Spending a bit right now would save you from the larger amount of expenditures caused by tragedy due to lack of precautionary measures.

3. Make an inventory of your possessions.

Most insurance claims require you to present a list of your beloved furniture, accessories, etc. Sometimes, a simple list may not even be enough, as you may need to present images of your belongings; this is due to the fact that most insurance companies are strict when it comes to claims. Make a video of your possessions if you can. Creating an inventory now may assure you that you would have your insurance claims in no time.

4. When it comes to insurance, choose wisely.

Like any form of membership, it is appropriate to study the policies of an insurance firm. Understand the dos and don’ts, find out which is covered and which isn’t, know which calamities or emergencies are included in their claims. Take note of this important step to avoid misunderstanding and losing more than what you had bargained for.

5. Know the extent of the damage.

Remember the very first step? Save up for future emergencies. This is where your well-kept cash may come in handy. So you had done everything in your power to at least tone down the damages to your home and belongings due to calamities. However, you would also need to consider estimating their prices to keep track of total loss. This is very much connected with steps 1, 3, and 4, as they all involve proper management of your resources in times of emergency.

When it comes to calamity, you can never be too sure, so you must always be prepared. Property damage is a heavy burden to carry, but much heavier is it to carry injuries and their related expenses. As an employee, you would also be absent from work due to the injuries, hence your need to recover while missing many paid days of work. Worry no more, as here at Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop, we offer the EmployeeCARE, a Group Personal Accident Insurance specially designed for employees. It covers Accidental Death, Disablement & Dismemberment (ADD&D), Accidental Medical Cash Aid, Burial Benefit (Accident/Sickness), Unprovoked Murder & Assault (UMA), Motorcycling and Personal Liability. Mainly offered to companies with a minimum number of employees, interested parties may feel free to inquire further via our Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions Sales Team at 895-1093 – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

We love heroic moments in movies. When the hero rides his motorcycle, shoots the bad guys, and jumps off in the nick of time to hang on an airplane where the kidnapped damsel in distress is being kept, we almost jump out of our seats in the cinema, hoping that we may someday do the same things in real life. Real life, on the other hand, may prove very destructive when it comes to vehicles. Yes, movie heroes may survive multiple motorcycle crashes, as what the director instructs him to do. In real life, we may not be too lucky though, especially as motorcycles are more likely to be thrown off in a collision. Those of us who own a motorcycle would have to worry about two things; injuries and property damage. With that being said, what better way to avoid big expenditures (whether in hospitals or repair shops) than to avail a motorcycle insurance. We had enumerated a few tips to get the most out of your motorcycle insurance.

1. The right coverage.

The great thing about purchasing insurance is you would be able to study its policies. We are not just referring to minor scratches in your motorcycle. Losing a tire is one thing, but rendering the motorcycle totally non-ridable is another. No worries, as certain coverage and premiums give you many options when it comes to availing the claim just right for you.

2. To add or not to add.

As much as our first advice suggests that you get as much premium as possible from your insurance, please note that too much of anything isn’t also good. Get the premium that you only need. Know your motorcycle so you may also know the type of risk that it may be involved in. The very reason you are getting a motorcycle insurance is that you are avoiding big amount of expenses after an accident, so why spend so much for an unneeded premium before the accident?

3. Be on time.

Insurance involves payment, so you should pay regularly to avoid penalties. As with our regular bills like water and electricity, we should always remember to pay our insurance/s as well. Separate as they seem, insurance companies implement penalties if you’re not able to pay on time. While riding your motorcycle, keep your eyes on the road and focus on safety, but when you get off it, remember that there are also bills to pay aside from the fun rides.

4. Choose wisely.

We are not just referring to your choice of insurance, but also the type of motorcycle that you would like to purchase. You may choose a less powerful engine as this can technically help to reduce your insurance premium, as would an older, less expensive motorcycle. Choosing a bike with lots of modifications will also grant you an expensive premium as they may cost more to repair or replace, not to mention, be more appealing to motorcycle thieves.

You finally decide to avail of motorcycle insurance. However, you would prefer one that would really look out for you in times of need. No need to worry, as here at Cebuana Lhuillier, we offer the MotorCARE Insurance, a Standard Comprehensive Motorcar Insurance that covers Own Damage (OD), Theft, Loss and/or Damage, Excess Bodily Injury (EBI), Excess Property Damage (EPD), and Acts of God/Nature (AOG/AON). Be a hero on the road, be safe, and be insured. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy, and secure transaction.

It’s that time of the year again! While other countries celebrate the yuletide season at the beginning of December, we Filipinos welcome the holidays as early as September. And while we enjoy every event that comes our way, whether we like it or not, expenses are always nearby. But no worries, we have got you covered, as here are the top 10 tips on how to properly budget during the “ber” months.

1. To upgrade or not?

Discount on gadgets are common during the Holidays, however, one should always remember the quotation “if it isn’t broken, don’t replace it,” as there is no need to upgrade if your current smartphone still works well.

2. Expensive cuts or budget cuts?

Expensive salons promise a more stylish look for the holidays. However, there will always be practical ways in making ourselves presentable without spending too much. Buying affordable cosmetics and hair care shampoos are great substitute for overpriced parlors.

3. Use coupons.

It is in the nature of Filipinos to save, especially with the help of promos. Malls usually provide discounts during the ‘ber’ months. As the saying goes, “take advantage of Buy 1 Take 1 so your cash wouldn’t be none.”

4. Do not let any resource go to waste.

Our parents would always tell us not to waste food during meals. This same rule applies even now. No need to buy food that would go to waste if you still have a few left in your refrigerator. Other simple things such as paper, water, etc. are included in this rule.

5. Turn off and unplug.

Take it easy with the Christmas lights, it isn’t even December yet. Turn off and unplug everything that is not in use.

6. Commute wisely.

Most would commute to save money; however, we should also look for cost-effective ways to travel during the holiday rush. Look for PUVs that take shortcuts, which would otherwise make us ride twice just to get to our destination.

7. Old gift to new gift.

Have any gifts from last year that you haven’t even used at all? Repackage and use that instead as a Christmas present, just don’t give it to the same person though.

8. Make your own present.

Why buy when you can make one? Your loved ones will even be impressed with your creativity. Christmas cards and hand-decorated mugs are a perfect example.

9. It’s the thought that counts.

You don’t have to give everyone a present. Simple gestures such as greetings and acknowledging party invitations are sure to warm their hearts.

10. Track your budget

Saving and reusing your resources would amount to nothing without practicing self-control. Choosing value meals over restaurants can help you save big. Prioritize due dates. Needs first, wants last.

Want to add more to your budget aside from the ones you had saved? Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pawning Service accepts an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its more than 1,800 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Image Source:
http://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2016/04/07/people-arent-upgrading-smartphones-as-quickly-and-that-is-bad-news-for-apple/
http://www.kidspot.com.au/Christmas/Christmas-ideas-Cheap-Christmas-How-to-draw-up-a-Christmas-budget+3652+664+article.htm

Credit cards are life savers. When you run out of cash, with it, you may definitely buy now and pay later. However, there are also some credit card holders who have their own horror stories when it comes to owning one, usually due to misuse and lack of discipline. We at Cebuana Lhuillier value your insight regarding your expenses and financial choices as well. Hence, we created a list of things to consider before applying for a credit card.

1. Spending habits

Everything begins with you. It is your choice and your choice alone that would determines whether you are ready to own a credit card or not. Are you the type of person who would spend for an expensive gadget every time a new model is released? Or are you the type of person who would instead save for future emergencies. It is important to know your ability to self-discipline, especially when it comes to spending, as owning a credit card may also bring temptations to purchase many items without realizing the risk of going over the limit.

2. Credit limit

Payment using a credit card is basically like borrowing money from the bank. Credit limit is set by the bank (depending on the conditions discussed during your application) so that you may only avail within a certain range of amount. If you lose track of your spending, there is a strong possibility that you will go over the limit. Most of the time, this will result in a bad credit history, which may help the bank decide whether they would still let you borrow money in the future or not.

3. Penalties and charges

This is one of the many scary things that may happen when you go over your spending limit. Aside from a bad credit history, you will also get fined for going over the limit. This isn’t just the end of your expense, as other fees would be asked from you. Some of the transactions you had done with your credit card (including buying a new gadget) would include transaction fees in them, the same way that service charge will be asked of you when you dine in expensive restaurants. Think of them as the cost of serving you in your transactions.

4. Rewards

Charges aside, there are also good points in using a credit card. Some banks would provide reward points every time you use the said item to avail items or services. Of course, there is a catch in this type of reward system. Sometimes, you may have to use the credit card a certain number of times to acquire a single point. The bank initiated this rewards program to make sure that you use the card. No worries though, as long as you are within your limit, the possibility of attaining your reward is higher than gaining penalty due to overspending.

5. Interest rates

Remember when we said that using a credit card to avail items and services is like borrowing money from the bank? Each time you use your card, there is a certain interest that you’d have to pay for that “borrowed” money. Consider researching on the particular interest rates of a bank before applying for their credit card. If you’re going to pay that “borrowed” money in full every month, then the interest rate wouldn’t matter to you. However, if you plan to carry that certain “debt,” you may want to consider a lower interest rate, as they accumulate each particular time passes that you don’t pay your “debt.”

With all that has been said, owning a credit card requires complete self-control and discipline in spending. If you wouldn’t want to have horror stories of your own, then be sure to pay for the charges of your transactions, and with great ease. Cebuana Lhuillier offers their Bills Payment services in their 1,800 branches nationwide. All transactions are online and are completed quickly and safely. Its current partners (such as Metrobank Credit Card) also include major telecommunication networks, insurance companies, online businesses, and schools. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy, and secure transaction.

Image Source:
http://thevirtualworldsbook.com/category/credit-cards/
https://philippinescreditcards.wordpress.com/2015/09/03/helpful-tips-for-using-rewards-credit-cards/

So you left a job to pursue greener pastures, but haven’t quite figured out where those greener pastures are. In times like this, it (quite literally) pays to have a work-from-home job to tide you over while you’re searching. Some of it is easy, some of it not, and it’s pretty much a matter of knowing where your strengths lie and how well you play your cards! Check out these 10 ways to earn money while going through unemployment.

A short stint in food service can be a very humbling experience, and a lot of people from that industry have said that everyone should try it at least once, to build their character up. Interacting with hundreds of different people a day, each with their own set of demands, can tire anyone out – but while you’re there, pick up all the experience you can get.

1. Food Stall

Filipinos love food. A food stall is the easiest way to pick up some extra cash! If you have a special merienda treat – perhaps the best turon, an easy way to make ramen, or a snack that isn’t popular (yet!) in the Philippines – it’s time to fire up the stove, bring out the folding table and set up shop in a great place with good foot traffic. If the people like it, you’ll keep making cash as you watch your customers grow!

2. Graphic Design

If you’re a whiz at Photoshop or Illustrator, you’re in luck! Tons of people are looking for graphic designers for their graphic design needs. Make logos, posters, edit photos for a good fee and set yourself up with a portfolio. Who knows, with enough practice, you can charge a lot higher for your work!

3. Virtual assistant

Organizing schedules, setting up meetings, and making sure every second is accounted for is no easy task, and executives need someone to plan everything up for them. Being a virtual assistant not only keeps you busy, but also allows you to work even when you and your employer are thousands of miles away. Better still, most gigs offer monthly payments, so it’ll be a stable source of income for quite a while!

4. Transcription

Transcription services are in demand, especially in the media industry. You’ll be taking voice recordings and putting it in writing, and it’s a time-exhaustive activity. If you’re good with languages and accents, you’ll be able to recognize most words and accents and be able to provide an excellent output. Try Googling online transcription services and see if you can set yourself up with a gig!

5. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based type of marketing, meaning you get money through marketing the product by yourself. What you do is you gain a supply of the product, and it is your job to sell them, and the company pays you a share of the profits, for your solo marketing efforts. Mostly, you also get incentives if you pull in another friend to do the job with you.

6. Bazaars

If you’ve got a ton of clothes, or appliances that you don’t need and are just gathering up dust in the closet, it’s time to take them out to the bazaar to sell. Clean up lola’s old rocking chair, sew up torn clothes, and buff out old appliances to make them presentable, and watch your money pouch bulge by the end of the bazaar!

7. Online English tutorials

This job has become the bread and butter for many Filipinos working from home. With our good handle on the English language, and our hospitality, Filipinos are good choices for English tutors – and the scores of foreign clients that they get can only attest to that. All you need is a good pair of headphones, a clear mic, a laptop that can supportVOIP applications such as Skype, Viber, Yahoo! Messenger, or AOL, and a good internet connection to start teaching some English!

8. Arts and Crafts

If you’re into arts and crafts, there is a world of opportunity out there waiting for you. People are always looking for cute little accessories, phone charms, or maybe handmade giveaways for big events like weddings, debuts, and baptisms. Also, if you have the knowledge and tools, woodworking is a good way to rack up some serious cash. Build furniture that stands out from the rest and sell them on the internet! So pick up some wire, a ton of beads, some clay, or some wood, and get to work!

9. All-around handyman

Handymen are never out of work. People are always on the lookout for one! Be there to fix pipes, reshingle roofs, or paint a room for your family, friends and neighbors; do a good job, build up a network, and see yourself earning enough cash to sustain that job hunt.

10. TESDA Course

While not exactly a way to make money, it’s a good way to start. TESDA offers a lot of entrepreneurial, skilled, and managerial courses, with certifications that will help you either land a job, or get started on your own business. What’s more, they also offer free online courses that don’t require you to pay for tuition, and provide certifications as well.

Image Source:
http://www.pepper.ph/manilas-meals-on-wheels-a-food-cart-revolution/
http://www.choosephilippines.com/do/shopping/978/christmas-shopping-at-the-world-bazaar-festival/
http://www.santaisabel.edu.ph/academics/tesdacourses.php

We Filipinos always believe in superstitions. Some make sense, while most are just weird. But out of all the local superstitions, those that involve money are definitely the ones we usually practice. After all, we don’t like to lose any, right? With that, here are just some of the most commonly heard money superstitions of Filipinos.

1. Don’t sweep your floors at night. According to our elders, sweeping at night causes luck to go out the door as well, bringing wealth with it.

2. If you buy a new wallet, put a certain amount in it that you should never spend. Rumor has it that leaving a certain amount of money (regardless if it’s as low as P20) would dictate your luck of never running out of money for a year.

3. An itch on your palm means incoming wealth. Regardless if it’s an ant bite or just dirty hands, if your palms itch, expect money in the upcoming days.

4. If you mistakenly wear your clothes inside-out, expect more money. Similar with the superstition of getting lost, wearing your clothes the wrong way would attract good luck.

5. If you are a businessman, giving discount to your first customer of the day will increase that day’s sales. This belief is said to attract more customers and earnings within a single day.

6. Never put your bag or purse on the ground. This is said to cause bad luck in wealth, leaving the owner of the bag/purse with no money.

7. Never pay your debt at night. This is similar to the superstition of not sweeping your floor at night, as it also causes loss of income.

8. When you see a shooting star, quickly take your money (any amount) and wrap it in your handkerchief. The money you had wrapped should then be used for gambling. This would be a sure win for that particular game.

9. Wallet money should be arranged from lowest to highest. This is another superstition that is said to attract more wealth in the upcoming days.

10. Never pay on the first hour and day of the month. Similar to not paying your debt at night, this also causes bad luck when it comes to earnings.

11. When moving to a new house, throw coins inside first before entering. This is said to indicate showering the house with wealth, providing its inhabitants with many blessings.

12. Keep plants with round leaves, cut down those with vines. Round shapes are always believed to symbolize coins; vines however, take their gardeners with them to the ground.

13. Never put money on the table. Many believe that it will cause the family to spend all their money on food, with nothing left to spend on other important things.

14. Black ants are good luck. It is a belief from the Chinese that motivates many to leave sweets on certain parts of their houses to attract ants, and hopefully, money.

15. Use your right hand whenever you pay. This is a belief that indicates balance, as your left hand should be used to receive payment. Proper balance in using your hands attracts more money towards you.

Luck and superstitions aside, hard work would always be the best way in attracting wealth and blessings. Here at Cebuana Lhuillier, we offer Micro-Loan money lending to help you upstart your own business, putting your hard work and valuable time into good use. We create value to customers through a simple application process, easy terms, and less requirements, cutting long lines and long waiting time. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Image Source:
http://www.icytales.com/13-ridiculous-superstitions-existing-in-india/
http://www.jmlalonde.com/shooting-star-leadership/
http://www.zipmatch.com/blog/upfront-costs-buying-philippine-home/

Are you planning to go on a vacation? Wanting to get away from the stress of work? How about fulfilling your list of dream destinations across the globe? Yes, we all dream of having that perfect relaxation, regardless if it’s in the white sandy beaches of Boracay or among the snowy mountains of Canada. However, with every dream destination, there will always be expenses along the way, and most of the time, travel does not come cheap. We would have to spend thousands just to reach local vacation spots alone. But no worries, as we have listed the top 5 ways to save money when travelling.

1. Always plan ahead.

When planning to go on a vacation, it is always wise to consider all of your expenses. This doesn’t mean you would just list down the cost of transportation, as even the place you would have to stay in (commonly known as accommodations) during your vacation would also add to your expenses, and the more exclusive the room is, the higher its price. Go for an accommodation that is near your exact vacation spot to avoid further travel cost

2. Do your research.

While many vacation spots advertise the good points of their most-visited landmarks, you should not forget to do you own study of the place. Most vacation spots have their official websites, and these sites have sections where you can look for reviews about the place. Is it safe? What are the interesting activities to participate in? Are there any hidden charges to the accommodations? How good is the service?

3. Good timing equals great savings.

There are certain months within a year in which travel agencies would offer discounts and promos in their offered travel packages. Look for the ones which would fit your budget. This tip is connected with tip # 1 as well, since you would have to clarify hidden charges, and if their promo package already includes accommodations. Never hesitate to ask questions, as this is your budget we are talking about, after all. Some agencies even offer customizable packages, so you may really fit your budget to achieve a cost-effective travel.

4. Just pack what is necessary.

Sometimes, less is better. Airlines charge extra due to excess baggage and for each airport that you would have to go through; the accumulated extra charges may greatly affect your expenses. Just bring what you need. Going to a warm place? Bring your sun tan lotion and beach wears. Planning to freeze in a cooler climate? Pack your jacket and Christmas mug for those warm chocolate refills.

5. The more, the merrier.

Why would you choose to spend time alone when you can bring along your friends? Some agencies (similar to tip # 3) offer discounts when you travel in groups, accommodations included. Of course, this would enable more savings, meaning, you would still have extra cash to buy souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Believe us, they’ll greatly appreciate it.

So, you finally decide to go on that dream travel towards local favorites such as Boracay and Palawan, and you’re definitely enjoying every value of your vacation as every airway travel gives accumulated rewards. It seems airline companies aren’t the only ones offering reward points though, as Cebuana Lhuillier also has its 24k Rewards Program. It instantly grants clients with exclusive privileges, discounts, freebies, and special service offerings for every transaction they make at any branch nationwide. So for every local dream destination, Cebuana’s 1,800 branches are here to serve you. So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Image Source:
http://www.theholyweb.com/a-list-of-useful-websites-and-apps-for-fun-and-cheap-travel/
http://blog.opodo.co.uk/hand-luggage-and-checked-baggage-tips/

Personal loans are double-edged swords. It can help you get back on your feet after an emergency, square off some outstanding debt, get you through an unexpected financial situation or help set up capital for that business idea you’ve been working on.

Sadly, a lot of people would take out personal loans to buy frivolities and luxuries that they can do without, and they end up not paying them off, leading them to the first few steps to financial ruin. Taking on debt is a huge responsibility, because if mismanaged, debt can compound and grow before you even know what’s happening. Before taking out that personal loan, here are a few things you should consider:

1. Check out your credit score

To banks, your credit score is everything. They’d be more likely to clear a personal loan (with good interest rates, as well) if you have a good credit score; the opposite is true if your credit score is in the red. To avoid biting off more than you can chew, take a good look at your last credit report, square off any debts you have, if you can, and try to improve your credit score before you even apply for a personal loan. Trust us, it’s in your best interest to do this!

2. Look around

Not every lender is right for you. Find a lender that gives you flexibility with its payment terms, reasonable interest rates, and at a fee you will find manageable Cebuana Lhuillier’s microfinancing solutions might work for you, compared to other lenders and banks that charge very high interest rates, which might leave you with more debt. Make sure that the personal loan you take out is a loan that you see yourself paying off as soon as possible. Never bite off more than you can chew!

3. Consider the fees

Most loans would have other, less noticeable fees besides principle and interest rates, and every single peso adds up. Check every clause in the contract before signing, and weigh it out – will I be better off after taking out this loan, or will this really hurt me in the long run? Learn to weigh the risks and the benefits before you take out a loan to avoid inconveniences in the long run.

4. See if it’s affordable

If you’re taking out a loan, be sure that you can afford it. The longer it takes you to pay, the bigger the interest you incur. Before taking out a loan, figure out how to set up a monthly budget dedicated solely to paying off your loan. If it turns out to be a reasonable enough amount to pay off each month, and if you’re confident that you’ll be consistent about it, take it out. It helps to consider every angle of your loan to protect yourself.

5. Get all your documents in order

Many borrowers have been denied, or charged with higher interest rates, just because they didn’t bring the complete documents needed by the lender to fully assess their financial background. Avoid this by taking everything with you: identification, credit card statements, billings, tax forms, deeds, titles, and other things that a lender might require you to bring. Save yourself the hassle of paying more by being prepared!

Image Source:
http://ivsz.hu/ivsz-rol/alapdokumentumok/
http://ourfinancialsecurity.org/2009/11/a-one-page-credit-card-agreement/credit-risk/
http://ivsz.hu/ivsz-rol/alapdokumentumok/

It’s hard spending money. Sometimes, we get caught up in the moment and suddenly drop P3,000 on a nice sweater that you won’t get to wear, or P50,000 on a new laptop that you don’t really need, or maybe you buy round-trip tickets to a destination you’ve always wanted to see, but it wasn’t a seat sale. Impulse purchases on small and unneeded things build up to negative cash flow, and it usually is why you find yourself experiencing “petsa de peligro” 2 days after payday.

The YOLO mentality is real. It makes a lot of people impulsive, dropping cash on a lot of things that can wait, in pursuit of satisfying a need immediately. These spending habits can have a bad effect on your financial stability; before long, you might find yourself deep in debt. Read on and see if any of these 5 bad spending habits resonate with you!

1. You don’t have an emergency fund.

A lot of people, especially young ones, don’t realize the value of having an emergency fund. Financial experts recommend that you set aside at least half a years’ worth of monthly expenses as your emergency fund, to take care of things that may go wrong in the future. Make no mistake, having an emergency fund will be advantageous to your future (and can also work as show money for applying for visas!)

2. Using your credit card on everything.

A credit card makes a lot of people feel powerful. With one swipe, whatever you desire can be yours. Tomorrow be damned, you’ll cross that bridge when you get there. Sales all around, and you swipe to your heart’s content, even on items you don’t even need, like winter coats you’ll never get to use. What you don’t realize is that doing this gets you closer and closer to maxing out your credit card – an incident that will wreak havoc on your credit history. Be careful!

3. Spending to not be left out.

The new iPhone is out! Oh, is it #LaBoracay already? Let me get the tickets! My Instagram friend had a steak dinner at Blackbird – got to have it, too! Our fear of missing out preys on our spending habits. When you feel bad that you don’t have what others have, you spend money to get it as well, even if you don’t want it. Learn to exercise temperance. Double-check every purchase you’ll make, and ask yourself if it’s a good long-term investment, or another instant gratification episode.

4. Satisfaction now, regrets later

Credit cards make you feel the gratification, but pay for it later, in more ways than one. In many cases, this kind of thinking also leads to not paying your debts on time, leading to big overdue fees, or maybe even compounding with other debts. It’s going to be hard to pay it all off all at once, and it makes your credit history suffer. Try to keep careful track of your expenses and limit yourself to avoid being in this situation.

5. Borrowing to pay off debt

A lot of people think that the only way to pay off debt is by taking out another loan to pay for it. In many ways, that is so wrong. Not only is this counterproductive, it doesn’t help your credit score in the least, and it means you will be trapped in a cycle of debt, with interest rates climbing and climbing as you take out more loans to pay for other loans. Work off your loans one at a time to avoid this.

Image Source:
http://www.insidefortlauderdale.com/1122/YOLO-makes-the-Banned-List
http://www.thefrisky.com/2011-06-17/7-shopping-pet-peeves
http://www.infobarrel.com/Borrowing_Money_from_Good_Sources

Sometimes we encounter situations that demand us to spend more than we’ve budgeted for. These may be due to emergencies or miscalculated business transactions. Whatever the reasons are, first, we must not be hard on ourselves for not being prepared enough to attend to these sudden needs.

While there are several creative options to come up with money, pawning an item is perhaps one of the easiest and fastest ways to generate cash. However there is still this stigma that pawning is an embarrassing way to generate money when times get rough. Here are some things to consider:

1. You have to tend to your needs and obligations

Yes, budgeting early on is necessary. But should you slip, just get back on track. For now, focus on attending to your responsibilities. Consider your timeline. When do you need the money? Pawning is fast and easy. For immediate needs, why not consider it? This way, you’ll save time and energy and you can shift your energies on other areas of your life as well.

2. Assess the risks and returns

Cebuana Lhuillier assures the highest appraisal and security for pawned items. If you wish to have your valuable possessions back, then selling it is definitely not an option. For every pawned item, Cebuana Lhuillier’s advance interest amounts Php4 for every Php100 loan amount. To maintain our standard of service, clients will be charged additional one percent (1%) of the principal loan, but not exceeding five pesos (Php5). No other hidden charges will be deducted from the loan.

3. Who cares what others think?

Filipinos get too conscious about what others might think about their activities. Don’t let yourself get caught up imagining others judging you. Know what you need to do. If you let others affect you all the time, otherwise, they will rule your life.

So, you think you should pawn? Cebuana Lhuillier accepts gold, diamond, and platinum jewelry and watches, as well as selected non-jewelry items such as cellphones and laptop computers. Visit the Cebuana Lhuillier branch nearest you–we assure you that it will be a fast, easy and secure transaction. There’s nothing to be ashamed about that!

Image Source: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/other-subjects-and-projects/business-and-economics/budgets