How Much Is An Emergency Fund?

It was inculcated on my mind that I need to save enough money for the rainy days. Rainy days are times for future financial need, mostly unexpected events where money requires to spend for.

Since then, I learned to save. Every time an extra dime or more comes in a handy, I usually keep it in my clay  jar bank and break it when it is full to deposit in a bank. When I started working, ATM or electronic banking makes it easier to save in just few clicks.

So I did save a lot! (At least based from my age 10 years ago :-) )
Then came the unexpected situation when I need to withdraw a large sum of cash. Whoa! The money that I put away solely for rainy days like this one...is merely NOT enough!

This dire straits I experienced disheartened me from things I needed to accomplish especially the outgrown means of saving. The BIG question is... how much should I save?!

How to Apply Three (3) Thrifty Tips for a Kid

I have set aside a daily allowance for my daughter to spend in the school. With her money allowance, we as parents gave her the right to choose what to buy for herself whether snacks, lunch, or treats. Or sometimes an unexpected need for school projects or supplies for writing. With her 100 pesos daily allowance, a surmountable change is still left in her pocket. Twenty pesos, fifty pesos, five pesos and most of the times nothing - NADA.

As a kid she is, it is inevitable for canoodle wishes to buy her additional foodies and goodies at sari-sari and convenience stores nearby our house. Thus as loving parents, we give in with her “lambing” not thinking that this small amount is reduced from our family budget.

Writing a Simple Young Filipino Poem

Being a Filipino takes pride for every individual who practice Filipino cultures and proud of being who we are. Poem below created by my daughter and I in an effort to accomplish a project in Araling Panlipunan Grade 3 level.

The project is to create a poem describing the adorable physical traits she have and why she adores it.

ANG KAIBIG-IBIG KONG AKO

Tula ni Jahaziah Castillo

Buhok ko ay itim at mahaba

Mga mata ko ay tsinita

Ilong ko ay matangos, labi'y manipis

Balat ko ay kayumangging makinis

Motor Ride at Antipolo City 2013

Long vacation, no school and no work. We took the time to have a joy ride to Antipolo City using our motorcycle, easy to avoid and get through the busy and heavy traffic.

Going up the mountain is a splendor, fresh air, cold breeze, relaxing sounds, great view of the city. Unluckily, our phone camera was not able to capture the city, foggy and bright, reflecting the lens and I cannot find a good angle.

Quezon City Circle Christmas Tree 2013

Ready to go home from walking around the QC circle park, I took the last shot of the big bright Christmas tree sometime eight in the evening standing at the parking area. Remembrance of a wonderful tired night strolling with my family.

There are so many people at the fountain playing around. There are bazaars selling different "anik-anik", street vendors of the candy colored sugar twirled on a stick, kids happy holding their parents hand, mini joyrides, ferry's wheel, etc.

Lazy Saturday with Jaha

Flirting with my daughter, bonding, and having fun brings so much joy in my heart. Trying new things, projecting, posing, wearing, just to kid one another introduces hearty laughter that engulfing our house with sweet noises.

This is one of the lazy afternoon we are having in her room, well, just her in the picture actually. December 14, 2013, unforgettable.

Prayer Group Small Get Together

Year 2013 is ending soon and the small group prayer in the company lead by Sheila is having a get together to celebrate our mini-accomplishments and being thankful for the blessings we received from the Almighty.

We decided to go on a potluck - where every individual or pair will bring a food on the table. To organize further, we have listed who volunteered for a specific meal or vouch for a good food they wish to share.