Sasha Says… – Page 10 – Family and Home. Money Matters. Life in General. And More.

Surviving my credit card debts

March 16, 2022 No Comments

I took up Accountancy in college. After graduation, I reviewed for the board examinations and, fortunately, passed the board to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). I managed to land a job at a prestigious accounting firm. But prestigious doesn’t translate to a high-paying job. My salary was minimum wage that time.

I made a promise to my parents that I would help send my siblings to school. So when I began working for the accounting firm, I would give most of my salary for my siblings tuition fees. Maybe, you would ask yourselves how I managed to help when I was barely making enough for myself. Well, credit card companies began calling one after another, offering pre-approved credit cards with close to three times my take-home pay. I accepted three credit cards, and managed to drown myself with debts in the process!

I juggled payments. It still boggles my mind how I managed to do that during the early years of my credit card debts. I managed to dodge collection letters and calls by paying the minimum amount due of the three cards. But as you all probably know by now, paying the minimum is like trying to stay afloat in a quicksand. It will slowly eat you alive.

Image Credit

For those of you in the same predicament I was in, let me help you through these three steps I did in order to survive and, eventually, get out of my credit card debts.

Compromise. Talk to the collection department of the credit card companies, tell them that you are willing to discuss the ballooning amount of your credit card debt, and ask for consideration. They are willing to talk to you on settlement terms. You can compromise with them, you just need to reach out and show the sincerity of your intention to pay off your debt. Believe me, they are willing to compromise. If you want to consolidate your debts, do so. Learn more on how you can utilize debt consolidation.

What happened to me: I called up the credit card company if the card I had the biggest debt with. They told me to pay a small percentage of my total debt, and after complying, they allowed me to pay off in installments. The penalties and surcharges were waived and I was asked to pay off a reduced amount of credit card debt. After paying it all off, they issued a certification to me saying that I no longer have any liability to the said credit card company.

Budget. You need to use whatever tool at your disposal (a planner, a spreadsheet, a budget tracker app, etc.) and make sure to include the credit card debt amortization to your monthly budget. Control your impulses. Do not be swayed by sales promotions online. Do not spend what is allocated for your credit card payment. You need to religiously meet their due dates in order to maintain your good credit standing.

Check your monthly spending. If you can cut down on weekend getaways for a while until you manage to pay off at least fifty percent of your total debts, do so.

What I did: I created an Excel spreadsheet. Every start of the month, I would put the bills and amortizations I needed to pay. When salary came in, I would pay off bills and amortizations first before setting aside a portion for my siblings’ tuition fees. I brought home-cooked meals to work and I stopped buying pricey cups of coffees. It worked for me.

Reduce and Stop. Temptations are everywhere! And most of the time, it is in the form of a pre-approved credit card arriving through the mail. Do not activate it! Immediately call the credit card company to advise them that you are not interested and that you will be cutting the card in two. Stop applying for new credit cards because it will only sink you deeper in debts.

Keep one credit card for emergency use. Choose one which will give you rebates and good credit card rewards.

It was hard. Believe me, it was really hard! But surviving my credit card debts is one of my achievements in my adult life. Those collection calls… I think I had trauma from it. Phone calls make me nervous. I am just grateful I managed to survive and came off it a better manager of finances.

Brain Wave, Careers, Freelancing and Self-Employment

Passion for the profession.

March 3, 2022 No Comments

I managed to get a seat at the back of a group of college students at a wake my sister and I went to more than a week ago. It was a serious group composed of three girls and one boy, the latter being in the center of the group. I did not mean to eavesdrop but they were discussing their courses. I kept hearing Fluorescence Microscope from the company Microscope International and how the boy was so fascinated with it. And so many other terms like Fluorescence Meiji MT6200CL Binocular Epi-Fluorescence Microscope and Euromex bScope Epi-Fluorescence Microscope. I guessed they are taking Science courses and they were discussing their laboratory subjects.

Image Credit

What fascinated me about their discussion was the passion that I could hear in their voices. It came across as a deep love for what they are currently studying and translated as future scientists who would be truly passionate about their work.

Pre-college, I really wanted to become a journalist. I loved researches, writing humanitarian stories, and just being in the thick of things. But I was not meant to be one. My Mom was really bent on making me an accountant. She wanted to be one but she got pregnant with me so it was set aside. She took up Economics and proceeded to become a housewife. In short, she didn’t get to see her dream fulfilled so she wanted me to fulfill it for her. I resented it in the beginning because I may be good with numbers but it was not my passion. Unfortunately for me and my dream, I am an obedient daughter. My Mom’s happiness was my happiness so I took Accountancy, became a certified public accountant, and went into accounting and audit.

I learned to love my profession after a couple of years of practicing it. When realizations came in that because I have a good-paying job, I managed to help my parents send my siblings to school. If not for my profession, I would have been one of the many workers displaced during this pandemic. Realizations keep coming and I am now very grateful for my profession.

I hope those kids will become passionate scientists in the future. And will be grateful for the profession they will choose.

Brain Wave, Travel and Attractions

3 American Cities for Those Who Love the Nightlife

February 12, 2022 No Comments

Maybe you’ve taken a remote job and now want to move to the city of your dreams. Maybe you’re retired and want to do the same.

Whatever your reason for moving, you’re likely doing it for reasons that will make you happy.

We know for a fact that some Americans like to live in areas where there’s always something to do. The nightlife in any city can sometimes be just what people need to get out of the doldrums, feel less bored, and take their minds off whatever’s troubling them.

If you’re like these people and have been wanting to relocate to an area where there’s never going to be a shortage of things to do after dark, check out this helpful guide to the top three American cities for those who love the nightlife.

We hope you agree with our choices and then think of some of your own, as well!

New Orleans, LA

First up is New Orleans, Louisiana, which, if you’re not aware, is not a place you move to if you’re looking to settle down into a quiet life.

The city is a major international tourist destination in its own right, but then there are all the residents who hang around the city and particularly the party areas.

There are music clubs along Frenchmen Street, lounges, bars, pubs, and so much more in the French Quarter, and, of course, Mardi Gras celebrations in the late winter.

If you just love to party and indulge in life’s pleasures, then go scoop up one of the New Orleans houses for sale!

Image Credit

Las Vegas, NV

Do we even need to mention Las Vegas? If you’re thinking that nightlife is for you, then look no further than Las Vegas, Nevada.

This is one of those great American cities that never sleeps, and all the hotels, casinos, and shows would be happy to indulge you whether it’s 6AM, 12AM, or 3AM.

You don’t even need to leave the Strip to enjoy all there is on offer. Head into the Bellagio for food and gambling, or into the Mirage or Caesars for the same thing. Looking for something more old-school? Check out the Flamingo over on the other side.

Or venture off the Strip for still plenty of restaurants, bars, and other kinds of mischief.

This is one city that loves its nightlife!

Los Angeles, CA

Finally, we have Los Angeles, California, that shining jewel of the American West.

It’s a sprawling metropolis with so many neighborhoods and other little sections that you’ll never be bored of things to do.

Head to West Hollywood to check out some of the rooftop bars that people love to enjoy in the mild SoCal weather.

Or head out for dinner and drinks in style in Santa Monica and a galivant along the famous Santa Monica Pier.

Or, if you’re feeling particularly daring, check out downtown L.A., or Venice, or Hermosa Beach, for even more bars, restaurants, and dance clubs, where you can surely stay until the wee hours of the morning.

Writing about all this nightlife really makes us want to head out on the town ourselves, so we’ll be seeing you later!

Brain Wave, Family and Home living

Next-door renovations.

January 29, 2022 No Comments

Image Credit

It has been more than two months since the noise next-door began. Home renovation. When the clock hits eight in the morning, the noise starts. It will last until around eleven in the morning, and will resume around one in the afternoon. It will all come to a halt at five in the afternoon. Eight to five all week long except on Sundays.

In the beginning, we would get annoyed with the noise. We are all nocturnal in the family so we are still up past midnight, most nights. We would get up a bit after nine-ish in the morning. So, you can just imagine how annoying it gets to be awakened by the noise of hammering and drilling almost every single day since then. But the neighbor’s house contractor was considerate and respectable enough to ask for our understanding in a letter before they began the renovations. And it was a big deal for me that they talked to us in person as well to ask for our patience and understanding because the house next-door is being eaten by termites already so they need to salvage it as best they can.

After about two weeks, we started getting used to the noise. It became tolerable. Also, to better understand what’s happening next-door, my brother and I took interest. We began talking to the contractor and the workers during their break time. We thought it best to see what’s being done and when we saw what they did to the laundry area, it gave us an insight as to what we want done to ours, too. The contractor told us that we need to get the house checked, or the particular part of the house for that matter. Then, a plan will be drawn, with the budget alongside it. It is important to use high quality and affordable building supplies for home renovation projects. The contractor said it is better to always have a contingency fund ready because some issues in the house can come up while renovating it.

They are still going at it. But we talked to the contractor already, my brother and I. We are seriously considering getting the laundry area done once they are done next-door. We will come up with a plan and budget. And then we will set a timeline so it won’t take them too long to do it.

Hopefully, the noise will not be as annoying as when the next-door renovations started. And the neighbors will be as understanding as us.

Brain Wave, Family and Home living, Money matters

Life expectancy of major home appliances

January 28, 2022 No Comments

So, we had this discussion at home about the major appliances we have. In particular, we focused on three appliances: refrigerator, microwave oven, and washing machine. The discussion was about the appliances we have at home, how long we have been using each, and whether it be best to buy a replacement or just use it until it gets broken.

Image Credit

We were actually just talking about a new house. My sisters and I, being unmarried and all, planned to get a big house where we can all grow old together. While talking about a new house, I noticed that the refrigerator door was ajar. I asked who open it last and my youngest nephew said that he took out a cold drink and closed the door. I tried closing the door myself and that’s when I found out that the door magnet is malfunctioning already. One of my sisters suggested right away that we get a new one. I suggested otherwise. Hiring a good local appliance repair company is not as expensive as you think. And that’s the truth! We did it numerous times in the past when an appliance gets broken. We’d pay a small fee and parts replacement, and the appliance was returned to us good as new.

My sister who was suggesting to get a new refrigerator had this argument: there are far more choices in energy-saving appliances out there right now. We can choose an inverter model, according to her. A bit pricey than the one we have now but the future cost savings will far outweigh the immediate spending. And I totally agree on that. The question is do we have enough to spend on a refrigerator right now when we are also planning on buying a new inverter air conditioner?

Anyway, I made my research about the three major home appliances we discussed.

Refrigerator. The average lifespan of a standard fridge is 14 years, 10 years minimum and 18 years maximum useful life. According to my research, in order for the lifespan of the refrigerator to be maximized, you need to adjust the settings in such a way that it will benefit both the appliance and the food inside. Zero degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer and 36 to 37 degrees of the rest of the fridge. Those settings will lighten the load of the compressor.

Microwave oven. This appliance’s lifespan is six years. Just about right as the one we had broke down after close to six years. Quick reheats only, according to my research, and leave the heavy cooking to the big oven.

Well, this one we really need to buy already. It’s far more convenient to use a microwave oven in the middle of the night when food cravings hit anybody at home.

Washing Machine. This one will last five to seven years, according to my research. Currently, we go out to get our laundry done in a service place a few blocks away. They have these heavy duty washer and dryer machines. My sister does the laundry there and it’s very convenient because we don’t have to hang the clothes to dry afterwards. But my sister worries about the rainy season and if it will be a hassle should we still need to get the laundry done elsewhere.

We need to discuss some more on whether we need to buy new appliances or just get it repaired for now, in the case of the refrigerator.

Brain Wave, Health and medicine

How important is clean air?

January 7, 2022 No Comments

Image Credit

Clean air is very important. We breathe to live. Can you imagine breathing polluted air all the time? Your lungs will become weak. You will develop all kinds of illnesses. And, later on, die at an early age. You do not want that to happen to you, trust me.

When we moved into the house we currently reside in, all we knew was this was a vast improvement from the one we used to live in. Not because of the house per se but due to the neighbors. We live on a wide-road street so we hardly interact with neighbors. Yes, the noise of the vehicles used to get to us but we got so used to it now it’s like background noise to us already. But the air, that’s another thing. Fine dust coming from the vehicles zooming pass by is something that you get used to but will eventually make you sick. That’s why there is this urge to get an Asbestos Microscope from Microscope International, you know, to be able to check the dust and all those other microscopic things that come with the air not just from the road, the vehicles, but, also, from the stale air inside this old house. It will surely help us control it somehow by installing air filters, purifiers and a layer of good quality curtains on all the windows facing the road.

Truth is I developed asthma a year after we moved in here. I was told by my doctor that no polarised light microscopy asbestos microscope could have told us that the fine dust of the road outside the house would bring in this breathing problem to me. But here I am with asthma and triggered by change in weather and depending on the heaviness of the dust outside. Sucks to be sidelined by asthma from time to time but I guess it’s the price I have to pay for wanting a different neighborhood.

Anyway, we’re doing our best to filter the air coming inside the house. I do hope it will really lessen the dust and any other particles coming in, and that no other family member will get asthma in the long run.

Brain Wave, Family and Home living, Society at large

Color of 2022: Very Peri

December 20, 2021 No Comments

Image Credit

Our house sits on the side of the road. And, I mean, a big road where ten-wheeler trucks would pass by almost daily, especially at night. As a result, dust is always present in our house. We need to clean daily otherwise our house would be full of grime and dirt.

We implemented changes at home so we can minimize the dust that gets in the house. Plants which are best for clean air have been put strategically in our garage, doors, windows and places at home where we often hang out at. We put screens on windows and a filter screen on doors. Every little thing we can think of to ward off the dust emitted by vehicles zooming by.

And another thing we are implementing right now? Repainting our house for a cleaner and livelier look!

Our house is painted white and gray. You can just imagine what state of white it is now. It is now a dirty white shade. My siblings and I talked about it and we decided that a really nice new paint is needed. We waited for the announcement for the Pantone 2022 color of the year. We are so happy when it was announced that the new shade for 2022 is a ‘Happy’ Periwinkle Blue. Very Peri, for short. I read that the shade is the happiest and warmest shade of all the blue hues. I would love that for our home!

No, we will not repaint the whole house with the Very Peri shade. We will just put touches of it around the house. Maybe, pillars outside the house will be painted with that color? One wall in the living room? White will still be the dominant color inside the house, of course. I love a clean look and it really invites light to come in the house especially in the morning. Also, have you noticed just how calming the surroundings become when the place is all white?

We originally planned to help each other out, pitch in, and do the painting ourselves. But I don’t think we can do it. We are all busy with work, my sister-in-law is busy with her small business and with my nephews. Disruption of our work is a big no especially that it’s nearing year-end when reports of every kind become due. So, we agreed that a professional local painting contractor will be retained. I think they will do a better job than us girls who know nothing about painting.

The coming year 2022 is such a big expectation for every person I know. The year will be a year of bouncing back from almost every kind of setback that pandemic has brought each one of us. I am really praying that this year will bring us blessings in abundance, especially in our finances. So, yes, a repaint of the house will be the start. Here’s hoping the new paint will attract positive energy into our home. And will bring luck into our lives.

« Previous 1 … 8 9 10 11 12 … 94 Next »