Keeping It Alive

Imagine having to work abroad and leave your family 20 years ago, now that's more unimaginable than today. Modern times have allowed people to communicate through many, many means. Recently, long-distance call rates just dropped to a very affordable low--a good news to all OFWs who call their family every now and then. But even though long distance rates have dropped, you still need to be a little practical.

Long-distance calls
Keep it happy and simple. As much as possible, try not to argue on the phone as this may lead to a waste of more minutes. Ask how the family is doing and how their day went. For serious matters, reserve the call for a later time wherein rates are even lower. Keep the call discreet between you and your spouse or the children's guardian.

Internet
If you have a teenager waiting for you at home, you can get him or her to go online. It's definitely cheaper than long-distance calls and you can chat for hours if you want. All you need to do is get connected. If you don't have computers, you can always find an Internet shop nearby. Furthermore, some Internet shops even have webcams wherein you can see each other while online.

Cellphone/
The magic of 3G technology is a blessing for all those who are far away from home. Moreover, 3G is now available at 2G rates. Among the many features of 3G is video conferencing, MMS, email, chat, and many more.

Visits and Packages
Not everyone can afford going on occasional home visits, but it's always worth it if you get the chance to go home and spend some time with your family. Also, you can send them gifts and packages through snail mail so they would know that you're thinking about them. For men who are away from their wives, girlfriends, and mothers, you can now go online and look for local flower shops who accept Internet orders and even have excellent delivery services.



Source: The Philippine Star, 10/29/06

Discount Shopping Tips

Jacqui Stafford, Style Director for Shape Magazine, shares insider info to keep in mind while shopping at your favorite warehouse store.

1. Make a List: avoid impulse purchases and save money by sticking to your list.
2. Timing is Key: beat the lines and the parking rush by arriving early in the day. Other benefits of arriving early include no competition when looking at clothes, items are still organized and shopping is less chaotic.
3. Food Stations: don’t forget the food stations! Food stations are a great way to sample food before you purchase.
4. Buddy-up and Leave the Kids at Home: split the cost of bulk items when you go with a friend and you’ll have more focus when bargain shopping if you don’t have to worry about the kids.
5. Coupons Count: Costco perks include a biannual “Costco Wallet” advertising hundreds of dollars in savings.

A few more bonus tips on ways to save money through the year:

1. Cut the Manicurist: you’ll save $50 a month for a total of $600 a year. If you can’t live without getting your nails done, just do it yourself at home.
2. Coffee at Home: skip the lattes. By doing this you save $840 a year.
3. ATM Fees: the average ATM fee is $2 and by avoiding this you could save $1544 a year. Over a period of 10 years at 6% interest, this equals an astounding $20,351.15!!

Final Tip: Next time you need a phone number, don’t dial 411! Instead, pick up the phone and call 1.800.FREE.411. Get any number in the nation for free by calling this directory.

Five Places Not to Hide Your Valuables

Most people keep their jewelry and other valuables in the master bedroom. Reformed cat burglar Walter Shaw says you're just making it easier for robbers to find all of your valuables in one place. Learn where not to stash the good stuff.


FIVE FORBIDDEN PLACES

1. The master bathroom. Walter says that nine times out of ten, he hit the jackpot with a jewelry box on the vanity or in a drawer.

2. The closet. You're not fooling anyone by hiding your jewelry out of sight. An experienced robber will know just where to look.

3. Your dresser drawers. Drawers are another typical hiding place for cash or jewelry.

4. The underwear drawer. Someone looking for valuables won't be embarrassed about pawing through your delicates.

5. A nightstand. Even if they're on both sides of the bed, Walter says, a criminal will check them thoroughly.

Dual Citizenship 101

It's true that just because work and family are in this part of the world, being filipino need not be sacrificed. Applying for dual citizenship, for you or for your kids, may be a move to get the best of both worlds (literally speaking)!

Although a good lawyer must be in order, know how it is officially written and what it is in layman's terms. From there, you may choose to have it or don't.

Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

A Guide to U.S. Visas for Filipino Professionals

We don't often see publications that guide us with the work and immigration procedures in the US. Unless you browse the internet for visa news, a newly published must-read, A Guide to U.S. Visas for Filipino Professionals, comes in handy if you want to know more about visas and job opportunities.

This is authored by Mandy M. Dornagon, Esq.




Copies of the book are available at Conanan Bookstore in C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila.