As they say, “there is no ‘I’ in team”. When it comes to saving, all family members must chip in and help one another.
This is especially true for families of OFWs, who must always do their part in making sure that their OFW relative’s efforts in working abroad will not go to waste. In order to be completely financially stable, an OFW’s remittances should be properly budgeted according to a family’s necessities.
Here are 5 bad spending habits that families should avoid in order to make the most out of the hard-earned money that OFWs send them.
Splurging
Needs over wants – it may seem cliché but when families receive remittances, their go-to places are shopping mall, department stores or restaurants. Pay your monthly bills first, get some groceries, and buy other necessities you would need.
Gambling
Families must never be tempted to burn the hard-earned money of their loved ones overseas. Blood, sweat, and tears were shed to earn every cent of what they sent to you. If your reason to gamble is to earn quick cash and to help your OFW relative, you’re not doing them a favor.
Lending other people a little too much money
If you have neighbors and friends who often ask you if they can borrow money, take some time to think about it. It would be best to budget your money first before doing so. Instead of being obliged by your soft heart, it would be better to ask your family member abroad first before lending money.
Assuming that OFWs are filthy rich
Dollars, dirhams, pounds, and other foreign currencies make most people think that working abroad makes a person rich. While it is true that OFWs in Dubai, for instance, earn dirhams and make extra money, they also have to bear the high cost of living. Some of them may have higher income than others, but you also have to factor in the high cost of living in these countries.
Some OFWs have to work more than one job just to earn enough money for themselves and for their families. Most of them also work on holidays like Christmas and New Year. Just because they live in countries where it snows during the winter and food servings are bigger doesn’t mean they have an easy life.
Constantly asking for pasalubongs
Many people think that OFWs buy gift and pasalubongs after a one-time trip to the shopping center. Wrong! The items inside a balikbayan box take months or even years of saving.
Sometimes, OFWs get the impression that people are more excited for their pasalubong than their homecoming. They repatriate to reunite with their families and take a break from their works, not to give out chocolates and Nike shoes.
