Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have had their fair share of problems abroad – missing their family in the Philippines, feeling alone and enduring long days at work. However, two of arguably the most common problems faced by OFWs are money and love.
There must be a reason why the word ‘broke’ exists in the word ‘brokenhearted’, right?
What you don’t know is, your love life and your current financial situation have more similarities than you think.
Here are 6 “hugot” lines that you and your wallet can totally relate to!
1. Akala mo may huhugutin ka pa, pero wala na pala talaga
Picture yourself inside an appliance store. After months, and even years, of saving, you can finally buy that television set you have been dreaming of sending to your family in the Philippines. You tell the sales assistant to box it for you. While walking, you are imagining the reaction of your family after receiving your gift. You reach the counter and smile at the cashier. You are minutes away from purchasing your goal. You open your wallet and you remember –you spent all of your money to pay for your bills two days ago. Ouch.
2. Hanggang alaala na lang
How do we move forward if we still have memories of the good old days? You still have your wallet with you, minus the money that once went along with it. You look back on the days when you were still one rich employee, with a wad of cash ready to be spent. Now, you open your wallet and sigh at the grim sight: it’s completely empty except for a couple of receipts.
3. Sana pera na lang ako, para may papel naman ako sa buhay mo
Or “sana may pera na lang ako”, whichever you prefer. We honestly will not blame you if you choose the latter. We know it can get a bit tiring to feel that you are the first person your family leans on to in times of need.
4. Binigay ko na lahat, wala nang natira sa akin
As OFWs, our main goal is to provide the needs of our families in the Philippines. This is mainly why once we get our hands on a month’s worth of salary, we immediately go to money remittance outlets to send money back home.
Remind yourself that you also need to set aside some funds for yourself. We assure you your family will understand if you set aside some money for yourself!
5. Last na to, di na ako mabibigong muli
Petsa de peligro has arrived. You have to budget whatever little money you have inside your wallet for the seemingly endless number of days in a month. To set aside more money for savings, you are left to eat Pancit Canton or Ligo for the rest of the month. You tell yourself, this is the last time you’ll do this, but you see yourself playing out the same scenario days before the next sweldo arrives.
6. Makaka-move on ka din, mamshie at papshie!
Like all things in life, you will get over all these! Give it some time and you’re sure to learn from mistakes and in the end, emerge more wais with your hard-earned money.
When you are finally able to adjust to your new environment overseas, you can finally tell your wallet, “the dark days are over.”
For #WaisTips on savings and investment, come and visit the PPIE 2018 on May 4 – 5 at JW Marriott Dubai, Deira in Dubai.
See you there!
