We often tell ourselves that we are here because of our loved ones. For me I always think that here I have food to eat but how about my family back home. I will give priority to my loved ones rather than to myself. Yes many would say it is important to save also for yourself. But it is easier said than done. There are so many problems left and right that we rather send all our salaries back home. This kind of mentality I know can be wrong. In my case, I am single and have no children to worry about, but my burden is as heavy as the ones who have ten children to support. Honestly speaking, I have no savings. I think it is natural for us Filipinos to be caring and helpful specially when it comes to our family. My contract is about to end and up to this moment I do not have any personal savings. But at least with the money I remit home, my family was able to make a small investment.
— Janie Bitos
In my three years of work in Hong Kong I have not thought of saving for my own personal account. I only put money aside to build a house for my children. I do not want to be worrying all the time when a typhoon hits our place in Bicol because our house is not that strong. I also bought a rice field for my children to get their source of livelihood. In this way they do not need to always depend on me for their financial needs. I loaned capital from the bank and up to my second contract I am still paying the debt. My dream house for my kids has just been completed but still need furnitures. I thank God that very soon I will be able to complete paying my bank loans.
— Julie Cedron
If asked whether they save or not, I think most overseas workers will say “yes, not money but receipts.” Because of our obligations to remit money home, it is hard for us to save. The problem is some forget to think about their future. How can we survive if we can no longer work. That is why I changed my mindset. I think while I can still work, I need to save for my own future. Even in my younger years I already developed a habit of saving money. I know the difficulties when you have no money in your pocket. I try to save because the most painful reality is to grow old penniless after working most of our lifetime. I do not only remit to my family but I also allot a certain amount for my personal needs and my future.
— Merlyn Ferrer
Yes, I save. Every month I would deposit in my account a certain percentage from my salary because life as helper abroad is hard and unpredictable. It is sometimes inevitable that I have relatives who ask financial help from me too. I often explain to them that my salary is enough only for my family. I have my own child to support and even little by little it is still savings. We can use it for the future. With God’s mercy I am guided and I still continue to save by minimising my spending specially on things that are not really a necessity.
— Jessica Padeway
My purpose of leaving home and workimg abroad is for my family specially for my mother. I am willing to make sacrifices as long as I see them happy. They need me just as I need them. While I must send money home, I also save a portion for myself because it has always been my dream to buy a hut for my family to live in. I spend my money wisely. In the future, when I am sure that my family is already stabilised then I can think of returning home and settling down. But as of now family first.
— Maan Salvador
When I spend money, I always remind myself to spend on things I need instead of I want. But saving money is difficult for me because I am the only breadwinner of the family. When my three children were in college I needed to send back almost all my salary. I made some investment to help my family too. Fortunately I had good employers giving me steady income. I do not save much but I always think twice before spending any money.
— Elsie Villanueva
