Filipinos have a habit of putting their family before themselves. That’s why most of us don’t have any savings yet, whether we are abroad or in the Philippines. But in the end, before it’s too late, we also realise that we need to save some of our salary for ourselves because we are not always strong and young enough to work. And besides, we cannot force or oblige our children to help us all the time. All we have to do is that while we are helping our family, it is better for us to also save some amount of our salary for ourselves so that when the day comes that we are no longer able to work, we will have something to look forward to in order to survive.
— Jocelyn R. Banco
A few years ago, when my seven children were still studying, almost all of my salary were sent to them with nothing left for me. Sometimes I just borrowed from my friends for my allowance. If I did not have money I did not go out. I just went to church because it is just a walking distance from the house of my employer. That’s how I used to manage my finances. After my daughter graduated from university and got a job, I was able to gradually pay off my debts to my friends and save a little because my daughter helps me with the family expenses. By then they had all finished their studies and found jobs. Now I don’t have to send them money. I save my salary and I have the opportunity to do charity work. This is my way of thanking God for everything he has done for my family.
— Loida Celebrar
We should save as much as possible for ourselves. However, from my own experience, I can only send almost all my salary to my family, especially when there are emergencies. Even to the extent of giving everything, including my personal allowance. My priority is to help my family in the Philippines, so I don’t mind if there is nothing left for me here.
— Irish Escober
We all came to a foreign country to earn money for our family’s needs. However, we should also think about our future. I know that God’s Word says that we should not worry about the future or what we are going to eat, because each day will take its course. Instead, we should be conscious of building our castle in heaven. But as human beings, we still have to survive while we are on earth. We must be wise enough to save some of our hard — earned wages. For my part, I make sure that I save at least 30 per cent of my salary. 70 per cent of it is divided to pay bills, insurance and daily needs. We have to teach our family to spend money wisely, not to live in extravagance. We do not know how long we can work away from home. It is wise to be prepared at all times, so we have to save for the rainy days.
— Loida T. Gomez
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
In my case, in my first contract, I sent almost all my salary to my family and left little for myself for my allowance. Later I realised that I should not send everything because I have some dreams I want to fulfil. I want to have our own house, for my children to finish their education and for a better future. So on my 2nd contract I started to save some of my money and I am quite sure that this is the start of achieving my dreams. First and foremost, my work abroad is for the future of my family. At the moment I just send enough money to cover my monthly expenses.
— Marylois Malazzab
As a single mother of four sons, how can I save even a small part of my salary?
I don’t have a choice but to send all my salary to my family because they are the reason why I am here to work hard. In my situation, I’m really grateful to God for all his blessings and love.
— Racquel Salagunting
As an overseas worker, our job is hard and we should be wise and careful with our hard—earned money. I am a single mother, so I need to save for myself and my child for emergencies and the future. I send home 40 per cent of my salary and save the rest.
— Lea Salvador
