Look Up

Someone noticed that my entries for the past couple of months focused on finances. It’s probably due to the fact that last year, I discovered the whole new world of personal finance blogs. Also referred to as PF blogs, these websites are written by real people about their financial experiences. Most of the things I now know about how to manage my finances come from their sites.  There are a lot of them out there, so I promise to devote another entry to my top 10 favorite PF blogs.

On topic. Most of these PF bloggers have posted their financial performance for 2007 and their goals for 2008. I actually have shared the latter, as part of my new year’s resolutions, but I’ll go into specifics here too. Looking back, my 2007 money matters can be summed up in 4 words: sourcing, spending, saving, and sharing.

Sourcing

This year marked my first ever sustainable job salary. When I say sustainable, I mean that it is enough not just for my needs, but also for my whims. In the first half of the year, I also had a freelance tutorial job and a couple of seasonal gigs that helped pad my income. This Christmas, I also received some cash gifts from relatives.

Sourcing Goal for 2008: Look into alternative income streams. Find at least 2 of these (business, part time work, etc.) that will work for my needs and my schedule.

Spending

In May, I learned how to track all my expenses, down to the last centavo. I ditched the tiny notebook I used before and let an Excel spreadsheet do the arithmetic for me. To no one’s surprise, I spent a terrifying amount of money on food and eating out. I also have a lot of irregular/seasonal expenses that I did not put into my budget for 2007. These included school expenses, gimiks, clothes, books, camps, gadgets, etc.

Based on the tracking, I created a budget. I used percentages instead of exact amounts since my income fluctuated every month. Unfortunately, the budget become more of a suggestion than a rule; due to unexpected expenses, it changed every month.

I also have to practice frugality, or getting the most out of my money. I still have this notion that quantity is better than quality. Must reverse this. For example, I hate buying expensive shoes but those are the only ones that last more than a quarter. I also avoid bookstores and second hand shops. And when I’m hungry, my budget dies a sudden death. The worst culprit for my crazy budget is impulse buying. I confess that I have splurged on a Jansport backpack and that irresistible Starbucks planner last week… I am heartily sorry for doing so.

Spending Goal for 2008: Follow the 30-day rule. I’ll list down things that I want to purchase instead of buying them outright. Then I wait for 30 days, and save money for it too. If I still want it after a month has elapsed, then it’s meant to be.
More to come… next Monday.