Four years ago, Doj invited me to their showroom in Makati. I was curious and really wanted to see the project. After viewing the video and walking through the model units, I was writing a cheque for the reservation fee of the unit. I never thought I would purchase a condo, ever. I always wanted a house and lot because of the value of having that space, freedom of design and really owning the entire property. I also didn't want having to take out loans or debt, I wanted to pay in cash or have that money on hand in case I had to pay for something right away. Moreso, I've been freelance ever since and didn't have that security of having a monthly paycheck to pay for something in installment. But after looking through my savings, credit and debit of my bank accounts, I convinced myself that I can do this! Money always comes, a project will materialize sooner or later. I was always playing it safe and didn't wanna invest or risk my money. So back to the condo…As I was making the cheque, I called Mark to tell him that WE have purchased a condo. He was surprised…then mad at me for going into it. He said he didn't wanna sacrifice our lifestyle since we were gonna pay for something like this every month for 4 years. I said I'd pay for it by myself if he didn't want any part of it but he changed his mind and we paid 50/50 for the monthly installment. Months passed, still some form of resentment from him. After a year, we computed how much we put into it and was so happy that we were able to save that much money without feeling it! :) We realized, if it weren't for that forced savings, we could've just thrown the money on nonsense things.
Two years later, I decided it was time to change my car. It was my first time to buy a brand new car on loan. Of course I was again hesitant to make this move. But now it was because of the interest that I'm paying the bank. I felt like it was a waste of money. What made me change my mind was something Mr. Gomez, a client of mine, said. It totally changed the way I look at loans, it made complete sense to me. Money depreciates and loses its value. So if I keep on saving money to buy a brand new car in, let's say, 2 years. By that time, car prices would've gone up and I wouldn't be able to afford it again. That 800k car might be 1M in 2 years! So, the interest in the loan makes up for that WHILE I enjoy my new car today! :)
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| Matthew Nuguid |
I already have this weird superstition that I have bad luck in lending money or something alike. Most of the time, I don't get paid. Maybe it's the way or lack of asking people to pay up or deliver, but sometimes it's just too much! First was the 250k I gave to Matthew Nuguid for a Kia Picanto back in 2007. He's the nephew in law of Noel Katipunan, old client turned friend, that sells 2nd hand cars. I met Kuya Noel back in 2000, worked for him, and almost all his siblings, that I've met his entire clan. They felt like family, so I trusted Matt to deliver this car even a month after I've paid him in full. Months passed, unanswered calls, no car. He issued me some cheques that bounced or closed account after the first cheque cleared. So bottom-line, up to this day, he still owes me 220k. I just got tired of running after him for the rest of the payment. I've given him enough time and patience but I think he misunderstood the payment as a gift! Now he roams freely, spending that money on travel, his family, and hopefully not scamming other people with their hard earned money!
Next is the pension plan I got from Prudentialife in 2002. It was set to mature at just about the time Xavi reaches college. So I thought, at least I won't have to worry about that time anymore. But no, Prudentialife closed down. I put in a total of 250k that would've matured to at least 500k. I only got back 90k last year. I often think of these instances and contemplate on things I've done to get such bad karma…yes, I've done a few, realize it's ok, and accept it. Karma doesn't just apply to me, it affects everybody. So whoever done me wrong will get whats coming to them too. Whatever I lost, I gained in experience, friendship, health, and love. So what is money to me?...Well, money can buy happiness…and take it. So I try not to obsess on keeping a fat bank account but invest it on matters that do count.
Last year I was planning to buy another car by January 2014. January came and I needed to go through 6 cycles of chemo which basically used up the car budget. I was aiming for Paris this year. That didn't happen either. My projected income didn't materialize because I stopped working so I can have a stress free environment. I was disappointed that none of my plans pushed through. Inspite of Mark reminding me the wonder of my healing, I was stubborn and still dwelt on those things until one day I was talking to mama about a certain loved one. It's so infuriating to me that this millionaire would rather not get medical attention than pay for the hospital bills!!! Even when she's sick and in pain! I am no millionaire but chose good health over a car or Paris or the thought of having so much money in the bank. That's when I came up with this to say to myself whenever I think of the money I didn't spend on leisure or worldly things: "Aanhin mo ang pera kung patay ka na?"
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