Retire Rich: Opinion

Showing posts with label Opinion. Show all posts

Sunday, July 5

Back to Writing Blogs, ang Hirap mag Vlog---Sobrang magastos din!

In the 80s, if you are a business owner and you wanted to advertise your business or brand, all you need is a prime time TV ads. It's expensive though. In the 90s all you need is a website. Every business has a website. Businesses need its presence on the new creation---the internet. But it's difficult to set-up and maintain a website that only big companies can afford.

In year 2000 as the website creation becomes easier and affordable, all you need is to blog. Many personal blogs gain popularity at the time and became a full blown website that have diverse functionality. In 2010, all you need is a YouTube channel.

I'm hooked from blogging since 2011 and then experimented making vlogs in 2020 to cope up with boredom during those lockdowns brought upon by the pandemic. Creating videos and posting it on YouTube was doing great during the pandemic.

Daming views, ang bilis ko na monetize. But it's not easy to make videos. Apart from writing, research, you have to talk also and film yourself in front of the camera. At kapag hindi ka comfortable sa harap ng camera napa ka awkward talaga nitong gawin.

Especially, if the topic is more about opinion. I'm not used to voicing so much of my opinion. That's why, for me, I like to make video tutorials sa YouTube. I noticed that most views came from my video tutorials about stocks trading.

Then everything becomes more complicated when I learned more about video editing. Damn! It came to the point that I became sick. I've got a type of syndrome that's very expensive. It ruins my discipline to save and invest. They called it GAS. Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

Ang dami kong biniling gamit sa pag gawa ng YouTube videos, na akala mo gagawa ako ng pelikula. I burned a lot of money buying gears, subscribing and buying editing software.

My GAS started when make videos for YouTube in 2022. I have a DSLR camera that I got back then in 2010 when digital photography was the trend. Although my Canon 1100D has video mode but it is intended talaga to take photos. This camera don't have a auto-focus when taking videos.

So, I bought a camera having a flip screen (for vlogging) and auto focus. Umpisa ng gastos! Then here comes the need to buy the lightings, the tripods, the SLR microphone, the IKEA table, the Mac computer for video editing, the audio interfaces, the switcher, the list can goes on and on and I earn few dollars only. What a pity. Ngayon nakatiwang-wang na lang.

KAYA FOCUS NA LANG AKO SA BLOGGING BAHALA NA KAYO MAG-BASA HAHAHA!

Navigating the Unknown: My Path to Retirement as an OFW

Rey Tecson Opinion , Retirement

As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) back home we are called modern-day heroes, bravely venturing into foreign lands to provide for our families. Our sacrifices, often overlooked, shape not only our own destinies but also the futures of our loved ones. However, amidst the toil and triumphs, there comes a pivotal moment when every OFW contemplates retirement – a time to return home and reap the rewards of our hard work. Today, we delve into the journey of an OFW planning to retire, exploring the challenges, strategies, and emotions that accompany this significant transition.

Reflecting on the Journey

As we approach the twilight of our career abroad, reflection becomes a cornerstone of our retirement planning. We reminisce about the countless days spent away from home, the challenges overcome, and the milestones achieved. Yet, amidst the nostalgia, questions linger: Have we saved enough? What does retirement look like for us? And, perhaps most importantly, what awaits us upon our return?

Financial Fortitude

Financial preparedness stands as the bedrock of any retirement plan. As an OFW the journey towards financial independence begins long before the countdown to retirement commences. With few years left, we need to assess our savings, investments, and pension plans, seeking to optimize our resources for the years ahead. Some of us might consult with financial advisors. We should develop a budget, and explore opportunities for passive income streams, ensuring a comfortable retirement back home.

Building Bridges

Returning home after years abroad entails more than just a change in geography – it necessitates reconnecting with loved ones, communities, and a nation transformed by time. We need to build bridges, nurture relationships from afar and lay the groundwork for a seamless transition. Invest time in strengthening familial bonds, participating in community initiatives, and reacquainting ourselves with the cultural and societal shifts awaiting our return.

Embracing Change

Transitioning from the hustle and bustle of overseas life to the tranquility of retirement presents its own sets of challenges. We will grapple with the prospect of a slower pace, redefining our identity beyond the confines of our profession. Yet, we approach this period of change with resilience and optimism, embracing newfound hobbies, passions, and opportunities for personal growth. Whether it's pursuing entrepreneurship, engaging in volunteer work, or simply relishing the joys of family life, they find fulfillment in the richness of each moment.

As retirement beckons, we contemplate our legacy – not merely in terms of financial bequests but in the impact we've had on the lives of others. We reflect on the values instilled in our children, the lessons learned by our peers, and the contributions made to our communities, both abroad and at home. Our journey transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those we've touched along the way.

The road to retirement for an OFW is paved with challenges, choices, and moments of profound reflection. As we prepare to bid farewell to the life we've known abroad, embark on a new chapter filled with promise, purpose, and the enduring legacy of our journey. Though the path may be uncertain, our resolve remains unwavering – for in the heart of every OFW lies the courage to navigate change and the resilience to embrace the future with open arms.

Why keep on learning something new?

Rey Tecson Opinion ,

I started this blog in 2012. My purpose was to document my journey as an OFW in this country and to improve my writing skills. Well, the irony is, I seldom write about my stuff as an OFW. Maybe because I value my privacy so much (masyado lang talaga akong mahiyain). Instead, I posted topics about announcements that would interest OFWs in Kuwait. At least, I still did not alter my second purpose--to improve my writing skills.

Why improve my writing skills?

I completed a bachelor's degree in Marine Transportation. I was not able to get a job as a seaman. I ended up working in a supermarket--a job that gave me the opportunity to work in Kuwait (The Sultan Center). I worked there for three years. It was a tough job (ambigat ng mga dinidisplay ko noon gaya ng bottles of drinking water). Although I'm supposed to be a seaman (my first dream), which I gave up, it was my second dream to work in an office. I never give up on that dream. While working as a stockman at the Sultan Center, I studied a 2-month secretarial course at ICSA.

In 2010 an opportunity knocked for an office job. I've got it because I'm ready. Finally, I achieve my dream of having my own office table, a chair, a land phone, and a computer provided by the company. Well, while it is tough carrying heavy items to store in the warehouse as a stockman, it is also very tough for me to compose a short email to my boss and colleagues. It took me hours to compose a simple email. Through this blog, I was able to hone my skills and confidence in writing.

Improving my writing leads to learning more skills and opportunities to earn.

In my pursuit to improve my writing skills, I stumbled upon WordPress and then Blogger. These are free platforms to create websites or personal blogs like this. From just writing, I also learn how to set up websites. It includes website designing (HTML and PHP coding), domain registration, hosting management, etc.

In order to enhance my blog posts, I need to upload photos. Well, improving my writing took me to photography. In 2011, I bought my first DSLR (Canon 1100D) which led me also to learn photo editing, and graphics design in Adobe Photoshop and later on Canva.

With the skills I learned, I was able to monetize them through AdSense and affiliate marketing.

The lesson that I learned.

Never give up your dream. While dreaming, prepare yourself. A dream without action is just a dream. So that, when opportunity knocks you are ready to grab it.
Never stop learning. Learning is not only confined inside the four corners of a classroom. You learn so much in silence. Listen more, you will learn something.
Learning something new will lead to other learning opportunities.
Skills you've learned can be monetized.

Important things you must know about planning for retirement

Rey Tecson Opinion ,

Note: Below is the script is used to make the above video.

Ano nga ba ang mga dapat mong malaman pag dating sa pag plano about retirement?

In this video, hindi muna stocks trading ang pag uusapan natin. Ang topic ko ngayon ay ang dahilan kung bakit ako nag invest sa stock market at bakit ako nag aral mag stocks trading. Bakit nga ba?

Well, this is part of planning for my retirement. So ano-ano nga ba ang dapat mong malaman pagdating sa retirement planning? Coming up!

Maraming factors ang dapat e-consider pag dating sa retirement planning. Kasi iba-iba ang katayuan natin sa buhay. Yong iba, may mga anak na, yong iba naman wala. Merong mahilig mag travel, yong iba naman wala lang gusto lang tumambay. At syempre ang mga dreams mo sa buhay will affect how you plan and prepare for the future. Yon ay kung may plano ka para doon sa future.

Yong iba kasi lalo na pag medyo bata pa, syempre hindi pa iniisip nila yong pag plano sa future. At guilty po ako diyan. Dahil after college at nag karoon na ako ng trabaho, hindi ko talaga naisip ang mag plano about sa future. Lalong lalo na about retirement. Syempre ang bata bata ko pa ano!

Bakit ko pag iisipan ang retirement kakaumpisa pa nga lang magtrabaho eh. Pero hindi pala dapat ganoon. Planning for the future lalong lalo na sa retirement applies to everyone.

Mali yong sabihin na bata ka pa kaya hindi kailangang pagtuunan ng pansin ang pag plano sa pag retire. Maling Mali yon.

Ganito pala dapat, maski bata ka pa dapat umpisahan mo na. Yon malaking pag kakamali ko eh. Pero hindi ko naman masisisi ang sarili ko dahil wala naman kasing nag tuturo sa akin. Dapat talaga itinuturo ito ng mga magulang. Pero hindi ko rin masisisi ang aking mga magulang dahil hindi rin sila tinutruan ng Lolo at Lola ko. At hindi ko rin masisisi ang Lolo at Lola ko kasi hindi rin naturuan. Hehehehe. Walang katapusan to. Okey so pasalamat na lang ako at na realize ko na mag plano for retirement noong 40 years old na ako hahahaha. Hindi pa naman siguro huli ang lahat.

So kailan ba talaga dapat mag plano at mag invest for retirement? Kung hindi ka pa nag umpisa mag plano para sa iyong retirement kahit nasa anong edad at estado ka ng buhay ngayon. Ang sagot ay ngayon na! Ora mismo! AT THIS POINT IN TIME.

The younger the better.

So ikaw kung bata ka pa at napanood mo ang video na ito dahil napa subscribe ka sa channel na to dahil sa stocks trading abay, makinig ka. Dahil baka mamaya ay nag stocks trading ka lang or nag invest sa stocks market dahil narining mo lang sa kapit bahay mo. At pang starbucks lang pag nag ka gain sa merkado.

So dapat ito ay part ng iyong retirement planning.

Pero ang pinakamalaking tanong dito is magkano nga ba dapat ang dapat ma save or ma-ipon para sa retirement? Mahirap na tanong to. Pero sa tingin ko there's no such thing as enough dahil ang level of satisfaction natin ay hindi bumababa kundi laging pataas yan eh.

Kumbaga sa pag-inom ng alak eh tumataas dosage habang tumatagal sa pag inom ng alak.

So, dapat we need to define kung ano ang gagawin pag retire. Ako Bilang isang OFW, sa isang taon meron akong isang buwan na bakasyon. Sa bakasyon na yon kung ano daw ginagawa ko ito, daw yong somehow, gagawin ko for the rest of my retirement days. I love to read books, most of the time pag nasa bahay, I read books at nag trading ako. So kung ito gagawin ko pag retire, I think hindi masyado magastos retirement ko ano? Wag lang lagi talo sa trading hehehe.

Pero yong iba na mahilig mag travel.. abay dapat medyo malaki laki ihanda para sa retirement dahil magastos yon heheheh. So depende sa lifestyle. So ako maintain ko lang lifestyle ko na pabasa basa lng ng libro at jogging. So libro lang bilhin ko at running gears.

So ang financial advisers ay nag sasabi na ang dapat daw gawin to maintain your current lifestyle sa pag retire ay 75% ng iyong yearly income sa ngayon. So kung ang income mo ay 1 million ang isang taon, so dapat meron kang 750,000 per year para sa iyong retirement. So, 62,500 per month.

So, dapat meron kang investment na should generate 62,500 per month. Pero dapat adjusted din ito ng inflation kasi nababawasan purchasing power ng pera mo eh. So, kahit 3% inflation rate lang dagdag per year.

So for example is nasa prefered shares ang investment mo gaya ng San Miguel SMC2C series na may 1.5 pesos per share every three months. So you need to have 125,000 shares ng SMC2C para meron kang 187,500 pesos every 3 months galing sa dividendo na 1.5 per share. So yong 187,500 divide mo sa 3 months merong kang 62,500 pesos per month pang gastos to maintain your current lifestyle.

Now ang SMC2C ngayon ay nasa 79 pesos per share, so you need to have 9,875,000 para makabili ka ng 125,000 shares ng SMC2C.

Yan ay idea lamang syempre for sure hindi dapat ganun ka concentrated sa isang investment lang ang meron ka. Dapat diversified yan to avoid risk. At syempere hindi ganun kalaki ang investment mo dahil it should be accumulated overtime.

So ganun paman, malaki talaga ang kailanganin natin para ma maintain natin ating lifestyle sa ating pag retire. Kaya kailangan itong pag planohan habang malayo pa. Dahil kung hindi, paano yan? Baka aasa naman na tayo sa ating mga anak. Meron nga daw tinatawag na sandwich generation eh. Ito yong generation na need to support ageing parents and supporting childrens also. Tapos wala ng naitabi pag tanda or pag retire. So ganun na naman, aasa sa anak ang yong anak meron na din anak. So dapat maputol na ang cycle na ito.

Dapat we need to invest for our retirement para maputol na ito.

So guys there you go! Sana may nakuha kayo sa mga dinadaldal ko dito. At kung meron man at bago ka lang sa channel na ito, please consider subscribing naman diyan. Baka nemen. At kung ikaw naman ay nagbabalik sa channel maraming salamat sa iyo.

Mga ka retire Rich, laging tandaan hind lang OFWs deserve to Retire Rich kondi lahat tayong mga Filipino, let's plan for the future, lets plan for our retirement as early as now!

I will see you sa susunod na video.

An ordinary OFW with extraordinary heart to share

Rey Tecson Opinion ,

Edubas (right) poses with Philippine Embassy in Kuwait Consul General Atty. Raul Dado

Celestino Edubas is just an ordinary Overseas Filipino Worker. He wakes up every morning, prepares his lunch box and reports at work six times a week 26 days a month. He earns a salary enough to live a decent life for his family. But despite meager earnings, Edubas has a big heart to help children in his native country Philippines.

“Even before I became an OFW, I know someday, I will support children's education. Or even support a single family for their children’s education”, Edubas said, while sitting on his bed inside a 2 X 8 meters modified room he rented in Kuwait.

Edubas understood the growing number of out of school children in his country. And the major reason why these numbers are growing -- it's because of poverty.

The growing numbers of out-of-school children in the Philippines

According to Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) one in every ten or about 4 million Filipino children and youth was out-of-school in 2013. Out-of-school children are defined in the FLEMMS as persons aged 6 to 14 years who are not attending school.

Insufficient family income to send a child to school is the primary reason for not attending school (this refers to all educational expenses other than tuition fee) for 19.2 percent of these 4 million out-of-school children.

Early life without parents

“My mother died when I was two years old. And my father died when I was in second-year high school. Back then, it was tough even to buy a pencil and paper”, Edubas said as his eyes turned red. He became emotional reminiscing those hard days of his life.

During third year high school, Edubas admitted that he was lost. His life went to the wrong direction as a result of his parent’s untimely death. He resorted into drugs.

“From having excellent grades during my second year in high school. I failed the following year. I didn't pass my junior high school. From that point I realized. What will happen to me? What will be my future without proper education?" the 37, year old Edubas said.
"I need to stand up from where I succumbed”, said Edubas. He worked as a payroll officer at an Oil & Gas construction company in Kuwait.

Edubas picked himself up and repeated junior high school with a renewed mindset. He sought help from an OFW relative as a working student.

“Without my relatives’ help and trust, I would not be able to finish high school and college. That’s why when I finished college, also with my Aunts’ help; I vowed that someday I will give something back!”

After he finished college, Edubas worked in a local bank earning $130 per month. Even with a limited amount of money to share. He did not stop helping nieces and nephews with their education. Edubas said that he values education more than anything. He doesn’t want to see children face difficulty in acquiring basic education.

Collaborating with fellow OFW's

Even working abroad as an OFW, he knows that he can’t do it alone considering his earnings. So he sought help from friends and relatives that also worked abroad. He wanted to realize a dream of helping children for their education.

Edubas donated school supplies to Datag Elementary School to Grade 1 pupils in June 2015. The dream was realized with the help from OFW friends and relatives from Hong Kong and Canada.

Finding ways and means to help

Edubas did not stop from there. He still continued finding ways and means to help more people in his community, in his own simple way. He also founded a microfinance aim to help the poorest among the poor in his community. He funded this from his own pocket.

"Although there were creditors who are not able to pay dues on time, but I didn’t give them problems. My aim is to help” said Edubas.

But how he sustained funding his microfinance if few creditors are not able to return some amount in time? Edubas said, “it is pure honesty, trust and their willingness to help their fellow men”.

He told those who avail the services of his microfinance to keep in their minds that the more they will able to pay the more people in dire need he can help.

Edubas proved that the ability to help others is not just for the wealthy philanthropist. But the desire to help others should come from within your heart, and God will provide all the resources you need to bless others.

What a lovely, kind and generous man!

With the new Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait

Rey Tecson Opinion ,

Photo: Don Juan of Tabang Pinoy

I've got the chance to see the new Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait up close. This was during the launching of Gracia Amor's book, Global Filipino bloggers . He's the one who handed to me over the certificate from Amor's book launch and signing.

Ambassador Renato Villa is also an OFW earlier in his career.

Before he became a diplomat, our new Ambassador had worked as an OFW in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He worked as a technical writer at Saudi Petrochemicals.

As a diplomat, Ambassador Villa were assigned in countries like UAE and Jordan.

He was also assigned in Malaysia -- the most populous Muslim country in the world. A country of more than 255 million and home of around half a million Filipinos.

I like the open-door policy of our Ambassador. "I would like to adopt an open door policy to every Filipino in Kuwait and if there are concerns on their welfare, I want to welcome them in my office," the Ambassador said in an interview with Ben Garcia posted in Kuwait Times.

What men should know in their 40's?

Rey Tecson Opinion ,

"Life begins at 40"

This is an idiom that I always heard from my father and uncles when I was a teenager. I don't have any idea what exactly it means.

As I grow older, I slowly understand what it means, especially now that I'm now in my late 30's. I realize that when you reach 40 -- it is when you can enjoy your life and explore new things that you never imagine you can still do. Do you think life begins at 40?

Below is an interesting info-graphic from Rappler.com. Raffy de Guzman designed the graphic and Mica Romulo produced the copy.

How to resign your job in good way

Rey Tecson Opinion ,

One of the uncomfortable feelings, I felt being an employee, is when I resign from my first job in Kuwait. When I resign from that job, wherein I worked for 3 years -- the longest I've ever work in my entire working career -- there were doubts stopping me from resigning.

Well, my number one doubt during the time I resigned, was how to tell my boss. I felt nervous to tell him that I'm resigning. Fortunately, when I worked in HR, I learned that there should be nothing to worry about. Actually, there's a basic formula, how to resign your job in a good way and gracefully. I would like to share this to you.

Make sure that resigning is really the right decision. Don't resign if, you just want to get an increment, or you just want to let your boss feel and realize how important you are. This will tarnish your reputation.

Make sure that the company you are transferring to, can wait for three months. If you are resigning because you found another job, you should ask your new employer if they are willing to wait for three months, because this is the required notice period as per the Kuwait Labor Law.

Tell your boss in person. Especially if you are close to your boss, shooting an email to his inbox is not a good idea. Request for a meeting and tell him face-to-face.

Have your answer ready when your boss asks why. It is always good to tell the honest answer whatever the main reason there is why you're resigning. But it will depend on your boss management style. If your boss accepts criticism you can tell him if your reason, for example you resign because you are feed up of the working very long hours, which is the company's culture. But if your boss doesn't like to hear that kind of reason, it will be good to tell him about "better opportunity" or the new job is "near to your place" is acceptable.

Cooperate and offer for a smooth transition. Train and provide assistance to your replacement. Provide password to your computer, keys to you drawer, and handover pending work. Try to leave a contact number before you leave, this will generate goodwill.

Filipinos in Malaysia need to complete immigration documentation

Rey Tecson Opinion ,

Are you a Filipino based on Malaysia? If yes, then you should read a report posted on ABS-CBNnews.com. The report says that:

"Filipinos based in Malaysia are urged to complete their immigration documentation and always carry proper identification, such as passports, following the Malaysia government's announcement of a crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals beginning January 21."

Devina Sharma aka Devina DeDiva I hope you are reading this:

Rey Tecson Opinion ,

Devina DeDiva and screenshots from her FB racist comments: Scoopboy

We are now living in a world of equal opportunities. It is up to you, how you will make it happen to your life. Slavery, discrimination and racism has long been forgotten since the downfall of Roman Empire down to the last black slave. A racist, discriminating comment is considered idiotic. Only uneducated person can dare crack a racist comment to anyone.

This is the case of Devina Sharma or Devina DeDiva. Sharma posts racist and derogatory comment on her Facebook directed to Megan Young, a Filipino who recently won the "Miss World" title, saying that:

“Miss Philippines is Miss World? What a joke! I did not know those maids have anything else in them Ha Ha Ha.”

What the fuck? What joke is she talking about?

Every woman has equal opportunity to get the title. Whether she is a Filipino, American, Singaporean or Indian, that is why the pageant is called "Miss World".

As long as you live in this world, even you--"Devina Sharma"-- you can participate. But in my opinion, based on your arrogant comment, you don't belong to this world. You are an alien, therefore, you can not participate.

Sorry for that statement.

Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. And I believed Ms. Sharma is invoking her right to freedom of speech. Sharma answered to her Facebook friends that did not agree to her comments by saying,

Those of you who wrote negatively to my comment, I got one question — who are you to stop my words when the world is democratic in freedom of speech?

Ms. Sharma, let me remind you that every freedom you enjoy is affiliated with responsibility. Freedom should not be abused.

This is the time for Megan Young (who happens to be a Filipino) to shine. Let her shine. And before you throw those racist comments, you should have studied yourself. I think you forget who you are. Well, let me remind you.

Ms. Sharma, you are an Indian by blood and was lucky enough to be born in Singapore to become a Singaporean citizen. Filipino and Indian maids work hand-in-hand in cleaning toilets to a Kuwaiti employer here in Kuwait.

Read your own comment here:

They r poor, smelly from cleaning toilets & uneducated... They r less priveleged everywhere! M surprised one can win. What a joke those people cleaning toilets won miss world

Shame on you Ms. Sharma. You are not just bringing shame to your Indian roots but also to your host country Singapore.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Devina DeDiva identity was identified and screenshots from her actual Facebook posts can be viewed here.

(Full disclosure: Retech Son is a Filipino writer and an OFW who used to clean toilets too.)

Beauty, Race, and Politics on the Pageant Circuit (thediplomat.com)

The 1st Filipina crown as Miss World 2013 (cuterizjoy.wordpress.com)

DEVINA DEVIVA,PUBLIC APOLOGY? - Miss World 2013 Racis (mariarevilla.wordpress.com)

Oh the irony; Social Media could get you fired from your job. (ourmediacizedworld.wordpress.com)

Two Miss Worlds in Hong Kong (normannorman.com)

Retire Rich

CALMA STRATEGY COMPLETE GUIDE

Sunday, July 5

Back to Writing Blogs, ang Hirap mag Vlog---Sobrang magastos din!

Friday, April 12

Navigating the Unknown: My Path to Retirement as an OFW

Saturday, May 20