A young family shows how to be peso-wise
By Heinz Bulos

Raising a growing family is a challenge for anyone, and many just let their finances get out of control. Not the Ramoses. Cynthia Ramos, 35, and her family are savvy consumers.

They buy non-food items in bulk to pay for today’s lower prices. And they avoid the frequent trips to the grocery, which means more gas, more merienda on the side, and more effort. They always make a list and refrain from buying things not on it. For fresh food, they buy from the wet market, where it’s often fresher and cheaper than supermarkets.

When malls hold sales at 50%-70% off on children’s clothes and shoes, Cynthia buys 3 to 5 items for each of their two children, including items a size bigger for future use. She waits for major price reductions for shoes, bags, clothes and make-up. For house decors, they frequent Tiendesitas and Kanlaon, where they hunt for bargains and at the same time support cottage industries.

They’re role models for the environment too, as they recycle whatever they can. She says, “Our helper collects bottles of suka, patis, toyo, and newspapers and magazines. The proceeds go to our helper. You help someone and you also help the environment.” They also teach their children to conserve water, even employing that Barney song to remind them (“Oh, I never let the water run”). They save on electricity, thanks to their air-conditioner with timer and free fan. They cook for more than one meal and store leftovers in the freezer, since re-heating entails less time and uses less LPG. Cynthia sometimes arranges carpools with her neighbor or sister.

They often bring the kids to the movies, but they carry their kids’ snacks and drinks instead of buying exorbitantly priced popcorn and sodas at the cinema. They also avoid Timezone when they’re with the kids as it’s practically a money trap. Rather, they create fun games at home using existing toys and computer games, even using their own point system and giving out prizes.

They also time their vacations when low-cost packages are offered. “Try the Palakbayan packages of PAL for domestic vacations. Or try the Cebu Pacific seat sales,” she points out. And when she needs a little pampering, she gets a massage at home for just P200 to P250, half or a quarter of what it would cost going to a day spa. “You can even sleep longer,” notes Cynthia. “But be sure to pick one with a good reputation.”

A young balikbayan indulges her love for travel with cheap fares
By Heinz Bulos

Mina Rivera, 26, has traveled all over the world. Now based in the country working for an international humanitarian organization, she satisfies her wanderlust by taking advantage of the fierce competition in the airline industry.

She signed up at Cebu Pacific’s website at cebupacificair.com for its Low Fare Alerts, where she gets notified of special fare promos via e-mail. Everyday fares to the Visayas region for instance are P568 each way, but when they go on sale, she can get them as low as P199. When Cebu Pacific introduces new routes, they can go at dirt cheap prices, such as P99 one-way from Manila to Laoag.

Now, before you say “Wow Philippines!,” please remember that these are base fares. Cebu Pacific will add fuel surcharges and other taxes to these prices. For fares that start at P199, your final price will be about P2,500. For fares that start at P99, your final price will be about P1,800. In the end, these are still quite cheap. Try booking a last-minute flight, and it can cost you as much as P8,000.

Mina says, “The key is to book early. Once you have received a Low Fare Alert, grab the calendar and find out when the next three-day weekend will be. Then, start booking your flight.”

She adds that it is also cheaper to book online. You can save at least P100 for booking your own flight instead of going to the ticket counter. She concludes, “Traveling has never been this fun because these days, it has gotten so cheap!”

A frequent flier enjoys some of the best things in life for free
By Heinz Bulos

Life has so much to offer, and it doesn’t cost a lot to enjoy it. Take for instance Jo-Ann Galimpin, 35, who works for an international development institution. Traveling the world is part of her work but when she takes trips for short vacations, she does what smart consumers do: do research and take low-cost carriers.

“There are plenty of budget fares from Clark and even Manila going to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and onwards to Cambodia, India, etc.,” Jo-Ann shares. “Do your research before traveling. A friend swears by Lonely Planet for tips on accommodation and tours.” When she flies to the United States, she makes use of Northwest Airlines’s cash + miles promo, which is available usually from September to December.

She really gets practical when it comes to food and entertainment. She avoids eating out by bringing lunch from home. But when she does, she eschews drinks that can add 20%- 40% to your bill. She also foregoes going to coffee shops like Starbucks or Figaro. Instead, she buys beans from them and brews the coffee herself.

Going to the mall is a quick way to separate you from your money. So Jo-Ann eats at home first and brings some quick snacks and water to avoid spending. Better yet, she advises, “Instead of going to malls on weekends, bring your family or friends to parks or museums, or take a short trip to Tagaytay or Laguna for some fun in the sun.”